Common Questions Answered About Water Softeners
The higher the level of magnesium and calcium, the harder the water.
Many misconceptions surround the terms “soft” and “hard” water. So, this article will answer some of the most common questions regarding these concepts and the use of water softeners.
What is soft water?
Although water naturally appears clear, it contains various chemicals and minerals, including magnesium and calcium. The amount of these minerals present in the water determines its hardness. The higher the level of magnesium and calcium, the harder the water. Consequently, soft water is water that contains lower levels of these minerals.
Do I need to soften my water?
Drinking hard water doesn’t cause any severe health issues. However, washing with it can contribute to dry skin and hair. On top of that, water with hardness over seven grains per gallon (gpg) can have an unpleasant smell or taste and damage water-carrying appliances and pipes.
So, homeowners who deem the water in their household too hard should consider softening it.
How can I measure water hardness?
To determine whether they need to soften their water, homeowners can measure its hardness using a home test kit or send a sample to an independent laboratory. In addition, homeowners who source water from a community water system can get information about its hardness by contacting the appropriate authorities.
What is the ideal water hardness?
After testing the water, homeowners should compare the results against this scale:
0-3 gpg – no water softening necessary
3-7 gpg – moderately hard water that can cause dry skin
7-11 gpg – hard water that can severely affect the pipes and appliances
11-15 gpg – very hard water that consistently exhibits signs throughout the household
15+ gpg – extremely hard water
How can I soften my water at home?
Homeowners can soften water in their homes by installing a water softener or a water conditioning system.
How does a home water softener work?
Water softeners are appliances that purify water from the minerals causing its hardness. They typically contain resin beads that trap magnesium and calcium and exchange them for potassium or sodium. Once they become full, a highly-concentrated potassium or salt solution dumps the mineral-loaded beads down the drain.
How does a water conditioning system work?
A water conditioning system removes a broader range of contaminants from the household’s water. It connects to the main water line and affects all the water dispensed throughout the house, from faucets and toilets to showers and baths. In addition, homeowners can integrate a water softener into a more comprehensive water conditioning system.
How should I maintain a water softener?
To ensure a water softener does its job well and lasts a long time, homeowners should do the following:
Have the softener installed and maintained professionally
Set the softener to the exact hardness of the water supply
Avoid using the softener for a few weeks after installing copper plumbing
Soften only the necessary water outlets
Consult a professional
Home and business owners who want to learn more about water softening and how it could benefit their property should consult a professional plumber. These experts can help them find and install the perfect water softening or conditioning system that meets their needs and budget.
No Worries Rooter of Gilbert offers residential and commercial drain cleaning, leak detection and repair. We recommend Bio-Green drain care for customers who have slow drains caused by buildup in their pipes. Call us at (480) 405-4497.
