You’ve likely heard the terms “soft water” and “hard water.” But what do they mean? If you have hard water, what should you do?
A water softener can help fix many of the problems caused by the minerals typically found in water. We’ve covered all you need to know in this article.
Why Use a Water Softener?
Home water softener units are filtration systems that treat “hard water.” Hard water contains a lot of dissolved minerals, most commonly calcium and magnesium. Not only does it taste (and even smell) different, hard water can cause problems throughout your home. Hard water may cause:
Dull and dingy clothing
A shortened lifespan of your water heater, plumbing, and other appliances
Mineral buildup and discoloration on and near faucets, toilet bowls, showers, and so on
A reduction in water pressure
Soap scum or mildew around drains
A clogged toilet
Foggy or cloudy glassware
A dry scalp or itchy skin
It’s easy to overlook these many of these issues, especially when you don’t know what could be causing the problem.
Hard water can seriously impact your plumbing quality and lifespan; this is why you should consider water softener installation.
The Installation Process
This is not a DIY project. You’ll need the capable hands of a professional to handle the installation process for this job. The job will take a few hours as these steps. Here are some of the steps:
First, shut off the main water valve and the water heater. The softener should be placed as close to the main water entry point as possible. Hoses are fitted to your pipes so water can flow through the softener.
Hoses and other parts are hooked up inside the system to ensure proper flow and drainage. The unit is then ready to be primed and ready for use.
The Lifespan
The lifespan of your water heater, just like any other appliance in your home, relies significantly on how well it’s taken care of and professionally maintained. It is also dependent upon the hardness of your water. Systems filtering very hard water or other substances than the usual calcium and magnesium may need more maintenance or need replacement sooner.
You can likely get 10 to 15 years out of a properly taken care of water softener. Signs of a failing system include chalky residue on pipes and faucets, feeling a residue after washing your hands, changes in water pressure, and more.
Have a Water Softener Installed Today
If you’ve noticed any of the harmful signs of hard water like mineral buildup, soap scum, or slow drainage, you should install a water softener system. While hard water isn’t likely to harm your health, it can seriously compromise the efficiency of your home’s appliances and pipes. Not sure where to start? Talk to one of our specialists about the best water softener system for your home. Aire One Heating and Cooling is the leading choice for water heaters, heating, cooling and a variety of HVAC services in Kitchener, Guelph, Waterloo, Woodstock, Cambridge, Stratford, and surrounding Ontario areas. Send us a message here.