Water quality will impact the results, whether you drink or use it to wash your dishes and laundry. Over 80% of households in America are suffering from hard water, which contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. If there is hardness, your dishes will develop water spots; sinks and toilets will be affected by mineral buildup; laundry will look faded or stiff, etc. You can also experience frequent plumbing and appliance failures. Skin irritation and dry hair are other visible signs. Still, getting the quality tested by a professional is crucial. They can recommend using a water softener.
Water softener installation
A water softener system leverages ion exchange technology to replace mineral ions with potassium or sodium chloride. It’s one of the efficient ways to treat hard water in the home. You can approach a local water softener services company for quality inspection, selection of a suitable system (salt-based vs. salt-free), and installation. Salt-based softeners can effectively manage water with extremely high mineral levels, while salt-free options are better suited for moderate hardness. They can also select the best location for this system. Typically, these are located closer to water lines in the basement, garage, utility room, crawl space, etc.
- Basement: The ideal spot can be the area near the water heater in the basement. Professionals may recommend this location because of its spaciousness and easy access to the plumbing. Plus, the pipes can be exposed here.
- Garage: If enough space and the water line are available, the installation company can select it for your water softener system. Garages feature ambient temperature. As a result, the risk of pipes freezing in cold weather will be lower.
- Crawl space: This part of the home can be considered if you don’t have a basement. However, it’s not the best option for several reasons, including unique climate conditions, excessive humidity, and the risk of frozen water. The only relief is this area remains out of sight. Hence, you don’t have to install the softener in high-visibility parts of the house.
- Utility room: Another option can be this part of your house if it is close to the water system. Generally, people avoid this room for several reasons, such as leakage risk, the need to eliminate walls and flooring to reach the pipes, etc.
Cost-saving through a water softener
Many homeowners assume that this feature will increase their home’s market value. While that can be an indirect benefit, the most direct impact of a water softener is seen through cost savings. How? Data suggest that hard water negatively affects water heater efficiency by almost 24%. The showerhead’s flow rate can be compromised within 18 months due to hard water. That means these systems will start working more efficiently due to improved water quality, reducing water bills and heating costs. You can also wash clothes in cold water with less detergent. Due to soft water, dishwashers may also need 70% less detergent.
Nevertheless, you must get the water tested before deciding anything. The experts will advise installing a softener system if the hardness level is high. They will also evaluate your household’s water usage habits, number of family members, home size, etc.
