Deciding on a Water Softener

March 1, 2018

Hard water heaters feel the negative effects of mineral deposits because the coating creates an insulation effect.

Benjamin Franklin once said,  "When the well is dry, we learn the worth of water." Water...a simple, life-giving substance, so simple and yet so complicated.  Complicated because we sometimes have to change the chemical makeup of it, in the form of a water softener.  Before we talk about what is softwater, lets talk about hardwater.  Water is a universally powerful solvent, but because of this, it easily gathers impurities as it travels through soil and rock.

Even before it has been pumped up from a personal well or redirected into a city water supply, it has already picked up impurities.  Found in sedimentary rock, seepage, and soil run off, the elements are calcium and magnesium.  Calcium hardness is  usually measured in calcium carbon per liter.  Hard water is common, as 85% of the country experiences this problem. Not considered dangerous, hard water can still be problematic for homeowners and quite difficult to deal with from both an aesthetic and a maintenance point of view:

Bad for plumbing.

Mineral deposits from the hard water stick to surfaces of pipes, creating a build up scale. Over time, this insoluble scale accumulates and coats pipes as water flow is restricted and declines.  

Requires more energy.

Hard water heaters feel the negative effects of mineral deposits because the coating creates an insulation effect. Water is not heated easily and it requires more energy. Inefficiency adds up, creating significant water and an increase in energy bills. Scale deposits also develop on dishware, pot, and pans.  Because of this, people look for a water softener system. These systems remove hard ions that form in their water, resulting in a more smooth and gentle water.  This is usually done through salt-based water softener, which exchange hard calcium and magnesium ions with “soft” sodium ions.  Water gets filtered through a chamber  containing a bed of  resin beads.  This bed is saturated with sodium. As water passes through the bed, the ions get exchanged, resulting in smoother water. If you feel the hardness will culminate and cause damage to your pipes, concern adding a water softener system.  Other advantages to having a water softener include:

  • Extended life of appliances
  • Water tastes better
  • Not as harsh on skin
  • Avoid water spots 

At JTM Plumbing Service, our friendly team will be happy to explain your situation clearly and provide a variety of options. As experts in all types of plumbing jobs, we have solutions on hand for most plumbing issues. Talk to our team in Gretna today for fast service and great advice. Call us:  (402) 203-6193

Sources:

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2012/01/what-you-need-to-know-about-water-softeners/index.htm

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/hard-truth-about-water-softeners.htm

http://all-about-water-filters.com/reasons-why-you-should-buy-a-water-softener-today/

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