Myths About Water Softeners
Many homes throughout the nation have water softeners installed. These devices remove certain minerals from the water, which helps prevent scale buildup and a whole array of other issues. There are some homeowners, however, who choose not to have a water softener installed in spite of having hard water. Sometimes this is because they've heard one of the following myths about water softeners. These myths are not true, so be careful not to let them guide your decision as to whether or not you have a water softener installed.
Myth: Water Softeners Are Really Expensive
Some people think of a water softener as being a big, high-tech device that will cost a fortune to install. But while these units are not what most people consider "cheap," they are not cost-prohibitive, either. You can often get a water softener and have it installed for around $800 if you go with a lower-end model. Of course, you could spend more than this, but it's not essential in most cases. What you also have to consider is that the water softener will save you money over time. It will extend the lives of your appliances, reduce the need for plumbing repairs, and even save you a little money on shampoo!
Myth: Water Softeners Put Dangerous Chemicals Into the Water
The phrase "softening water" may sound a little scary, but actually, the process is very safe and simple. The softener removes calcium and magnesium from the water and basically replaces it with sodium. You know sodium; it's a key component of the table salt you likely consume every day. Not enough is even added to give the water a salty taste. It's totally safe and not something to worry about.
Myth: Water Softeners Aren't Needed if You Have Municipal Water
There's a common misconception that water treatment plants soften the water, so residents don't need to have their own softeners. This is not really the case. Water treatment plants really focus on cleaning the water and making sure it contains less than the "safe" levels of various compounds, including calcium and magnesium. They certainly remove enough minerals to make the water safe for consumption. But they don't always remove enough minerals to protect your plumbing; that's up to you. Installing your own water softener is the best way to make sure your water is safe for your home; water treatment centers just make it safe for consumption.
If you have any lingering questions or concerns about residential water softener installation, reach out to an installer near you.