Are you tired of dealing with water stains and buildup in your home? If so, a water softener is a great way to protect your pipes, skin, clothes and other belongings from hard water's annoying and even damaging effects. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Oneida, our professional team of licensed plumbers is ready to help you handle every plumbing-related project.
Before we get into the pros and cons of a water softener, let's explore what hard water is and how to determine whether your home has it.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is a high concentration of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. H2O is a powerful solvent that absorbs these minerals from the soil and surrounding groundwater supplies. While those minerals are not toxic, they can cause other issues. This water leaves crusty, white mineral deposits on faucets and other fixtures. The calcium reacts with soap to leave cloudy spots on dishes and dulls colorful clothing. You might even notice that your skin feels dry after bathing.
One of hard water's hidden dangers is accumulating minerals in your pipes. These deposits can cause clogs and put an increased strain on your entire plumbing system. Left untreated, this H2O can cause damage in your home.
If you notice any of these signs, you can do laboratory or at-home testing to determine your precise level of hardness.
The Science Behind Water Softeners
The purpose of a water softener is to remove the minerals from hard water and prevent buildup in your pipes. Softeners can reduce the risk of clogs or damaged pipes and improve your appliances' performance.
Softeners come in various sizes and shapes to fit your home, but most follow the same basic system. The primary tank is full of resin beads with electrically charged ions that attract minerals like calcium and magnesium. When hard water passes through the tank, the resin beads remove the minerals and allow the softened water to flow out of the tank and into your home.
The system must regenerate periodically so that it can continue properly filtering. The secondary brine tank fulfills this purpose. The brine flushes the minerals out of the full resin beads, allowing them to start fresh. Then the tank is ready to filter again.
Softeners require professional installation, maintenance and repair. These systems are worth the investment because they can improve your H2O quality and help you avoid costly plumbing issues in the future.
Water Softener Installation With Mr. Rooter Plumbing
You'll know that your water softener is working when you stop seeing new stains and feel a difference in your water. You can also use an at-home test kit. When your softener has recently regenerated and you still notice signs of hardness, it's time to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Oneida.
To learn more about softeners, reach out to Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our licensed plumbers are ready to help you tackle any plumbing project, including softener installation. Call us at 315-363-1565 or contact us today for more information!