How To Know What Type of Water Softener Is the Best Fit
Hard water makes cleaning the sinks, toilets, and showers impossible, and it can lead to a shorter lifespan of the plumbing pipes in the house. Therefore, homeowners want to prevent hard water, that much is clear. But what type of water softener can best accomplish this?
Biggest Water Softener Benefits
Hard water forms when there is a high volume of minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water, and it can lead to all kinds of problems, including the following:
- Rings on toilet bowls and sink drains that are impossible to scrub off
- Spots on glasses after washing them in the dishwasher
- Stains on clothing after washing
- Dry, cracked skin and brittle hair
- Mineral buildup in pipes that can lead to clogs and shorten the lifespan of pipes
A water softener's job is to get rid of these hard minerals and prevent the negative effect they can have on the home and the people living in it.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Salt-Based Water Softeners
Salt-based water softeners use electrically-charged resin beads that become filled with sodium ions from salt. As the hard water passes through the water softener, the hard minerals are attracted to the resin beads. This attraction results in an exchange where the sodium ions replace the hard minerals, softening the water.
- Pros of Salt-Based Water Softeners: One advantage of salt-based water softeners is that they are easy to maintain. The required materials (salt) can be found at various stores or online and are easy to add to the tank. This type of water softener also makes cleaning a breeze. No more spots on laundry or dishes, no more tough rings around toilet bowls and sink drains, and no more mineral buildup inside the pipes or plumbing appliances. Finally, salt-based water softeners typically result in greater efficiency of plumbing appliances in the home.
- Cons of Salt-Based Water Softeners: Unfortunately, this type of water softener can make it tough to stay healthy when people are on a low-sodium diet. The salt in the water increases the daily sodium intake, so homeowners need to be mindful of this for themselves and their families. Additionally, water with high salt content is difficult to recycle, so it’s a less eco-friendly option.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Salt-Free Water Softeners
First, homeowners need to understand that salt-free water softeners aren’t really “softeners.” They don’t remove the hard minerals from the water but change the form of those minerals by crystallizing them.
- Pros of Salt-Free Water Conditioners: Like salt-based water softeners, salt-free water conditioners prevent mineral buildup in plumbing pipes, which extends their lifespan and prevents frequent pipe replacement. They also tend to be less expensive, and they are viewed as an eco-friendly option since they don’t use harsh chemicals and allow the water to be easily recycled.
- Cons of Salt-Free Water Conditioners: They don’t truly soften the water. Because of this, they don’t reduce stains on dishes or laundry, make cleaning easier, or improve skin and hair health.
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each option can help homeowners make the best decision for their homes.
About Henco Plumbing Services
Since opening their doors in 2012, the mission of Henco Plumbing Services has been to provide consistent 5-star service at a fair price while cultivating lifelong relationships with their customers. Their team is helpful, expertly trained, and eager to help their customers overcome any plumbing issue, and they keep all service trucks fully stocked with supplies and tools for any job, including water softening services.
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