If you are undecided about getting a water softener system in your home, this article will surely help you decide on making the right choice.
There are disadvantages and advantages to getting a water softener filtration system. And before you spend your hard-earned money, you must know what benefits you will enjoy and what you should be prepared for.
When Do I Need a Water Softener?
According to research from the Water Quality Research Foundation, almost 90% of the water supplied in American households is hard water. Thus, it is safe to say that the water you are using is hard. And if you have experienced the following incidents in the past, installing a water softener in your homes might be a good idea.
- Dry skin and brittleness of hair – countless medical studies have proven that calcium and magnesium, which is prevalent in hard water contributes to dry skin and hair brittleness.
- Stains in utensils – if you have noticed stains, scratches, and other weird marks in your utensils despite washing them thoroughly, then there is a good chance that the calcium and magnesium flowing within your water caused the stains and marks.
- Clogged pipes – clogged pipes are usually caused by the build-up of hard substances from hard water.
With the use of a water softener, you will be able to avoid these things and extend the life of your utensils and pipes. Plus, using the soft water from a water softener will also help your hair and skin get the proper moisture that they need. However, there are also downsides to installing a water softener, which we will also explain below.
Pros and Cons of Water Softener
Pros
- Prevents substantial build-up in your water pipes – you will be able to extend your water pipes’ lifespan and ensure that the water will cause no build-up.
- Protect your appliances – Calcium and Magnesium, which can be found on hard water, speeds up the wear and tear of most modern appliances today, especially in washing machines and other appliances that need a constant water supply.
- Healthier skin and hair – reducing the calcium and magnesium in your tap water will help moisturize your skin and make your hair healthier and shinier. (Read More: The Best Water Softener Shower Head)
- Less usage of soap and detergent – hard water doesn’t react well with soaps and detergent, making you use more to produce lather.
- Eliminates bad odor of water – the mixture of calcium and magnesium within the water are the usual cause of the bad smell that you have been trying to find for eternity.
- Easier cleaning with water – with soft water, you will be able to clean efficiently and avoid scratches.
- Cost-efficient – the value of the benefits you will enjoy throughout the years by having a water softener system will be worth getting the filtration system.
Cons
- Costly installation and maintenance – Installation will cost you hundreds to a few thousand dollars. Furthermore, water softeners require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and avoid leakages.
- Taste – since water softeners reduce hard water into soft water, rich in salt ions, tap water’s taste will be salty and can be a bother to some.
- Increase in water usage – having a water softener will increase your water usage by about 10 – 20% because of the filtration and disinfection processes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a water softener is entirely up to your preference. If you have the money to spare, then getting a water softener system will be a good idea. The health benefits plus the protection it gives to your appliances and household items are too good to pass on.