Signs That You May Be In Need Of A Water Softener

More than 85% of homeowners in the United States use hard water. The effects of hard water are quite immense, and they can cause costly damages to different home appliances. Luckily, there are several solutions for softening hard water, and the most affordable one is by using a water softener. The softening system minimizes the minerals in the water and makes it soft and safe for the primary uses. The softeners come in many forms, and you can, therefore, use a test kit to know the current status of your water. After that, you can choose the best type of softener you need.

Other than the test kit, here are sure signs that imply that you are using hard water, and you need a water softener.

Increased Energy Bills

More than 60% of homes with hard water have a considerably high energy bill. The minerals in the water, such as calcium and magnesium, decrease the efficiency of your home appliances. For instance, the water may build clogs, and other buildups on the water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, thus, lead to higher consumption of energy. A water softener system can solve the problems of the ever-increasing bills and increase the efficiency of your household appliances.

Visible Scale Buildups

Do your coffee pots, your glassware, dinnerware, or cutlery has visible scale buildups? Do they have a chalky film that is always hard to remove? If yes, then you need a water softener. Those scales are the effects of mineral buildups found in hard water. Too much salt accumulation can affect the general appearance of your kitchen appliances or even cause other functional problems. Visible piles can also appear in other places, such as on the sinks and bathtubs.

Dry Skin

If you do not have an underlying skin or hair problem, it could be a sign that you need a water softener. When you bathe with hard water, the minerals settle on your skin or hair and cause dryness. The typical soap may not be able to get rid of the dryness since the soap does not dissolve in water. The skin residue is usually irritating, and it can cause skin inflammation in addition to the skin dryness. If you or your family members experience dry skin after bathing, get a shampoo to rinse yourself thoroughly, and purchase a water softener too to minimize the salts.

Gray and Faded Clothes

Faded or discolored clothes and sheets could be an apparent sign of the effects of hard water. When you wash clothes with hard water, the minerals stick on the clothes, making it hard to clean. At times, the clothes might become scratchy due to the massive buildup of minerals. Repetitive washing causes discoloration, and that is why you might notice faded colors. A good water softener system can prevent further discoloration.

Plumbing Problems

Steel pipe damage signifies underlying issues, with the main one being the mineral buildup. If you use hard water, the salts will stick on the walls of the pipes and prevent the passage of water. The accumulation takes place within a short period of time, and it might completely block the water from passing.  In such cases, you can use a softening system. One of the advantages of a water softener is its ability to dissolve the salts in a limescale buildup. It is also an affordable option when compared to the cost of repairing the entire pipes. So, try a water softener on your pipes first before seeking the help of a plumber.

Health Problems

Several studies have linked hard water to some health problems, such as diabetes and organic malfunction. Medical experts also believe that using hard water for too long can facilitate the development of gastric, ovarian, and colon cancer. There are other skin diseases and allergies that you might experience when you overexpose your body on the hard minerals. If you get skin allergies, itchiness, or other problems after bathing with the water, a water softener will reduce the problem and increase your safety.

As you can see, hard water has many adverse effects. It can affect your kitchenware and appliances, your plumbing systems, clothes, and even your skin. Hard water can also increase your energy bills. If you experience any of the above signs, consider installing a water softening system in your house.  A softener will get rid of the above worrying signs and even make the water better tasting. If you already have a softener and you keep experiencing the above signs, your old system might be old, and you should, therefore, replace it.