How a Water Softener Can Protect Your Plumbing and Appliances
You have probably heard about hard water, and you may be wondering if it is a problem in your home. A good way to tell is to take a peek inside your coffee pot’s water reservoir. White buildup inside your coffee brewer is a sure sign that you have hard water in your home. Understanding what hard water is and how to treat it can help you avoid plumbing repairs down the road.
Understanding Hard Water
Basically, hard water occurs when the water supply contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium. While they aren’t dangerous to your health, they can pose a serious threat to your pipes. As hard water passes through your pipes, it leaves calcite deposits behind. Over time, this restricts the flow of water, clogs fixtures and leads to increased internal pressure. It also affects the workings of appliances that rely on water.
How Water Softeners Work
Water softeners use sodium to trap minerals in the water supply. As water flows through the softener, sodium ions exchange with the magnesium and calcium ones. The result is clearer water, less scale buildup and more effective cleaning. If you are concerned about increased sodium levels in your water, a softener that uses potassium may be a better option.
Why Using a Water Softener Helps
You can easily run some diluted vinegar through a coffee pot to break up mineral deposits. Unfortunately, this isn’t really feasible for larger appliances. Plus, that doesn’t help prevent buildup from accumulating within the pipes. A water softener can remove those minerals from your water as it enters the house, meaning your pipes will benefit, too. You will also help extend the lifespan of major appliances that use water for regular operation.
Hard water can wreak havoc on your pipes and appliances, leading to costly repairs or the need for new appliances. Taking preventative action to preserve your current systems and avoid problems down the line. A water softener is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to do that.