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Learn here what are the ordinary myths about water softeners
Water softeners work by removing metal ions and hard minerals from your home’s water supply. In doing so, they extend the life of your appliances by 30%. If you are thinking about getting a water softener but have been put off by myths, read this article to clarify your misconceptions.
Water Softeners Make Your Water Salty
- There is a common misconception associated with water softeners that says water softeners can make your water taste salty. But there is no truth behind this. This myth stemmed from the fact that water softeners work by exchanging minerals with sodium ions. However, sodium ions do not make your water taste salty and have no health concerns.
If you are on a low sodium diet and you want to eliminate sodium from your drinking water you can opt for alternatives to traditional water softening. You can also install a reverse osmosis filter on the taps used for drinking water.
They Are A Waste Of Energy
- There is a lot of misleading information out there regarding the energy efficiency of water softeners. But when it comes to energy and cost-saving, water softeners provide benefits for any machine that comes in contact with water.
In 2009 a study conducted by Battelle Memorial Institute discovered that when soft water is used water heaters maintain their efficiency for as long as 15 years. But with a hard water supply, the efficiency of the water heater reduces by up to 48%.
Effects Of Hard Water
- Hard water causes scaling in pipes, faucets, dishwashers, coffee makers, and other water-using appliances. Over time the buildup of mineral deposits and scales causes the appliances to lose their efficiency or break down entirely.
For instance, scale buildup caused by hard water can reduce the lifespan of heating elements in the electric water heater. Thus cutting down their lifespan.
Hard Water Removes The Healthy Minerals
- Water softeners remove hard water minerals such as calcium and magnesium from water through the ion-exchange method. Some people believe that these are the healthy minerals that should essentially be present in drinking water. Hard water contains an unsafe amount of these minerals. Moreover, the form in which these minerals are present is not well-absorbed by the body.
The hard minerals are not properly processed by the body so you are better off without getting them from hard water. The best way to get the valuable minerals is through a healthy, well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Minerals obtained from natural sources are easily absorbed and utilized by the body.
A Water Softener Is The Same As A Water Purifier
It is commonly believed that water softener and water purifier are the same, however, this is not true. A water softener only removes hard minerals from water through the ion-exchange method. In this process, resin beads present in the water softener are charged negatively to hold sodium ions.
When the water comes in contact with the resin beads, the strongly charged calcium and sodium ions are trapped by the resin beads. The weaker sodium ions held by the resin beads are now displaced by strongly charged calcium and magnesium ions. These displaced ions are then passed out the softener outlet, and soft water is delivered to your tap.
Soft Water Leaves a Film on Your Skin
Hard water creates a soapy scum on the skin, thereby making your skin dry and brittle. But when you install a water softener, it completely washes off soap and sodium leftovers on the skin. Since you are not used to this, it can make your skin feel slimy. But this is how clean skin is supposed to feel.
Ensure a continuous supply of soft water in your home by installing a water softener. Get in touch with our professionals at Proline Plumbing for installation and repair services. Call us at 832-772-5501. We are located in Houston, Texas.
