A hard water zone is an area that has high concentrations of minerals in the water supply, specifically, more than 180 parts per million. There are certain areas of the country that commonly have hard water, including many that rely on groundwater. Luckily, water softeners can be used to address these minerals and improve the quality of your water.

Issues Associated With Hard Water

Exposure to high concentrations of minerals can affect your health, causing gastrointestinal upset and headaches. Also, you may find that your clothes and dishes are hard to get clean. Glasses can show water spots when hard water is used. Your clothing may wear out faster or have soap spots left behind. Hard water can also cause unhealthy hair, itchy skin, and soap scum residue.

Appliances that use water can experience issues when high concentrations of minerals are present. This includes devices such as your dishwasher and washing machine. Mineral deposits can form on their interior components, leading to the need for frequent repairs or equipment replacement.

What Is a Water Softener?

Using an ion exchange process, a water softener replaces calcium and magnesium in the water with sodium ions. All the water in your home can be treated with a water softener, including the water you use for bathing, cooking, cleaning, and drinking.

Water Softener Maintenance

Periodically you will need to top off the sodium reservoir that is part of your water softener system. This is an affordable product that you can usually find at a local hardware store or retailer. You may need to clean the salt tank and replace the filter periodically. You should have a professional inspect your water softener once per year. Our team can check your unit for any signs of issues and make necessary repairs before they turn into major problems.

Protecting Your Plumbing System and Appliances

One of the great benefits of a water softener is that it protects your home’s plumbing system. When minerals build up in your pipes and fixtures over time, this can cause a decrease in water pressure. Internal corrosion can occur as well, leading to the premature breakdown of your pipes, faucets, and fixtures. When you live in an area with hard water, you could see malfunctions with your water heater, washing machine, or other appliances. The investment in a water softener allows you to avoid many of these issues, prolonging the lifespan of your equipment and plumbing system. If you are a resident of Muncie, IN and would like assistance with the installation of a water softener, reach out to us at Aqua Gold Water Treatment.