The benefits of having a water softener system installed in your home are manifold:
Ever wondered if limescale buildup was avoidable? Or why your skin was dry and itchy after a shower? Your clothes gradually becoming dull?
If you are wondering whether or not water is hard in your home, here are a few symptoms that can indicate such a condition:
These are the visible symptoms, what might avoid the immediate attention is the buildup of limescale on the inside of pipes in the plumbing system, in household appliances and in the heating system. As minerals in hard water travel through your pipes, they start to form a scale buildup that will narrow and eventually clog the pipes. This buildup can cause irreversible damage to plumbing, which will lead to costly and time-consuming repairs.
Not only will the installation of a water softener system save you money by making the lifespan of your water-using appliances longer, but it will also make your heating more efficient, reducing thereby the gas or electric bills significantly.
Not to mention the costs you will save on soap and detergents, and the time you’ll save on cleaning.
Other beneficial effects include the improvement of water quality for hair- and skincare and for the preservation of your clothes and their color.
How does a water softener work?
Most water softeners on the market are ion exchange systems. In these systems, hardness ions (calcium and magnesium) are exchanged for salt (sodium or potassium) ions. The exchange takes place within the resin tank of the water softener. When water flows through the tank, it comes in contact with small resin beads that are covered with salt ions. As water flows through the resin beads, hardness ions trade places with salt ions, hence the higher salt content in softened water.
As larger volumes of water are softened, the beads become exhausted and contain nothing but hardness ions. The beads are recharged by adding bags of salt to the tank. Recharging works the same as softening but in reverse. The hardness ions swap places with the salt ions and excess minerals are rinsed into the wastewater drain.
How to choose the best water softener for my needs?
When deciding on which water softener system to install, several factors need to be taken into consideration: the hardness of the water as measured on-site, the size of your home, and whether or not you would like to install additional features like a UV lamp for disinfection.
Our experts at Eco Pro Plumbing & Drains can competently advise you about the best model and solution for the installation of your water softener, based on your needs and the above factors. Get in touch to ask us about any questions you might have. We will be happy to assist you.
What to do if you are experiencing problems with your water softener?
Although water softeners can last 10 to 20 years depending on the type and quality you buy, there can be instances when problems come up. For an effective and competent fix call Eco Pro Plumbing and Drains and we will gladly assist you.
If you are looking for water softener repair in your vicinity, check out the areas we serve below.
