How To Find the Right Water Softener
Hard water is water that has a high concentration of mineral composition. The hardness is measured in parts per million or grains per gallon. The water in the Las Vegas Valley is considered “very hard,” measuring at 278 parts per million, or 16 grains per gallon. This results from high levels of calcium and magnesium washing into Lake Mead from the mineral-dense Colorado River.
Although water minerals are non-toxic and safe for consumption, having hard water can negatively impact the home’s plumbing system. Hard water is known to leave a chalky lime buildup or rust stains on fixtures, spots on glassware, and stainless steel, and is difficult to lather into suds. Hard water can also dry out skin and hair.
The best way to combat hard water is to install a household water softener. Read on to learn the benefits of water softeners and how to choose the best one for their home.
The Benefits of Installing a Water Softener
Water softeners work by removing or negating the excess minerals from the water supply. The benefits of installing a water softener are many, including:
- Water smells and tastes better
- Improved sensation on the skin
- Softer skin and hair
- Reduces mineral buildup and rust stains on fixtures
- Eliminates “spotty” glassware
- Increases the life of appliances such as washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater
- Reduces the use of detergent and soap
- Easier cleaning
The Pros and Cons of Salt-Based Water Softeners
Salt-based water softeners are one of the few water softener choices on the market today. Inside the resin tank of the softener, there are resin beads loaded with sodium or potassium ions. As water flows through this tank, the calcium and magnesium ions trade places with the salt ions. The water, therefore, becomes softer, but saltier.
The advantage of a salt-based water softener is that they are the most effective at reducing water mineral levels. They are the most popular choice for household use and are easy to maintain. The water softener pellets needed to recharge the resin beads are widely available online and at home improvement stores. The downside is that these salt pellets can sometimes be expensive, especially for the higher quality, refined solar salt, or evaporated salt.
Another disadvantage is the higher levels of salt in tap water. This can be harmful to plants, for people who require low-sodium diets, and for septic systems. However, this disadvantage can be worked around by using potassium instead of sodium.
The Pros and Cons of Salt-Free Water Softeners
Salt-free water softeners do not replace the mineral ions with sodium or potassium ions; rather, they alter the properties of suspended solids, such as calcium and magnesium particles. There are four main types, but Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) or Nucleation Assisted Crystallization (NAC) systems are best, measuring as effective as salt-based water softeners in preventing the buildup of scale.
These systems use polymeric beads with nucleation sites to transform calcium and magnesium into microscopic crystals, which are then released by the beads and remain in the water as insoluble particles. The benefit of these systems is that no salt or energy is required.
Salt-free water softeners are comparably priced to salt-based systems, but cost much less to maintain as they do not need to be recharged. They are also more energy-efficient and will not increase homeowners’ water or electric bills.
The disadvantage of salt-free water softeners is that they don’t really “soften” the water: they do not remove calcium and magnesium from the water, and therefore don’t offer all the same benefits as salt-based water softeners. But they are nevertheless a great option for homeowners concerned about increasing the salt content of their water.
About Anytime Plumbing, Inc.
The experts at Anytime Plumbing, Inc. will help their customers choose the water softener system that is best for their home. In business since 1982, their plumbers are experienced in water softener services and offer free estimates, guaranteed workmanship, and outstanding customer service.
