The Benefits of a Water Softener

An estimated 85% of households in the US depend on hard water, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension. While hard water is safe to use, it contains trace amounts of minerals and metals that can cause damage on pipes and appliances.

A water softener is a special type of water purifier that removes the minerals in hard water. This appliance can remove calcium and iron deposits “softening” the water in the process. A water softener presents a lot of benefits to homeowners. If you’re wondering what these benefits are, check out our list below:

Less Residue

Using hard water can cause streaks or white marks on clothing and dishes. It can also cause hardened calcium deposits on bathroom tiles or wherever hard water usually hits. A water softener eliminates calcium in the water to reduce unwanted residues. When the water is devoid of calcium, you will deal with fewer soap films on clothing and dishes. Your sink, bathroom tiles, and the bathtub will be free from unsightly hard water stains too! The benefits of using soft water will manifest on the fabric of your clothing too. Soft water makes fabrics last longer and the color so much brighter. White clothing remains white, not yellowed or gray.

Prolongs the Life of Home Appliances

The same mineral buildup that leaves unwanted residues on dishes and clothing can accumulate on the insides of electronic appliances. Over time, the mineral buildup will decrease the efficiency of the machine; it could also shorten the life of the appliance. The usable life of dishwashers, water heaters, and all types of home appliances that utilize water is extended once you turn to a water-softening unit.

Boost Efficiency

When certain home appliances are working at their peak, they become more energy-efficient. And when they are more energy efficient, they reduce waste to preserve the environment! For example, soft water tends to reach its boiling point faster than hard water. When you use soft water for bathing or washing, the water heats up much faster, saving you at least 22% energy from using a water heater. Using soft water can also improve the efficacy of gas-powered heaters by up to 29%! Imagine how much energy you will save every year.

When the home appliances are working properly, you will benefit from their years of service. In turn, this will save makers the added costs on raw materials and energy in manufacturing these products.

Cleaner Plumbing System

The mineral deposits caused by hard water can cause scaly buildup in pipes and plumbing fixtures. As the minerals build up over time, it exposes the pipes to corrosions and blockages. This will shorten the lifespan of your plumbing system.

For example, the mineral buildup can render a showerhead useless in just two short years, sometimes even less!

You can save yourself the headache of replacing water pipes every year by getting a water softener. Because soft water does not contain minerals that could accumulate within the pipes, the system remains free from blockages. Less mineral deposit also means reduced exposure to corrosion!

Eco-Friendly

Using soft water also means you can finally use chemical-free natural soaps and eco-friendly detergents. When the water is soft, chemical-free soaps and detergents lather quickly and thickly. This allows you to clean your clothes without worrying about the lack of foam. Unlike chemical-based detergents, natural soaps, and chemical-free detergents do not pollute the waters. Using a water softener will not only save you money on utility costs, it will also minimize pollution and reduce greenhouse gasses. Now that’s eco-friendly!