The Benefits of Soft Water
We all learned in science class that water, or H2O, is a transparent, odorless, and tasteless molecule made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. When taught that water took on several forms, including liquid, solid, and gas, it was easy to arrive at the notion that water makes a lasting impression on our lives.
Maybe we thought all this scientific information was only relevant when preparing for a school test. Still, water composition continues to impact us daily as we address water quality in our homes. We use water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning, but are we aware of its content beyond that basic H2O molecule?
What is vital for our existence is often barely considered in terms of quality for our personal and household use. We don’t have to give it much thought, do we? When we turn on a tap, we trust that pure, clean water comes out.
But is it?
Like you assess so many areas of your life for quality and efficiency, analyzing the water you use should be a priority. Water may seem elemental, but it has components that it can carry along with it that bear explanation. Not all water is equal, and knowing the difference is critical information for any homeowner. You may have peripheral knowledge comparing hard water to soft water but understanding the drawbacks of hard water, and the benefits of soft water can guide your decisions about what is best for you and your family, as well as your home and water-dependent appliances.
Understanding Hard Water and Why It's a Problem
What is Hard Water?
Understanding the benefits of soft water begins with a decisive look at the detrimental effects of hard water. That clear liquid pouring from your faucets is not as pure as you think. Depending on the source and treatment, minerals like calcium and magnesium can dissolve in tap water. They are invisible until they appear as a white, gritty scale on faucets and other fixtures.
Effects of Hard Water
This scaling is easily seen on the surfaces we use, but what about the places we can’t see, like our home’s pipes and the inner workings of appliances? These mineral deposits can build up in our plumbing systems, clogging the water flow. You might even notice that the water pressure from your showerhead isn’t as strong as it once was. In addition, common appliances we use daily that require a water source can be encrusted with these same build-ups. The efficiency and lifespan of water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and coffeemakers can be significantly reduced because hard water is far from clean. The damaging results from hard water affecting appliances can be extremely costly. The degree of mineral concentrations can vary across the country. Therefore evaluating your home’s water quality is essential to learning its impact- especially before that impact hits your pocketbook.
If this affects your plumbing and home appliances, what is hard water doing to something much more delicate, like your skin and hair? Hard water also affects both of these, resulting in dry, irritated skin and dull, lifeless hair. Clean water is essential for our internal health. Still, since the skin is the largest organ of our bodies, removing the literal elements of hard water residue that lead to skin issues would be beneficial.
Benefits of a Water Softener
A transition to soft water is an investment in your home that directly affects your wallet. We all know that maintaining a dwelling for comfort, safety, and efficiency can be expensive, mainly if you don’t do your homework.
Helps your appliances, skin, and hair
Just like our bodies, homes also need physical checkups. The foundation, framework, electricity, and plumbing always require attention to maintain a well-functioning structure. Problems that are not found or ignored can, at best, lead to your home not running at peak efficiency and, at worst, causing enormous and costly repairs and replacements. Because of its exact composition, hard water takes a continual toll on the longevity parts of your home that require water to operate.
Shifting from hard water to a soft water system eases, or actually “softens,” if you will, the negative impact of the water running through our plumbing, appliances, and bodies. Plumbing, including faucets, remains clear and unclogged, appliances are not taxed by mineral build-up, and skin and hair issues are reversed when soft water is introduced to the optimum functioning of our daily lives.
Saves money and time spent on cleaning
Those huge benefits mentioned above also factor into a few more indirect advantages that still provide substantial impact. Soft water not only washes our clothes and bodies but improves upon this process by reducing the amount of shampoo, soaps, and detergents needed and can help them do their job even better. You save money on cleaning products and water consumption and not having to spend money to replace clothes, bedding, and towels.
When appliances function correctly, the environment benefits because less energy is used, and fewer appliances are sent to the garbage dump because hard water causes them to break down.
Hard Water Versus Soft Water: Which One is Better?
When evaluating each decision regarding the care and maintenance of your home, what are you ultimately achieving? You are gaining peace of mind that your choices are best for you and your family. What could be more essential in your responsibilities than ensuring that your home and family are reaping the benefits of a transition to soft water?
Do you have more questions? Or are you ready to schedule a time to change to a soft water system?
Contact an authorized WaterCare dealer today for a free consultation to determine the best options for you to find the best soft water solutions!
