Signs That Your Home Needs a Water Softener

Hard water typically contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which may lead you to wonder if you need a water softener. Water softeners use salt to modify the properties of the water and remove minerals that cause hardness. Here are a few signs that you may need a water softener for your home or office.

Scale and Build Up

When hard water flows through pipes, coffeemakers, and tea kettles, mineral deposits can form. These are called limescale and are often white and chalky in appearance. This type of buildup on coffeemakers and tea kettles can cause an odd taste in the beverages. In addition, you may notice that it takes longer for your coffee maker to make coffee than in the past. The same thing can also happen to your water pipes. This can cause your water bill to go up and even cause costly plumbing repairs.

Dry Skin and Hair

Water is supposed to be nourishing and replenishing for your hair and skin. However, hard water can make your skin feel dry and leathery. Your hair may become brittle and break easily, causing split ends. Hard water can prevent soap from dissolving properly, which means that the minerals are not washed away, but remain on your skin and hair. These minerals can also block the pores in your skin and cause inflammation in the form of rashes or acne.

Dull Clothing and Fabrics

Fabrics that are washed in hard water can become gray, dull, and rough. Your towels may not be as fluffy as they used to be. Instead of feeling soft and refreshing, your sheets may feel scratchy to the touch. Not only does hard water make your clothing and fabrics feel rough, it also shortens their life. This means that you will have to replace them more often.

If you have hard water, it may be costing you more money than you realize in terms of appliance breakdowns, plumbing repairs, and the need to replace clothing and other furnishings more often. If you are in Wisconsin or Michigan, Aquarius Water Conditioning has affordable solutions to help you solve your hard water problems.

Holmes

I’ve noticed that many people ignore their water unless it’s causing a visible problem. But having good, clean water impacts the quality of their lives.

More and more people seem to understand that and are interested in improving their water now. Kinetico can help.

Mike Holmes

DIY Network