Have you noticed any soap scum buildup or mineral crust on your shower head and faucets?
Hard water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which easily bond to other metals due to their chemical structure. Over time, these bonds will create a crusty residue on your bathroom hardware. If left untreated, these deposits can accumulate, corrode, and clog pipes, resulting in major plumbing problems.
Water softeners work to treat hard water by exchanging the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. Sodium ions don’t interfere with household soaps and detergents and will not cause a mineral buildup.
If you suspect hard water runs through your pipes, there are telltale signs that’ll let you know a water softener system is needed. Aside from protecting your home’s appliances, water softener systems have a handful of other great benefits as well.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
Water softener units are typically placed in your household plumbing near where the water enters.
The unit, which is several cubic feet, has a porous plastic resin covered in positive sodium ions. As water flows through the system, the calcium and magnesium ions stick to the resin and release the sodium ions into the water.
Once the resin has collected all the hardness material it can hold, the softener will regenerate them by rinsing the resin with salt water, which covers the plastic with sodium ions again.
Many people think that water softeners are only necessary if you have a private well with extremely hard water. However, hard water comes in varying degrees and can negatively impact your home even if your water is municipality supplied. While the city is responsible for removing any impurities from the water, they typically do not remove hard materials.
Benefits of a Water Softener
While having hard water is not dangerous to your health, soft water is a much better choice for your home.
The mineral ions found in hard water prevent it from being completely soluble with some soaps. Because soft water has fewer minerals, your skin is able to absorb and hold moisture much easier, resulting in softer and smoother skin.
If you live in a hard water area, you’ve probably noticed that no matter what detergents you use, your dishes are always left with a cloudy appearance once they’re dry. Soft water fuses with soap easier, allowing for a better clean.
Cleaning your home is already a time-consuming task, and with hard water, you’ll find yourself spending hours trying to remove chalky lime and soap scum from your faucets and shower heads. Installing a water softener will prevent the negative effects of hard water and save you hours of cleaning in the future.
Reliable Water Softener Services in Ottawa
Hard water can cause significant problems in your home and for you personally.
By removing the hardness minerals, a water softener will allow for easier cleaning, less buildup, and a lower utility bill. Our team of experts strives to provide you with exceptional service in a timely and efficient manner.
If you’re unsure if your home can benefit from a water softener system, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts today.
