How A Water Softener Solves Your Problems With Hard Water Scale
If you're fed up with hard water scale being a nuisance in your home, then it's time to consider having a water softener installed. A water softener has many benefits that make the investment worthwhile. Here's an overview of how a softener works and some tips for choosing the installation location.
Why Hard Water Is Bad
The bad thing about hard water is that it leaves a scaly film behind on everything it touches. The scales are caused by excess minerals in the water. The amount of minerals varies in different regions depending on the chemistry of the local water supply.
When water has a lot of minerals, it's hard to keep your shower and faucets clean. Scale can build up and harm your washer, water heater, and coffee maker. Hard water even affects your laundry. Your clothes may become dingy and feel stiff.
How A Water Softener Helps
A common type of water softener is one that uses salt and the ion-exchange method of removing hardness from the water. When you have one of these appliances installed, you have to keep it filled with salt. Water flows through the salt, and the mineral ions are replaced with salt ions so the water is made softer. This means problems with hard water spots and scale buildup are eliminated.
Where To Install A Water Softener
While you can buy a softener yourself, it's probably best to get professional help with the installation. You might even want a service package so your softener is maintained by a professional. The first step in the water softener installation is to find the ideal place for the appliance.
A water softener connects to your water main line so all faucets will supply soft water. The softener should be near an electrical outlet since it requires electricity, and it should be near a drain since the tank has to flush itself out regularly. You'll need to find a place that's always above freezing and that is out of direct sunlight.
Once you've found the perfect place for your new softener, you can have it installed by a professional, who will hook it up to your existing plumbing line. Since a plumbing line will probably have to be cut, your local codes might require the work to be done by a licensed plumber.
Once you start using the softener, be sure to keep an eye on it so it never runs out of salt or the water will be hard again. If you add salt yourself, you may want to have it delivered on schedule to remind you when it's time to put in more.