You have probably heard the phrase “hard water,” but do you know what it is? Hard water is teeming with magnesium, iron, and calcium. If the water in your home is hard, a Houston plumber can point out various problems throughout your home that were caused by your hard water. You have probably already noticed these issues if you live near limestone or iron ore deposits, which are common throughout the United States. A water softener can reduce the likelihood of having a Houston water heater repair company pay you a visit.
Issues Caused by Hard Water
- Detergent and soap does not dissolve or work as well.
- Hard water clogs pipes.
- Glasses and silverware have water spots after being washed.
- Water appliances and pipes develop a scaly buildup, which reduces the efficiency of your water heater and increases the cost of heating your water.
- Your skin might feel scratchy or dry from the soap residue. Hair that is washed in hard water looks dull and feels sticky.
- Your clothing may have red spots from iron in the water, or it might just look drab.
Treating Hard Water
A water softener installed by a Houston plumbing company can reduce the effects of hard water by transforming positively charged calcium ions into calcium crystals. These chemically stable crystals will not cause lime deposits because they do not adhere to hardware, pipes, surfaces or other fixtures. Standard water flow will wash away the crystals so they will not cling to glasses or silverware. The crystals are neutral, stable, and harmless.
Numerous benefits come from using a water softener to treat hard water, including the following.
- Your energy costs will be reduced because your appliances work better.
- Your washing machine, dishwasher, water heater, ice maker, and coffee machine will last longer.
- Your clothing will feel softer without calcium trapped in the fabric. White clothing remains white and will not look gray or orange.
- You will use less soap and other cleaning products because they dissolve better in soft water.
- Your skin and hair will feel softer.
- Anything you wash, including glassware, mirrors, silverware, bathroom tiles, kitchen backsplashes or cars, will be cleaner and shinier.
- No soap buildup means cleaning is easier.
Traditional Salt-Based Softeners versus Salt-Free Treatments
There are two kinds of water softeners. Salt-based water softeners will make your skin feel softer after you bathe. Your soap and shampoo will create more lather. Your clothes will be brighter after they have been washed in water treated with a salt-based water softener.
Salt-free systems will provide the same benefits without your having to add sodium to your water. That makes salt-free treatment more heart-healthy and environmentally friendly. Excess salt in your water is bad if you have high blood pressure or some type of heart disease. In some areas, salt-based systems are being banned because the wastewater has such a high concentration of salt.
Salt-free softeners produce no wastewater. They use no electricity, salt, or chemicals. They can last up to five years. With salt-based systems, you must replace the salt every month.
A heavy-duty salt-based system is great if the water in your home is extremely hard. Due to the health concerns and more rigorous maintenance, you should only use a salt-based system if you have very high concentrations of calcium and magnesium.
Salt-free softeners will provide you with pure water that is safe for infants, children, and older adults. You can enjoy the benefits of lower electric bills, no waste water, no sodium in your water, and no chemicals to add.
If you believe that the water in your home is hard, a Houston plumber can test your water supply and check your pipes for you.