Hard water can shorten the lifespan of your plumbing system, your water heater and many appliances in your home. It can cause your water bill to drastically increase. Hard water is high in mineral content, which means that mineral deposits build up in your home’s pipes. Hard water also affects your skin, making it dry and itchy.
Water softeners, which replace extra calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions, prolong the lifespan of your plumbing system, your appliances and your clothes. The Water Quality Association, for example, found that the average homeowner will save nearly $1000 every year by installing a water softener system. A quality system will last around twenty years, making it a great investment. Do you have hard water in your home? Here are some signs that that may be the case.
Signs You Need A Water Softener
- You Have Scale Buildup on Your Appliances
- Your Clothes Are Gray and Faded
- Your Water Bill Has Gone Up Recently
- Your Plumbing System Needs Constant Repairs
If you have scale or limescale—a chalky substance—on your tea kettle, your dishwasher or your washing machine, this is a sign that you have hard water in your home. You may also notice stains on your sinks and bathtubs.
If you notice a graying effect on your clothes, this is a sign that you have hard water. They may also feel scratchy.
As your plumbing system has to work harder, this can cause a sharp increase in your water bill. If this is the case, it may be time to invest in a water softener.
Steel pipes are particularly bad with hard water, but excess mineral deposits ravage all pipes, leaving your plumbing system ineffective and in continuous disrepair. Do you notice that you are constantly having to call the plumber? This is yet another sign that you could benefit from a water softener.
These are some common signs that you have hard water in your home. You can also find some cheap test kits at your local hardware store that will test your water for you. Alternatively, you could call your local utility company to determine if you have hard water. They will also be able to take a sample and analyze it to determine how hard.
If you have hard water and want to benefit from a water softener system, Imagine Plumbing is among Alberta’s premier professional plumbers, offering top-of-the line water softener installation, maintenance and repair. Contact us today for more information.