In the United States, an estimated 90% of homes deal with hard water, which is water that has high levels of calcium and magnesium. Not only can hard water be unsightly in your home, but it can also make your appliances work less efficiently. One way you can solve the hard water issues in your home is by investing in a water softener for your home. However, there are many misconceptions about water softeners that may make you hesitant to make this purchase.
Do you want to learn more about home water softeners and how they work for water treatment? Keep reading this guide to learn about 8 common misconceptions and myths about water softeners.
1. They Make Your Water Salty
One of the biggest misconceptions associated with water softeners is that they will make your water salty. This is such a common myth because many water-softening systems use salt in the process.
Essentially, water softeners replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. This is because the ions in calcium and magnesium interfere with soaps and detergents, which is why you may see spots on your dishes when you have hard water.
However, sodium ions do not do this. Although many water softeners use sodium ions, soft water has very low sodium levels and will not make your water taste salty. You can also find salt-free water-softening systems.
2. Water Softeners Purify Water
Next, many people think that the water softening process also purifies your water. While it is true that your water softener can remove many metals and minerals from your water, it doesn’t filter out all of the contaminants that can be found in your water.
If you want to have pure water in your home, it would be better to invest in a reverse osmosis system. This way, your water will have a better taste and smell. Plus, it will remove additional contaminants from your water!
3. Water Softeners Waste Energy
Next, people worry that water softeners waste water and energy. While some systems may waste a bit of salt and water during the softening process, most water softeners are highly efficient.
This means that it will only use the water and salt that is actually necessary for the amount of water that you need.
Plus, water softeners make it easier to remove soap scum, which means you will not need as long to shower or wash your dishes!
4. They Are Expensive
The price of water softeners is something that many people worry about when deciding whether or not they need a system in their homes. While it can be expensive to purchase a new water softener, it can actually save you money in the long run.
This is because it makes all of your appliances much more efficient and prevents scale build-up in your home.
Investing in a water softener can lower your utility costs each month and can lower the wear and tear on appliances in your home.
5. Soft Water Leaves Your Skin Filmy
Many people think that water softeners leave skin feeling filmy. However, it actually makes it easier to get clean.
One of the most common effects of hard water in your home is dry skin and hair. This is because hard water makes it difficult to get all of the soap off of your skin when you bathe. Instead, you will have a film of soap scum on your skin, which makes you feel squeaky clean.
When you have a water softener, it allows your soaps and shampoos to work more effectively. This means that your natural oil production will not be inhibited.
6. Water Softeners Remove Healthy Minerals
While some minerals can be problematic in your water, other minerals are good for you! Many people worry that water softeners remove all healthy minerals from your water, which could rob you of important nutrients.
However, minerals in water are inorganic. This means that your body isn’t able to absorb them on its own. Plus, most people get these nutrients from other sources, so using a water softener will not prevent you from getting these nutrients.
7. You Only Need Water Softeners in Rural Areas
Because the water in cities is processed in a water treatment facility, many people think that you only need water softeners if you live in a rural area. However, this is not true.
This is because your municipal water supply will vary between cities. It can have imperfections and it is not sterile. In fact, there are many waterborne germs you can find in your tap water and you can still experience hard water after it has been treated.
Homeowners in rural areas or cities can benefit from a water softener!
8. Soft Water Is Acidic
Finally, many people believe that softened water is acidic. This is because water softening systems lower the pH level of your water.
However, this is done on such a low level, that it will not have a negative impact if you drink this water or use it in your appliances.
Learn More About the Benefits of Water Softeners Today
As a homeowner, dealing with hard water can be a huge inconvenience. Investing in a water softener can help you prevent scale buildup in your appliances and can provide you with better water!
If you want to learn more about the benefits of different types of water softeners, Just Plumbing can help! Our water softeners can help you improve the quality of your water by repairing or replacing your water softener system.
Contact us today to learn more about water softening systems or to request an appointment!