Chances are if you’re reading this then you’re wondering if you need a water softener.
Water softeners are a useful appliance that helps to remove the hard water in your home. If you are like many other homeowners, you probably do not pay much attention to your water softener.
Like any other device, water softening systems deteriorate over time and eventually need to be replaced. Many homeowners fail to realize that their aging water softening systems need replacement, and as a result they lose the full benefit of these devices as wear and tear over the years diminishes their effectiveness.
So how do you know if you need a water softener? Look out for these signs below:
Everything is slimy and sticky:
Basically, if the water softener is working correctly, there shouldn’t be any spots on the dishes or in the bathtub. If it is on the verge of breaking down, you may notice a white film or white spots everywhere that the water touches, especially glass dishes and/or metal utensils or sinks.
If you notice scale or lime scale on your tea kettle, dishwasher or washing machine, or see stains on your sinks and bathtubs, you have hard water in your home.
Laundry is a nightmare!
Clothes and fabrics are also affected. White clothes appear grayer and most colors become faded and nowhere near as vibrant as before hard water treated them. Clothes can also feel scratchy and stiff.
Your skin and hair are dry:
Soft water helps form soap lather more easily and feels lighter and more pleasant than hard water. If your water just doesn’t feel like soft water any more, it may be time to call Butler Plumbing to replace your water softening system. Your skin may feel dry and itchy after showering and the soap will not lather as much as before.
Hard water doesn’t nourish your skin, it dries it out and makes it feel leathery. Untreated water can even block pores, causing blackheads and inflammation. Extra magnesium and calcium in your tap water also makes your hair and scalp dry and often itchy.
Your water tastes different:
Soft water is much different than hard water, so if your water softener stops working, you will most likely notice a difference in how the water taste and smell. If your water develops a bad taste, it is likely a sign that your water softener needs replacement. Bad tasting water may indicate that your water softener is no longer weeding out minerals and other matter.
Water should not have any particularly strong tastes and should be easy to drink. If you find yourself choking down a glass of tap water because it tastes bad, it’s a clear sign that your home could benefit from installing a water treatment system.
Pipes are clogged:
Hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up and clog your pipes. Scale buildup can clog your showerheads and sinks, leaving your plumbing system ineffective.
When you’re dealing with the stress of a plumbing emergency, there is no job too big or too small for Butler Plumbing. You can trust our 30+ years of experience for all your plumbing service’s needs. Contact us today!