You might not think about the hardness of your water very often, but it’s an important property of water that is especially relevant when discussing the plumbing in your home and appliances that connect to a water source. There are two types of water – hard water and soft water.
Hard water has high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can build up on surfaces and cause problems like plumbing clogs, scaling, and soap scum. Central Texas is home to the hardest water in the country. The minerals in hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, not only negatively affect plumbing fixtures but also cause dry skin and hair. Soft water, on the other hand, has been treated to remove these minerals. As a result, scaling and the buildup of minerals in plumbing pipes and appliances (like washing machines and dishwashers) is greatly reduced and increases their life expectancy. Soft water is also gentler on skin and hair. One way to soften hard water is to install a water softener system on your property.
Water softener systems are designed to remove excess minerals from hard water and transition it into soft water before it makes it into your property’s plumbing system. Lantz’s Lakeside Plumbing & AC offers a variety of high-quality residential and commercial water softener systems to address hard water issues. Our systems are designed to provide you with clean, conditioned water that will help protect your property from the damaging effects of hard water. Visit our Water Quality page to learn more about our water softener services.
Applications of Water Softener Systems
Central Texas is well-known for its hard water. In fact, the water in some parts of the region is so hard that it can leave white mineral deposits on glasses and dishes. This type of water contains a high concentration of minerals, which can cause all sorts of problems for homes and businesses. For instance, hard water can lead to buildup in pipes which causes clogs, decreased efficiency of appliances, reduction in water flow, and can stain fixtures and clothing. Additionally, hard water can cause skin and hair to dry out much quicker once they are exposed to hard water. Well water in Texas contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium, which makes the water very hard. As a result, homes and businesses in central Texas deal with a variety of complicated and costly problems. So, many homeowners in Central Texas (especially properties that pull water from a well) install water softeners to improve the quality of their water.
What is A Water Softener?
A water softening system is a stand-alone unit that connects to your property’s main water supply. Water softeners function by exchanging magnesium and calcium ions in exchange for sodium ions, which prevents the minerals from depositing on surfaces or scaling up plumbing as water makes its way into your home through your plumbing system.
This process works by passing hard water through a chamber filled with softening beads. These beads are made of a material that attracts and binds to minerals, essentially removing them from the water. By removing these dissolved minerals, water softeners provide an easy way to improve the quality of water used around the home. The water that comes out of the softener is much softer, which is easier on your plumbing and appliances and reduces potential issues in the future. Softened water can prolong the life of plumbing fixtures and appliances, keep showers cleaner, and make laundry brighter. So, if you’re tired of dealing with hard water, a water softener may be the perfect solution.
How do Water Softener Systems Work?
Water softener systems work by removing calcium and magnesium ions from the water supply. They replace these ions with sodium or potassium ions. This process, called ion exchange, is an extremely effective way to reduce the hardness of the water. In addition to preventing scale buildup, ion exchange can also improve the efficiency of detergents and reduce the amount of soap required for laundry and cleaning tasks.
An ion exchange water softener has three major components. These include a mineral tank, where water filtration happens, a brine tank where a concentrated solution of potassium or salt is stored and a control valve. It regulates the water flow in and out of the brine tanks and minerals during regeneration.
Water softeners transition hard water to soft water in the following way:
- Hard water enters your home from the main water pipe.
- It travels to the water softener system.
- Resin beads in the water softener attract the hard water minerals and hold onto them.
- It then removes them from the water.
- Soft water is then moved into the home through the plumbing system.
Benefits of A Water Softener
Water softeners provide a number of benefits for both homeowners and businesses.
- Plumbing Systems
Soft water does not have the same mineral content as hard water so it does not leave behind the same deposits. This can help prevent premature wear and tear on dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances and often proves to be a cost-saving in the long run. - Drinking Water
Hard water often has a metallic taste that can be objectionable. A water softener removes minerals from the water, resulting in softer water and a more pleasant taste. - People
Soft water is free of minerals and much gentler on your skin and hair. Soft water can actually help to lock in moisture, giving you softer, more hydrated skin. So if you are looking to improve your skin health, switch to soft water and feel the difference! - Home Goods/Clothing
When laundry is washed in soft water, there is less soap residue left behind, making clothes brighter and cleaner. Since soft water does not contain minerals like calcium and magnesium, it is less likely to cause fabric damage and fading. - Water Flow
This is because hard water leaves deposits of calcium and magnesium in pipes, which can lead to clogs and reduced water pressure. A water softener removes these deposits, allowing water to flow more freely through the pipes. - Less Staining
Hard water can cause stains on clothing and dishes. Water softeners work by removing the minerals from the water supply, resulting in softer water that is easier to lather and less likely to leave behind mineral deposits or stains.
Lantz’s Lakeside Plumbing & AC Provides Water Softener Solutions
Hard water can cause a number of problems in your home, from reducing the lifespan of your appliances to making it difficult to get your dishes clean. A water softener is an effective way to improve the quality of your water, and Lantz’s Lakeside Plumbing & AC is a trusted company to call for all your water softener needs.
We provide high-quality water softening systems that improve the quality of water and extend the life expectancy of plumbing fixtures. Lantz’s Lakeside Plumbing & AC offers commercial and residential water softener systems from leading brands. Call us when you need a service or repair on your water softener unit, or if you would like to install or replace a new unit at your home or commercial property.
Contact us today to learn more about us and how we can help you keep your home’s plumbing system in top working condition. We are open 7 days a week and have a team of licensed plumbers ready to help you with any and all water softener needs. To schedule an appointment or get a free in-home estimate for a water softening system, call us at (512) 267-1188.
