Water Softener Benefits: Why You Need One

In its natural state, water has various minerals like magnesium and calcium. The hardness or softness of water is determined by how much of these minerals are present in the water. Softened water tends to have fewer minerals, making it easier to use. This guide will help you determine if you need softer water in your household and show the many water softener benefits.

Should I get a Water Softener System?

You don't have to use a water softener system. The decision you make is entirely a personal choice. The stipulated value to apply softeners is when your water’s hardness is greater than 120 mg/L per gallon.

If you have any problems mentioned above, consider installing one because water softener benefits are plentiful.

How do Home Water Softeners Work?

Home water softeners are also known as ion exchange units that remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This system works by trapping these minerals with resin beads.

Once the beads are full of minerals, a highly concentrated salt solution removes the calcium from the beads. After passing through the beads, waste goes down the drain and into the environment.

Water Softener Benefits

Using softer water comes with different benefits for yourself and your home.

You will Have Better Skin and Hair

Hard water tends to cause your skin to be dry and itchy because it leaves soap scum which will clog your pores. The minerals also, by their nature, will absorb moisture from your skin.

It’s typically harder to rinse with hard water. Shampoo can be tough to rinse, leaving your scalp dry and itchy like your skin. Hair coloring can also fade faster with hard water.

You Save Money

A water softener costs more, but you can derive your savings from the increased life in appliances that use water, good plumbing, and a decrease in the use of soaps and detergents.

Water Tastes Better

A sound water filtration system could also make drinking water taste better. Please note that a filtration system and a water softener aren’t the same. Soft water tasting better is subjective, but some people think it does.

You use Less Soap

As we have already mentioned, the amount of detergents and soaps used decreases. Hard water typically makes it very tough to create a lather of soap or shampoo, so you have to use more.

You Spend Less Time Cleaning

If you have hard water in the home, you constantly re-do your laundry and dishes. Hard water usually creates soap scum and chalky lime on the walls of showers and by the sink.

Soft water can penetrate soap, leaving less soap scum in your bathroom or kitchen sink. This will save you time when cleaning.

Lower Electricity Bill

The idea is that when appliances use soft water, they become more efficient due to less mineral buildup. This means you can save and pocket some money.

Greenhouse Gasses are Reduced

The cumulative effect of using a water softener means greenhouse gases are reduced. This is because you use less detergent, shampoo, and soap with soft water.

Brighter Fabrics

Harder water reduces the cleaning power of detergents, and adding more detergent softens the water. If you use hard water to wash, you will note the fabrics get stiff and dull.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Water Softener System

Other Water Softener Benefits

• Prevents mineral build-up
• It prevents mineral spots, especially on glassware
• Some appliances can function longer
• Reduces soap films and detergent curd in bathtubs and sinks.

Disadvantages of a Water Softener System

• It can corrode your pipes which means the metal could get into your water, which has some negative health effects on you.
• They harm the environment.

Conclusion

Using a water softener is a personal choice. If you decide to use one, you must know how it works and how it could affect your household. This guide has given you many water softener benefits and the knowledge to help you weigh if you need this handy device.

Can you name any other water softener benefits?