If you’ve ever heard the terms “hard” and “soft” water, you may be a little confused. After all, these aren’t words usually used to describe liquids! Water hardness is actually a measurement of how many minerals in your water – the more minerals there are, the harder the water is.
So how do water softeners fit into this picture? What do they do, and why might someone need one? Natchez Heating and Cooling is here to answer all of your water softener questions!
What is a Water Softener?
While hard water is perfectly safe for any use, its high mineral content can make it a real hassle, causing mineral deposits that stain sinks, clog appliances and more. Because of these issues, many home and business owners choose to “soften” their hard water, or remove the minerals, using a water softener. Here’s how the water softening process works.
How it Works
Water softeners, unlike water conditioners or reverse osmosis filtration systems, use salt to remove the minerals from hard water. As the water passes through the system, the salt pulls the calcium, magnesium and other mineral ions out of the water and replaces them with sodium ions. This “softened” water can then be used throughout your home without leaving mineral deposits behind. And don’t worry – the sodium content in the water won’t leave you drinking salty water!
Water Softener Pros and Cons
There are many pros and cons associated with softened water, but many homeowners find that there are more advantages than disadvantages. While soft water shouldn’t taste salty (your softener may not be set correctly if so), it is lacking the essential minerals that many people get from water and sometimes can change in taste.
However, many homeowners are willing to trade a small change in the taste of their water for the many benefits of having a water softener, which include:
- No more hard water stains or deposits on sinks, toilets and showers
- Longer appliance lifespans due to less clogging in water lines
- Cleaning more efficiently with easier lathering
- Healthier hair and skin
- Saving money on cleaning supplies and soap
Hard water can cause hair and skin damage, premature appliance replacement and even waste cleaning supplies due to interference from the minerals. If you’ve been dealing with dry, frizzy hair or hard-to-clean hard water stains, getting a water softener could be the best solution.
Plumbing Services in Natchez
Most places in the United States have hard or even very hard water, but luckily the water throughout Mississippi is only labeled as slightly hard. However, even that small amount of water hardness is enough to cause problems for homeowners in areas like Natchez.
If you’re in need of plumbing services – call on Natchez Heating and Cooling! We offer high-quality bathroom and kitchen plumbing, drain cleaning and more! Contact us today to request service.
