What You Should Know Before Buying A Water Softener

The white residue on your shower doors that is stiff, leaving your towels scratchy towels is likely minerals from hard water. Whenever you shower or clean your home using this water, your body and your items will never feel quite clean. If these frustrations sound familiar, you are probably considering a water softener. But with so much conflicting information online, how do you separate fact from fiction? 

This blog seeks to cut through the confusion. Read on as a technician from water treatment services in Mesa, AZ, and explore what you really need to know before investing in a water softener system.

Is My Water Actually “Hard”? Simple Tests to Know for Sure

Before spending a dime on water treatment, it’s in your best interest to confirm whether hardness is truly your problem. What causes appliance damage is the elements found in hard water. By buying a water softener, you get a device that removes these before you use the water.

Try these simple DIY tests first:

• The Bottle Test: Fill a bottle with tap water, add 10 drops of liquid soap, and shake. If the water appears cloudy rather than forming bubbles, hardness minerals are likely present.
• Visible Signs: Check for scale buildup on faucets, shower doors, inside teakettles, or around drains.

Debunking the Drinking Water Myth: Is Softened Water Safe?

One of the most persistent myths about water softeners is that they make water unsafe for consumption. This is a misconception, stemming from a limited understanding of how softeners actually work. We will seek to remedy this now.

Calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium ions during the softening process. This does add some sodium to your water, but the amount is minimal—especially compared to what’s in many foods.

An 8-ounce glass of softened water contains less sodium than common kitchen staples like a slice of  bread. The added sodium in softened water is negligible for most.

If sodium is a concern for your household:

• Consider a potassium-based softening system instead of sodium
• Install a bypass for your kitchen tap or drinking water line
• Add a reverse osmosis system for drinking water, which removes sodium along with other minerals

Understanding the “Slippery” Feeling

Many first-time softened water users are often perplexed by what they describe as a “slippery” or “slimy” feeling whenever they shower. This leads to concerns about residue or incomplete rinsing. Again, this is a perception arising from a misunderstanding.

The bottom line is this: what you’re feeling is the absence of mineral residue. Hard water leaves a microscopic layer of minerals on your skin, while soft water allows your body’s natural oils to remain, creating that different sensation.

That said, expect an adjustment period where you get accustomed to the change. This may last for a few weeks as you get used to having truly clean skin and hair. 

Benefits you’ll likely notice include:

• Softer hair that requires less shampoo
• Skin that feels moisturized rather than dry and itchy
• Soap that lathers easily and rinses completely
• Reduced need for lotions and conditioners

Softening vs. Water Purification: What a Softener Won’t Do

Another common misconception is that water softeners purify your water. They, in fact, do not. Water softeners are not designed to remove other contaminants aside from hardness-causing minerals.

Remember, water softeners specifically target calcium and magnesium. They don’t remove chlorine, lead, pesticides, bacteria, or other impurities. If you are concerned about these, you may want to seek other purification systems, in addition to water softeners. 

For complete water treatment, consider combining:

• Water softener (addresses hardness)
• Carbon water filtration system (removes chlorine and some chemicals, while improving taste)
• Reverse osmosis system (for comprehensive purification of drinking water)
• UV purification (if bacterial contamination is a concern)

The Environmental Impact: Being a Responsible Softener Owner

Water softeners have faced environmental criticism due to concerns about salt discharge and water usage during regeneration cycles. These concerns, like myths surrounding water softeners, are a thing of the past as modern systems have addressed many of these issues.

Consider these eco-friendly approaches:

• Choose a high-efficiency system that regenerates based on actual water usage rather than a timer
• Adjust settings to minimize salt and water waste during regeneration
• Properly maintain your system to ensure optimal efficiency
• Consider salt alternatives like potassium chloride if your local watershed is sensitive to sodium

Hard water silently damages your home’s plumbing. With the myths debunked and facts in hand, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision about water softening for your home.