Soap and shampoo not lathering well in the shower? Skin and hair dry and itchy? Spots all over your dishes? Clean laundry not looking its best? Coffee pot full of scaly crud?
If you’re dealing with any or all of these issues around the house, chances are that hard water is to blame. Thankfully, c and j water of Central Indiana has the solution. Keep reading to learn more about water softeners, and the type of system that is best for you.
What Does a Water Softener Do?
First things first, let’s explain what a water softener is and what it does. “It’s all in the name” is certainly true here – water softeners literally soften water, by removing certain minerals. In most cases, this means excess calcium and other minerals, which are naturally occurring elements often found in well water but also present in many municipal water supplies. While these minerals aren’t necessarily bad for your health, when they build up in your plumbing they cause all sorts of household issues as we mentioned at the top of this blog post.
What Types of Water Softeners Are Common?
Great question – it’s one we hear a lot. Probably the most common and conventional type of water softener, and one we stock here at c and j water, is the salt-based water softener. It relies on a salt brine, like that saltwater you used to gargle for a sore throat when you were a kid. This system works by replacing the hard minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, etc.) for sodium, which is softer. You won’t taste the sodium, of course, but you’ll “feel” it, in terms of better soap lather, softer skin, and cleaner dishes. Salt-based water softeners will also help extend the life of your home’s hot water heater.
Other, less popular water softening systems include:
Salt-Free Softeners
Relying on a potassium-chloride substitute solution in place of sodium, these systems aren’t true water softeners. They are better known as “water conditioners,” and work by preventing minerals from building up on surfaces around the home, such as plumbing pipes, appliances, and people, too. If someone in your household is averse to an increase in salt intake whatsoever, this may be a system to consider.
Dual Tank Softeners
Conventional water softeners need to recharge from time to time. This typically happens overnight when everyone at home is asleep and there is no water demand. If freshwater demand persists in your home at all hours of the day and night, you might want to consider a dual tank system. When one tank is offline recharging, the other tank kicks in and vice versa. Dual tank softeners are handy for larger families or folks who work day and night shifts, but they are also more expensive.
Upgrading To a Water Softener Today
These days, there is no reason to settle for hard water’s damaging effects. Not only does it wear out your skin, your appliances, and your clothes, hard water also takes its toll on your home’s plumbing system, often responsible for pipe damage and costly plumbing repairs. If you and your family are tired of living with hard water, talk to c and j water. Learn what type of system works best for your family, and take advantage of exclusive seasonal offers and special payment options. Water softeners are low-maintenance machines that begin to pay for themselves as soon as you turn on the tap. Upgrade today!
