Would the Home Benefit From a Water Softener? 

Do You Need a Water Softener?

That is dependent on the hardness of the water and estimated usage. First of all, owners should determine how hard the water is. Obtain a water hardness kit from a local municipality or hardware store. It will provide a water strip that can be dipped into a home's water supply. Each kit has a color chart. Match the color on the test strip to the chart to see the hardness of the tested water. A water softener may be a good idea if the water is tested as hard. 

Hard water may cause clogged drains and pipes, white filmy stains around drains, and dry skin and hair. Some water softeners remove hard minerals using a salt-based tank that extracts hard minerals and removes hard water effects and lime buildup internally in pipes and plumbing fixtures and on dishes. Others condition the water and particles so they can't build up on faucets and pipes. Here is a quick guide to help homeowners decide if a water softener is right for their home. 

How Do Water Softeners Work? 

Salt-based water softeners, the most common style of water softener, work by the chemical process of ion exchange. In a conventional system, water passes through a tank with a bed of resin beads saturated with sodium. Sodium ions are exchanged with calcium or magnesium ions. The minerals attach to the beads. The sodium ions enter the water going into the facility, and the water is no longer hard. The water softener regenerates when the hard minerals have saturated the resin bed. Sodium-rich water restores the water softener to regular operation. 

Signs of Hard Water in the Home

Hard water is a very common problem in homes. Nearly 85% of US homes have some level of hardness in their water that can interfere with the plumbing in a home. Deciding whether or not to take action starts by recognizing the signs of hard water and determining if they are serious enough to warrant a water softener. Some of the common signs of hard water in the home are: 

• Dingy and faded clothing
• Soap residue left on skin and hair leading to a dry and dull appearance 
• White, crusty scale on plumbing fixtures like faucets and shower heads 
• Plumbing problems, including corrosion and low water pressure
• Short-lived appliances like water heaters and coffee makers 

Benefits of a Whole-Home Water Softener

Softening water for home use is a simple and cost-effective process. Once an owner decides they could benefit from a water softener, they should partner with a local plumber. Local plumbers can recommend and install the perfect whole-home water softening system for every home. After installing the system, the homeowner can sit back and enjoy higher-quality water. 

Softened water will:

• Save money on plumbing repairs in the long run
• Provide cleaner hair and skin 
• Brighten and soften clothes
• Clean dishes and glasses better
• Reduce time spent cleaning
• Make drinking water clearer and better tasting

About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning 

Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning will advise on which water softener is best in any residential or commercial setting. They will handle installation and repairs with speed. Call today for plumbing service in Sun Prairie, WI. 

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