11 good reasons to use a water softener

In some places, running water is more loaded with magnesium and calcium than normal. This is what we call hard water. Its high content of limestone will help promote the formation of scale in your pipes and the appearance of white deposits on your faucets and sinks. To remedy this, as well as many other inconveniences, a solution is offered to you: to install a water softener!  

Before considering a possible installation, you must know if the water that comes to you is highly concentrated in mineral salts. The simplest solution is to contact your local administration, which can provide you with a copy of the latest analysis bulletin.

Be aware, in any case, that a water will be considered limestone from the moment it is higher than 25 ° F.

The operation of the softener

It will act on the composition of the water so as to significantly reduce the amount of magnesium and calcium present in it. The principle is simple: before entering the apparatus, the water is hard and scaly and when it comes out, it is so soft.

Technically speaking, the limestone will pass through a tank containing mineral resins: the latter will capture calcium and magnesium ions, responsible for limestone deposits, and purify it to make it "soft" .

Specifically, the softener should be installed as close as possible to your water supply.

Saving money and gaining comfort

Wondering if installing a water softener will change your daily life? The answer is yes ! To convince yourself, read the following:

• It is the proper solution to increase the service life of pipes , which can be blocked by scale. You will not be obliged to have them repaired regularly.      
   
• The softener will also extend the life of all your appliances ( dishwasher , coffee machine, etc.): they will work longer.            
     
• Are your faucets and the walls of your shower always covered with small white marks? This will no longer be the case with a filter! You will spend less time cleaning the places in your home with limestone.   
   
• It is also an opportunity to see the amount of your electricity bill decrease : the resistance is much less scaled, your water will heat up faster.      
   
• The cleaning products, as well as those that you use to wash, will be more effective: they will actually foam more with a softer water. You will therefore be able to use them in smaller quantities, and therefore buy less regularly.    
   
• Less water and soapy products to use ... It's all good for the environment !
   
• Do you have dry skin and when you go out of your shower or bath, you have red patches on the body? Do not look any further, it's the fault of too much limestone water, the culprit is not the soap you use. With a softener you will see that your hair will also be softer.       
   
• Less aggressive water is also good for your clothes : the limestone of the water no longer being fixed to the fibers of the tissues, their texture will be less rough. The colors will be more protected and therefore vivid, and the formation of yellowish spots on light clothing limited.     
   
• Whether you do your dishes by hand, or you use a dishwasher ... Your plates, pans, dishes and cutlery will be much brighter.

And if you opt for a refiner, which acts both as a softener and a water purifier: 

• Tap water loses its bad taste , as well as its smell of chlorine ... It becomes pleasant to drink, it is no longer worth buying water bottles in trade. Softened, it also becomes less harmful to your health: no more discomfort like eczema.  
   
• If you are a tea and coffee lover and you use tap water to prepare them, you will see that in the presence of a softener, they will have much more taste!   

Is regular maintenance necessary?

Yes but, good news, this is not going to ask you too much investment!

About every 4 months you will need to check the salt level in the bin : to recover, do not wait until there are more. Do this instead when the tray is only 1/3 full. As you will see, the salt to use is not the same as the one you have in your kitchen: here it is in the form of pellets, and is specially designed for softeners.

A complete maintenance must be carried out annually by a specialist , to ensure the perfect operation of your machine.

Ask a professional for installation?

Whether you are a handyman or not, this option is highly recommended. By using his services, your bill will be higher, but you will avoid any unpleasant surprises . What's more, he can also advise you on the maintenance of your softener.
 

This article was produced in collaboration with Calisel 

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