Is Soft Water Better For Your Home’s Plumbing?

Many people desire to own a home over continuing to rent, as homes are valuable assets, and they are more customizable to suit a family’s needs. Unfortunately, being a homeowner also means you are responsible for any repairs and maintenance that may be needed, or any disasters that may arise. As a result, preventative measures are key to reducing home repair costs and maintaining your home’s value in the long run. One such preventable measure is installing or replacing a water softener to reduce the wear and tear that hard water can cause to your entire home’s plumbing system. Today we will discuss the ins and outs of soft water, and how you can tackle hard water problems in your home. 

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is a term that is used to describe water that contains a high concentration of minerals. The most common minerals in hard water are calcium and magnesium, and they often come from mineral-rich rocks in a groundwater supply. Hard water can cause the following:

  • The presence of soap scum in bathtubs or water-using appliances
  • Increasingly dry skin and hair, especially in the winter
  • Foggy glassware from the dishwasher
  • Calcium buildup in coffee pots, faucets, showerheads, and more

All of these issues are annoying at best, but some can end up being incredibly costly. If your home’s plumbing system experiences mineral buildup, you may need some or all of your pipes replaced, which could be a pricey endeavor. The same is true about dishwashers or washing machines that see excessive buildup; they too may need repairs or replacements every few years. 

What is Soft Water?

Soft water, in contrast, is water that does not contain high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, or other minerals. Although there may be some mineral deposits within a water supply that is considered soft water, the concentrations of these minerals are much lower than a hard water supply. As a result, the above issues that hard water can cause in a home become less of a problem or go away entirely when a home’s water is properly softened. 

Modern bathroom faucet with flowing waterIs Soft Water Better for My Home’s Plumbing?

In short, yes! Soft water takes much less of a toll on plumbing systems and other household appliances than mineral-heavy hard water. As mentioned earlier, hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up, reducing the efficiency of your water system. Here is what pipes with limescale buildup can look like over time if left unchecked. 

When this occurs, it can not only disrupt water pressure as water flows through your home’s fixtures, but it can also make your pipes more susceptible to leaks. When water is forced to go through pipes of a smaller diameter thanks to mineral buildup, it can increase the pressure at which it flows. Higher water pressure also increases the likelihood that your pipes will crack or burst, leading to water damage or flooding. 

How Do Water Softeners Work?

Water softeners exchange ions in your water. When hard water enters a water softener, the calcium, magnesium, or other hard minerals are replaced by sodium and/or potassium ions. This softened water is then used all around your home. Sodium and potassium are much less abrasive than other minerals, and they do not cause soap scum or corrosion to develop like those in hard water do. 

What are Other Benefits to Having Soft Water?

Household Items are Easier to Clean

Soap scum and bathtub grime occur in the presence of hard water due to a chemical reaction between soap and the calcium in hard water. This chemical reaction also makes dish and laundry detergent less effective, leading you to use more and more of it over time. Switching to soft water can make your laundry appear cleaner and brighter, and prevent film from forming on dishes in the dishwasher. 

Skin and Hair are Less Dry

As mentioned earlier, hard water can dry out our skin and hair, leading us to reach for expensive body and hair care products or formulate complicated beauty routines to counteract these effects. Fortunately, soft water can make our skin and hair much happier by helping them retain moisture and preventing them from drying out. After just a few days of having soft water, you may find you can ditch some of those pricey body or hair care products. 

Appliances Last Longer

Hard water not only wreaks havoc on pipes, but it can also damage rubber parts on dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, and more. The most common components of household appliances that are made of rubber are stoppers and washers, which prevent leaks. When these are degraded by a high mineral content in hard water, it can cause your appliances to leak and damage other parts of your home. These appliances may also need repairs or replacements much more often when hard water is present. 

DAN KOLAND
DAN KOLAND
1739683557
Nick repaired our furnace on a Saturday night. He walked me through what was was wrong and had it working after a short period of time. Nick and Aquarius are the best! It would have been a cold night without them.
Christopher Sobraske
Christopher Sobraske
1739658824
Ryan Kahl did a phenomenal job! Extremely knowledgeable about our system and was able to answer all my questions. He was very professional and helpful especially with taking the time to make sure I was 100% confident in our system along with giving me helpful tips above and beyond our system. He really exceeded the value we expected from our service plan.
Corinne Klitzke
Corinne Klitzke
1739645858
Heather Reynolds
Heather Reynolds
1739644317
Max was very helpful!
Bill Enloe
Bill Enloe
1739570182
Pete Hayes
Pete Hayes
1739565324
Was a bit hesitant on keeping up with Kinetico!! But your two service techs ( Justin and Hannah)went above and beyond what I was expecting!! They spent so much energy and information related to my issues , making it a pleasant experience. Like I gained two new friends. Plus explained how a different service should take care further issues. Definitely would like to see them for my next service!!! Even got my wife back on board. Thanks again. Pete Hayes
Debbie Doyle
Debbie Doyle
1739561479
Aquarius came out this morning and replaced two toilets and did some plumbing work downstairs all in one morning. The plumber, Joe, was efficient, answers questions, provided helpful information, and was very friendly and personable. I will DEFINITELY use Aquarius again.
Matt Van Beusekom
Matt Van Beusekom
1739558449
Excellent and efficient work. Would definitely recommend!
Josey Dooley
Josey Dooley
1739557030
Amazing service!
Jessica Tracy
Jessica Tracy
1739556713
Gordon was very friendly and knowledgeable - makes the visit/process so much easier.
James M
James M
1739555300
After months of high water bills and feeling itchy, the Aquarius team came to the rescue. My 25 year old kinetico softener finally gave up and was constantly cycling. At the end of the service call we realized the old unit wasn't worth repairing. They sent out a salesperson the same day, providing a great range of options to fit my price point. My new softener arrived early so we were able to move up the install date. Install was flawless and we're back to having the softest water ever. I'm super happy with every interaction I've had with the Aquarius team. They are all super friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. I rarely leave reviews and only leave them when I'm really impressed. That's definitely the case with this company.
Brian Hagen
Brian Hagen
1739551834
Steve Sherwood
Steve Sherwood
1739551765
Great service. Prompt and knowledgeable
Peter T
Peter T
1739551605
Dirk did a good job communicating and installing the system. Recommend.
Nancy Lahmann
Nancy Lahmann
1739551066
Dylan checked boiler and did a thorough inspection. Very polite. He also knocked off a big ice chunk outside …extra service and much appreciated.
Ann Marie Haerter
Ann Marie Haerter
1739550777
Friendly, efficient, knowledgeable
Kenneth Schwebach
Kenneth Schwebach
1739498359
Great service tec! She was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Neal Kempel
Neal Kempel
1739497034
First, Aquarius responded to my interest in an RO system promptly. After deciding to commit to their solution, the installation, Including a water softner solution, it was scheduled the same week. Michael was the installer and he called when in transit and arrived right on schedule. We went over the work to be done and the placement of the equipment with only one issue that arose. The RO and water softener installation would not be a problem, but plumbing for the outdoor outlets would require additional material and labor, not included in the quote. I was looking forward to using the outdoor faucets without switching the system over. We elected to continue with the installation and Michael kept us informed throughout the day of his progress and completion time. He had everything cleaned up and provided us with a review of the system. To date, we are very pleased with the system and want to thank Michael for a great install. My only recommendation to Aquarius would be to take an additional step, during the initial meeting possibly, and physically look at the plumbing to ensure the quote covers all the materials to meet the customer request.
Jacqueline Garberg
Jacqueline Garberg
1739496644
Wyatt was thorough, considerate, a trusted service professional! Thank you!
Deb N
Deb N
1739489085
Tyler from Aquarius Home Services did a great job! He was extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
Jeffrey Ek
Jeffrey Ek
1739486327
The techs are always very cordial, explain what they are doing, and in and out as quickly as makes sense. Having said that, I’ve never felt that they rushed through their work.
Keith Wolff
Keith Wolff
1739485872
Everything was checked out and explained the tech was very informative would recommend them. Thank you!
Jessica Fisher
Jessica Fisher
1739484813
We have had our Aquarius services longer than a decade. During this time, the equipment has never failed us, but more importantly we have received absolutely outstanding customer service anytime we have needed anything. Today was no different, Wyatt came to our house to do our periodic inspection and was able to help troubleshoot a problem and find a solution the very same day. The entire time he was here, he kept his workspace, clean and orderly, and he was very polite and respectful of our home. The shocker came when he was about to leave and told me this was his fifth day On his own! Very impressed, not only with him as a person, but the quality of employees that come out out of Aquarius. Highly recommend this company.
Jane Ogren
Jane Ogren
1739484717
Friendly and knowledgeable
Mike Gunderson
Mike Gunderson
1739483907
I had an old furnace that was on its last legs and needed to be replaced ASAP.Day one: Service Tech arrived 2 hours after initial contact with Aquarius. Sales Rep arrived within an hour of the request. Deal was made and installation appointment scheduled for the NEXT DAY!Day two: Contacted by the installation team at 7:00 am. Arrived at 7:30. Finished up by 2:30.All of the staff that I dealt with were friendly, professional and great to work with. They explained everything very well. I was expecting to wait 2-3 weeks for a new furnace and A/C. This was all done inside of two days. I would 100% recommend Aquarius to anyone needing any type of home service.Tall Mike, Mike Sippel, Chris Oigard, Dave and Luke it was great to work with you. Thanks for everything!Oh, they like dogs too.
Katie Raymond
Katie Raymond
1739481339
Sue Ufheil
Sue Ufheil
1739471348
Colton was very professional and explained everything he was doing. Very happy with service today.
Jarrod Wieland
Jarrod Wieland
1739470866
James Grant
James Grant
1739469886
Wonderful experience with Andrew & Joey , installed new efficient electric water heater . Courteous , clean , efficient, highly recommended
Jeremy Ruth
Jeremy Ruth
1739468208
Justin and Hana were super friendly and they helped figure out an issue with our RO system. Great appt
James Dixon
James Dixon
1739466779
Creative problem solver, pleasant personality, efficient and cleaned up well.
Michael Sayre
Michael Sayre
1739466564
Donna Thomas
Donna Thomas
1739447807
Marcus diagnosed the problem and resolved it quickly. Our radiant floor heating warmed up within a few hours. Thank you!
Roger Zopfi
Roger Zopfi
1739418494
Russell S
Russell S
1739405103
Mike was exceptional, accommodating, competent and cheerful.
Kay H
Kay H
1739400941
Thanks to Andrew (water system), Josiah and John (Plumbers), Mike (HVAC maintenance), Thomas (HVAC Tech), Brad and Jeff (HVAC Installers)! Everyone went the extra mile to be helpful, provided excellent service and high quality work. Thanks for making an unexpected situation less painful. Well done everyone!Update: had electrical panel upgraded - all of the electricians were professional but friendly, provided great customer service and did a superb job. Thanks to David, Eric, Mao, Luke and Nate for their hard work.
Michelle Akkerman
Michelle Akkerman
1739400287
He replaced drinking water system filters, disinfected it and tested water.he was very professional and let us know what parts needed to be replaced and completed the work.
Amber Jorgenson
Amber Jorgenson
1739396821
Marlene Grant
Marlene Grant
1739394537
Josiah was on time, friendly, and did the work we expected to do. Additionally evaluated our water heater and solved our potential problems. He also helped us purchase a new water heater to replace our 18 year old unit . We are extremely happy with Josiah’s service .
Lorraine Nelson
Lorraine Nelson
1739383224
Mike was on time with good communication . Even brought his own door mat ! And wore shoe coverings...very pleasant and friendly. We had an issue with water not being soft when it should have been, and he did some exploring and found a few issues then gave us recommedations and options. He took the time needed to find and resolve the problem, and patiently answered our questions. We will request him on the next routine maintenance call. Very happy and recommend Mike !
Dawn Resemius
Dawn Resemius
1739379385
Erin Malone
Erin Malone
1739370834
Efficient and friendly service. They got the job done and explained everything well. Conscientious about the pets and leaving things clean. He reviewed our file and was prepared!
Charles Michael Halderman
Charles Michael Halderman
1739319783
Ryan was prompt, attentive, knowledgeable, and courteous.Fixed our issue.Highly recommend!!
Rosanne Thompson
Rosanne Thompson
1739318656
We had a leaking garbage disposal, it also involved some very old pipes. I called Aquarius for service. Max Richardson did an excellent job installing and discovering pipes that were about to burst. Thanks Max for a job well done. I feel like I have my old kitchen back.
Jon Pratt
Jon Pratt
1739314536
Josiah did an excellent job replacing my water heater. He arrived on time , was extremely professional, and took the time to explain the installation process as well as the features on the new water heater. The job was completed efficiently, and everything works perfectly. Excellent job!
Ben Triplett
Ben Triplett
1739312868
Erik was fantastic at his job. He spotted the problem and new what to do. He had the toilet fixed and was on his way in no time at all.
Craig Nystrom
Craig Nystrom
1739311737
Dave did a great job again. He checks thing over very well and diagnosed the furnace issues. Unfortunately we have decided to go with a brand new furnace and filtration system due to the repairs needed on my 12yr old system.
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