Do You Need a Water Softener?

When a homeowner considers buying home water treatment options such as a water softener, it's helpful to reflect on some of the symptoms which indicate the need exists. Here are some of the reasons a homeowner makes the choice to get a home water softener:

Poor soap performance

When soap mixes with hard water, instead of creating a rich, creamy lather, it falls dismally short in the suds department. A water softener maximizes soap performance, which means it not only suds up, but it also does a better job of cleaning. Your clothes may not get as clean as they could unless you use more soap.

Spots on dishes

When your dishes come out of the dishwasher with spots on them, you may be tempted to blame the dishwasher, when, in fact, it's the hard water which is creating the spots.  There are all kinds of hacks and tips to clean your dishwasher and additives to make your dishes' spotless.' But, the source of all of these problems is the hard water, and a homeowner should be aware that continually adding vinegar to the dishwasher can eventually damage the seal.

Ugly fixture residue

Hard water will also leave a nasty mineral crust on fixtures, marring their appearance and often causing performance issues such as the flush holes of a toilet or dribbling from a shower spray.

Clogged pipes?

No, minerals won't block your pipes like concrete. Sure, you'll need to clean the dishwasher and add a rinse additive. And almost everyone has had the experience of a calcium-encrusted coffee maker. But, just because your drip coffee maker eventually won't drip anymore without a cleaning, please don't think your pipes are going to be blocked like that. Pretending you'll lose water pressure is a silly sales tactic. Unless your home has galvanized piping, the mineral buildup is going to cause far worse problems to your water heater, fixtures and valves (and coffee maker!)  than it is to your pipes. But, those are certainly troublesome enough.

Water softeners offer a different water experience than hard water. A homeowner should carefully evaluate the things which are relevant to him before making a decision. The cost of extra soap, replacing valves and fixtures versus the price of a water softener and maintenance is a personal one. We have customers who never want to live without their soft water and other customers who don't care. They're both right, but for different reasons. So, does your home need a water softener? No, but you might want one. If you do, we can help install or repair it.

Much Better Plumbing is the premier residential and commercial plumbing service for homeowners and businesses in the Las Vegas area. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call us today at 702-996-5220.