Does My Home Need A Water Softener?

So you’ve moved into a new home and think you need a water softener – but how do you know for sure? Water softeners turn hard water into soft water by removing minerals using an ion exchange process. Not every home requires a water softener – here’s how to tell if your home could benefit from one.

What does a water softener do?

Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, while soft water does not contain any minerals. Hard water is common in many cities and towns around the world. While these minerals may seem harmless, they can cause problems over time.

Water softeners remove these minerals through a process called ion exchange. They trap and remove minerals, swapping them for sodium ions. Resin beads absorb the hard water, and when they are full, they drain and regenerate. This gives you continuous access to soft water without any maintenance. This entire process makes the water much gentler on your skin and hair, as well as on your entire plumbing system.

Why do you need a water softener?

While hard water is not dangerous, it can cause some problems over time. Hard water can irritate and dry out your skin, and it can also make your hair brittle. On top of that, these minerals can create a hard, scaly buildup inside your pipes and on surfaces in your bathroom. This buildup is very difficult to remove because it doesn’t respond well to traditional cleaning products. Using a water softener protects both your body and your home from mineral buildup.

Signs You Need A Water Softener

It can be difficult to tell if your home needs a water softener. The mineral levels in your water can vary widely depending on where you live. Here are some of the signs that you should invest in a water softener for your home.

• Your skin and hair feel dry, especially right after you take a shower. You might also notice redness and irritation when exposed to hard water.
• Home appliances like your dishwasher or laundry machines are not running as efficiently as they could.
• You notice a scaly buildup on your faucets and sinks that you struggle to remove with normal cleaning products.
• Your clothing feels itchy or stiff after you wash it.
• Your plumbing clogs frequently due to buildup in your pipes.
• You notice low water pressure when you shower or wash your hands.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good indication that you have hard water and could benefit from a water softener. Water softeners are designed to last for 12 to 14 years, which makes them a good long-term investment for your home.

Atlantic Coast Water Clinic provides water softeners from Kinetico for homes and businesses across Florida’s Treasure Coast. We also offer other water treatment systems and solutions to keep your water clean.

Give us a call at (772)-283-4767 or contact us online to learn more about our water softener solutions.