When a homeowner considers buying home water treatment options such as a water softener, it's helpful to reflect on some of the symptoms which indicate the need exists. Here are some of the reasons a homeowner chooses to get a home water softener:
Poor soap performance
When soap mixes with hard water, instead of creating a rich, creamy lather, it falls dismally short in the suds department. A water softener maximizes soap performance, which means it not only suds up, but it also does a better job of cleaning. Your clothes may not get as clean as they could unless you use more soap.
Spots on dishes
When your dishes come out of the dishwasher with spots on them, you may be tempted to blame the dishwasher, when, in fact, it's the hard water which is creating the spots. There are all kinds of hacks and tips to clean your dishwasher and additives to make your dishes' spotless.' But, the source of all of these problems is the hard water, and a homeowner should be aware that continually adding vinegar to the dishwasher can eventually damage the seal.
Plumbing Issues
We have talked before about the plumbing issues associated with hard water, which becomes encrusted on fixtures, causing damage to them. This damage can result in leaks and stoppage issues. One of the biggest causes of plumbing leaks is the result of hard water minerals.
Hard water will also leave an ugly mineral crust on fixtures, marring their appearance and often causing performance issues such as the flush holes of a toilet or dribbling from a shower spray.
Blocked pipes?
No, minerals won’t block your pipes. Sure, you'll need to clean the dishwasher and add a rinse additive. And almost everyone has had the experience of a calcium-encrusted coffee maker. But, just because your drip coffee maker eventually won't drip anymore without a cleaning, please don't think minerals are going to block your pipes like concrete. Pretending you'll lose water pressure is a silly sales tactic unless your home has galvanized piping. Mineral buildup is going to cause far worse problems to your water heater, fixtures and valves (and coffee maker!) than it is to your pipes.
The solid truth is that water softeners offer a different water experience than hard water. A homeowner should carefully evaluate the things which are essential to him before making a decision. The cost of extra soap, replacing valves and fixtures versus the price of a water softener and maintenance is a personal one. We have customers who never want to live without their soft water and think it’s the greatest. Other customers don't care. They're both right, but for different reasons. So, does your home need a water softener? No, but you might want one. If you do, we can help install or repair it. Just give us a call!
If you need an honest, dependable plumber in the Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler area, call Jimmy at 480-757-1273.
