What is a water softener? Well, it is a kind of a unit which is mainly used to soften water and that is mainly done by removing the reasons which is making the water hard. When the water contains a high level of magnesium and calcium then it is labelled as hard water. This hard water contains a lot of problems and one may overlook them.
It is said that hard water can clog pipes, leave behind water spots in the appliances and there is also a scale build up in the apparels. This can also reduce the efficiency of water heaters. When one has hard water flowing in their house, there is a chance that the electrical expenses are more there. Not only this, hard water can make the skin rough and dry. When one shampoos using hard water then the hair turns to be sticky and dull. So, there is a way out to get rid of that hard water and the way is using a water softener. Using this at home means it will soften the water and it increases the lifespan of home appliances, pipes and gets rid of clogging.
Here are some reasons that why one should use a water softener at home:
There is a scale build up on the appliances
If there is a scale build up then one has hard water flow at their house. There can be also some mineral deposits in the coffee pots and tea kettles and these can also build up within the pipes. This can also clog the plumbing so much that the house is actually less effective at passing water through pipes. So, these are the consequences that one might face with hard water. Scale of lime scale is a chalky and hard substance which is made up of calcium and magnesium bicarbonate. These salts can form the white chalky build ups. Water softeners when used can reduce these build ups by ion exchange technology.
The skin and air becomes dry
Hard water can also cause itchy and dry skin along with dry and frizzy hair. This happens because there is so much extra magnesium and calcium salts that are floating in the water. Hard water never nourishes the skin and it makes it dry. The minerals get settled on the skin and the soap and the residue of it on the skin makes it rough and uneven. This water also block pores and they cause more black heads and inflammations.
The regular washed clothes are gray and faded
When one notices that the clothes and bed sheets look much faded after washing then it is definitely due to hard water. They may also feel scratchy and can be hard to wash because there is so much mineral substance that is present in the water. One can use a water softener to get rid of this problem or else one can go for a water softening detergent or add some vinegar when they are washing their clothes.
There stains on the sinks and bathtubs
If there are any stains left behind then it is definitely due to mineral residue and this is an absolute sign of hard water. The stains form when the water evaporates and then leave behind the magnesium and calcium. There are ways to remove them though. One can pour a good amount of vinegar on a cloth and rub the faucets and the bath tubs to get rid of the stains. One can also pour a cup of bleach and a cup of dishwasher together and then remove the mineral deposits from the sink. But again using a potassium chloride water softener can be of huge help as it can permanently remove the stains and prevent them from forming as well.
The plumbing is in constant need of repair
Steel pipes never go well with the hard water. They get easily damaged from build-up of lime scales. The water also does not flow as well. Copper and PVC pipes do a bit better with hard water. Since the flow in the pipes will become more restricted as the water pressure is lowered from too much mineral; these lime scale build up can happen at a faster rate. If lime scale starts building up around the valves in the washing machine and dish washer, then the valves cannot close completely. This can lead to water leakage. Repairing your plumbing on a regular basis is expensive and causes extra wear on the house and so one must use a water softener to prevent it.
The water bill is very high
When one has a hard water flow in the house then the water usage will go up. The bill as a result will also go up. In order to prevent that, one needs a water softener in the house. One can also go for the sample test of the water supply and check what chemicals are added to the water to keep it as the softer level. If it is too hard, then a water softener is always needed. This can lower the bill as well.
The glassware is brittle and easily damaged
Getting rid of hard water stains on glassware can be a very tough job. It can also make them more prone to breaking easily. One should try running their glasses through the dishwasher with a solution of half a cup vinegar. This can help. But the best way to eliminate hard water is to use a water softener. They can make the water suitable to wash the glass utensils without making them brittle.
Conclusion
Hard water is not at all good for consuming purposes as well. It can damage the liver and can create some gastronomical issues. One can also use a water softener with a water purifier so that there is not chance that one can get to drink hard water at any cost. This will help them to stay healthy and stay away from water related diseases.
