Have you heard the news that Ontario tends to have harder water than most other Canadian provinces? That means our local water supply contains a high level of minerals including calcium, magnesium, and manganese, which can affect both your plumbing and your health.
As a result, you might be considering the purchase of different types of water softeners for your home. Being an informed consumer, though, you’d like to learn more before you invest your hard-earned money in a water treatment system. So here are the facts for you – the pros and cons of buying a home water softener.
Many people ask how water softeners work, is a water softener system safe and how does it alter drinking water? Yes! Softened water is safe and here’s how a water softening system works.
The most commonly used water softeners employ an ion-exchange method. This water softener type passes water through magnetic resin beads charged with sodium ions. The beads themselves have a negative charge that attracts the positive calcium and magnesium charges, effectively stripping them out fo the water and replacing them with sodium ions. With the minerals removed, soft water then flows into your home.
Here is how a home water softener installation can benefit you and your family:
Water softening can improve the lifespan of your entire plumbing system as well as appliances such as your water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, coffee maker, air humidifier, etc., saving you money on the cost of repairs.
Protect your residential plumbing pipes. With softened water, you’ll avoid blockage or damage to your pipes, which may well save you money on plumbing repair bills.
Prevent limescale buildup. On faucets, sinks, and shower screens, white crusty limescale is ugly. Hard water stains appliances, and inside washing machines and water heaters, it can actually be quite harmful, potentially shortening the life of these appliances.
Use less soap. Soft water helps soaps and detergents lather up more readily. As a result, you’ll need smaller amounts since soft water makes doing laundry and general cleaning easier.
Safeguard your skin and hair. People in homes with hard water often notice that their hair and skin seem dry and dull. The reason? Hard water doesn’t completely remove shampoo and soap when you bathe, leaving behind a scum that is often quite drying.
Get glassware cleaner. Soft water eliminates the mineral build-up that causes stains, reducing the spots and streaks on glasses and dishes.
Protect your clothing. Avoid hard water “beating up” your laundry as it spins in the washing machine. Your clothes will last longer and look brighter and fresher.
Now, we present the flip side:
Expense. High-quality water softeners don’t come cheap. The initial cost to buy and install these devices can range from several hundred to thousands of dollars. In addition, if you go for one of the popular salt-based systems, you will regularly have to replenish a supply of special water softener salt crystals or pellets to add to its brine tank.
Maintenance. Like most sizable household appliances, a water softener system will require regular maintenance to keep it in peak working order.
Health conditions. Is someone in your household restricted to a low-sodium diet? You should obtain approval from your physician before installing a salt-based water softener that will treat your drinking water.
Would you like more information on water softeners or other plumbing issues in the Ottawa area? Consult with OOTW. Our team of certified plumbers will be happy to answer your questions with expert, yet easily understandable, answers.
We’re licensed, insured, and BBB accredited. Call or text 613-241-3139, or book a free consultation online for a water softener installation.
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