Water is essential to sustaining life and getting things done. Some people think water only comes in one form; little do they know that water can be of bad or good quality depending on its purpose. These days, people use water softeners in their waters for their homes, but the reason behind it remains unclear for many.
Some water sources give out hard water, which means it contains a high level of dissolved minerals like magnesium and calcium. These lead to inconvenient and sometimes harmful effects on everything it touches. That is why softening it, removing minerals that cause its hardness takes away its harmful effects.
Indications That You Need a Water Softener for Your Home
If you are wondering if you need to use water softeners for your home, read on to know the answer. There are subtle signs of having hard water in your home, and if you experience one or more of these experiences, you should consider using them.
Hair and Skin Drying
Despite using good quality skin and hair care products, you notice that you often get skin irritation and itching. You also see your hair becoming flat and dry. Some people think that these are caused by their products, what they do not know is that these are some of the classic effects of hard water on the hair and skin. It is caused by the presence of magnesium salts and calcium in the water. It is also not effective in dissolving soap which usually leaves a residue that contributes to your pores being clogged, leathery, and dry.
Staining on Tubs and Sinks
Many people invest a lot of time and money in removing stains that build up in their sinks and bathtubs. These stains are caused by the mineral residue from hard water. The plaster-like deposits are most likely caused by calcium and magnesium left from bathing. While some resort to cleaners, it is more cost-effective to get a water softener to eliminate the causes of those stains. Problems like these consume your time in cleaning and take away much value from your property and belongings.
Limescale Build up on Appliance
When we speak of limescale, we talk about the chalky build-up you usually see on your kettles and coffee pots. Sometimes, they also build up on the pipes and can even cause plumbing problems such as clogging. These come from the residue of magnesium bicarbonate and calcium. To avoid plumbing issues and limescale build up, you can resort to using water softeners.
Plumbing Trouble and Expensive Bills
If you happen to have steel pipes, you may have severe troubles with hard water. As hard water causes limescale build up, its occurrence may cause problems in your valves. These may hinder the valve from closing correctly and result in water leakage. Apart from deteriorating your pipes and appliances altogether, you may also have troubles with your water bills.
Having your pipes clogged and leaking will eventually lead to your water bill soaring higher. Some households get water softeners to prevent this. If you plan on getting some for your home, you can ask about whole house water conditioners and see how they can help address your hard water problems.
Faded and Greyed Out Clothes
People who are conscious of their clothes’ quality always go for water softeners. This is because the minerals in hard water facilitate fading. Apart from this, people are having trouble rinsing their clothes properly as hard water tends to leave clothes scratchy and tough to wash. Some people add vinegar when washing their clothes or sometimes use liquid water softening detergents to take care of this problem. Though these methods may work, softening the water coming from the source is still the best way to go.
Fragile Glassware
Investing in glassware can sometimes be costly and having them destroyed because of hard water can be heartbreaking. Hard water has chemicals that make it easier for glassware to deteriorate and break. Another problem with this is that it also stains glassware, and it can be difficult to remove. To deal with this, some people soak it in a solution with vinegar and water, while others avoid using powdered soap. However, the problem will always be there unless water softeners are used to fight these consequences.
Conclusion
Hard water comes with a lot of effects because of the minerals it contains. While other people can live with its consequences, we can all agree that life without those is better. If you have been experiencing the many inconveniences of hard water, this is a great time to start considering the use of water softeners. These are now made accessible in different physical and online stores. You can start learning about the different types of water softeners available and go for one that is the most suitable for you.
