Water softeners are used to turn hard water into soft water in areas which have a hard mains water supply. People living in these areas complain about hard water as it does not have the same properties as soft water. Hard water is called this as it is full of minerals which are dissolved in it. These are usually magnesium and calcium, and although these do not cause any unpleasant side effects physically for humans they can cause a lot of damage to appliances and pipe work.
To minimise this damage many households are now using water softeners to prevent the minerals in the hard water, or limescale as it is also known, from adhering to surfaces. So what are the reasons to use water softeners?
Firstly, using softeners will prevent limescale from building up in the pipes within the property. When this happens it causes the pipes to become narrower, as the limescale forms all around the inside of the pipes. This will reduce the water flow through the pipes and can be a particular problem on hot water pipes. So in order for pipes to keep in excellent condition it really does pay to treat your water.
Next, using a water softener will help to extend the life of appliances that use water, as they will suffer in hard water areas. Kettles will start to have a deposit of limescale all around the inside of them, which looks very unsightly and can leave traces in drinks in hard water areas. Washing machines will start to get clogged with limescale, especially around the heating element. This can lead to the machine breaking down as the element has to work even harder to get the water hot, as limescale will act as an insulator. As the element gets hotter it will eventually reach a temperature that is too hot and it will break. Dishwashers also suffer in hard water areas and these too need the help of water softeners. Limescale deposits in dishwashers can be left on crockery and cutlery and a film can be left on clean items. By using water softeners these problems are prevented and the life of appliances is extended significantly.
Shower heads that become blocked can also be treated with softeners, so that they flow freely and do not clog. This is another very common problem in hard water areas and it can be easily solved with softeners. Without softening the water, shower heads like this can be very hard to get clean and if left they will eventually need replacing.
Bathing is also a much more pleasant experience when using water softeners. Soap will become bubbly as it should in soft water and the film of scum that is left on the water in hard water areas is a thing of the past.
As shown there are several reasons to do something proactive and alter hard water to soft water. By using water softeners this can be achieved quickly and easily and the whole house can start to benefit.