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Texas is one of the US states that have above 180 milligrams of hard water. This range is considered high so that you may start to notice its effects on the quality of your life. Hard water is not bad for your health; however, it may not be beneficial for you. The solution is to install a water softener. Talk to a plumber in Benbrook, TX if you want to know more about the installation of this device.

This article discusses how a water softener can help with your hard water problems.

Effects of Hard Water

It’s generally safe to drink hard water. There are just a few downsides to using and consuming hard water in your homes.

Wreak Havoc on Your Plumbing

Are you still using older or steel pipes in your homes? Hard water will eventually lead to the build-up of scales in your pipes that will eventually lead to a clog. Hard water can also clog up your showerheads.

Unpleasant Water Taste

You may not like either the odor or the taste of hard water. When it tastes like metal, it’s likely that it contains iron or when it tastes dirty, there could be a build-up of sediment in your pipes. You will need to call a plumber in Benbrook, TX right away so they can do a thorough inspection of your pipes, give you a proper diagnosis and work on the best solution. A water softener should be able to solve this problem.

It Takes a Long Time to Shower

Soap and minerals do not really go together. It will make it harder for you to wash. You may even get a lot of soap residue on your skin if you do not wash it properly. Also, taking a long time to shower wastes hundreds of gallons of water a month. That could lead to higher water bills. In addition, your showerhead may get clogged up due to hard water. At first, you will experience low water pressure that will eventually lead to clogging. You can talk to a plumber for an installation of a water softener.

You See Soap Scum in Your Dishes

Do you see those white spots in your dishes? The hard water is causing that, not the dishwasher. Those white spots in your pots and pans are the calcium deposits from the hard water. You can get rid of that after several washings that would only lead to more water usage and higher bills. You can completely avoid this when you call a plumber for a water softener installation for your home.

Clothes Are Not Thoroughly Cleaned

Have you tried too much detergent on your soap in the washer? How did it end up? Did you need to wash them again to get rid of the detergent? When your clothes are not thoroughly cleaned, there will be a build-up of soil in your clothes. That happens when you wash it with hard water. Chances are the fabric may become rough and your towel scratchy. Also, there might be a need for you to buy a special detergent for it, which means more money out of your pocket. In a worst-case scenario, it may even lead to the yellowing of your whites. To prevent this, consider installing a water softener for your home. Do make sure that you hire a licensed plumber to ensure the proper installation of your appliance.

Appliance Issues

Hard water also affects your appliances especially your water heater and your dishwasher. When there is a mineral buildup in the water heater tank and you do not flush it out, your heater will begin to lose its efficiency. Of course, you will need to do proper maintenance so your heater still works properly and it lasts longer.

Skin Problems

Using hard water leaves residues in your skin that will cause itchiness. The minerals may also suck out the moisture from your skin, leaving it so dry. If you want to avoid having skin issues with hard water, consider calling a plumber for an installation of a water softener in your home.

It’s not bad to drink hard water. But if you want more benefits from water, consider installing a water softener. Do make sure to hire only a licensed plumber to ensure proper installation.

Benefits of Water Softener

The quality of your life will improve when you start to use soft water in your homes. Below are some of its benefits:

Softer Skin and Healthier Skin

You may blame the drier skin or the fuzzy hair in your cosmetic products when in truth, it’s the hard water that’s causing the skin and hair issues. Showering with hard water may still leave soap residue on your skin and washing your hair with it will cause it to become dull and damaged. Even if you use the best skincare and hair products, that may not completely resolve the problem. With the water softener, you will start to see improvement in your skin and hair. Your skin will look healthier and feel softer, and your hair stronger.

Cleaner and Softer Fabrics

Do not blame the detergent why your soft sweater now feels rough on your skin. That is because you washed in hard water – which eventually damages your clothes’ fabrics. With the water softener, you are sure that the clothes are properly and thoroughly cleaned and you won’t need to use several gallons of water when washing them.

No Stains on Dishes

With a water softener installed, you won’t have to worry about those pots and pans or dishes with stains in them. That won’t happen when you wash them with soft water. Also, there will be no need for frequent cleaning of your appliances with a water softener installed.

More Money Savings

With hard water, it will require several gallons of water just to make sure that the dishes and clothes are properly cleaned. You won’t need to do this when you install a water softener in your home. That means lower water bills. The hard water will cause sediment buildup in the tanks, which will make it work harder. Eventually, it’s going to break down. Thankfully, you won’t have to experience this problem when you get a water softener for your home. Do make sure you still do proper maintenance of your water heater to ensure that it works efficiently. Always work with a licensed plumber in the installation of your water heater.

The high cost of installing a water softener is a disadvantage. However, the pros far outweigh the cons. If you want to know your option on the type of water softener to install for your home, don’t forget to talk to a plumber in Benbrook, TX.

Types of Water Softeners

There are two types of water softeners that you can have for your home: the cabinet models or the side by side models.

The salt tank of a cabinet style water softener is confined inside a cabinet – which means it will be a little bulky for your home. With the tank confined inside, it will be a little messy to clean it. Make sure that you use good salt, preferably evaporated salt pellets to ensure that your water softener is working efficiently. The side-by-side model on the other hand has the brine tank separate from its resin tank. To find out which water softener you should get for your home, talk to a licensed plumber in your area.

Maintaining Your Water Softener

To ensure that your water softener works efficiently, do not forget to perform proper maintenance of your appliance. Regular maintenance also prolongs the lifespan of your water softener. Below are some tips to help you maintain your water softener. You may hire a professional plumber in Benbrook, TX if you need help in maintaining your water softener.

Read the Manual

After installation by a licensed plumber in Benbrook, TX, you as a homeowner must take the time to read the entire manual. Reading will educate you on how the water softener works, it’s important parts and how to clean them.

There is a need to clean your water softener every 6 weeks or two months, depending on how long you have been using your appliance or when you think there may be a problem with it. Always speak with a plumber if you do not know how to troubleshoot and even diagnose a problem.

Use Good Salt and Check Salt Levels Regularly

Cubes and crystals are the types of salts suitable for your water softener. No, you shouldn’t use your cooking salt for the water softener. You can check the manufacturer manual as to which salt you should use for the appliance. Another option is to speak with a plumber in Benbrook, TX for advice.

Make sure that you also check the salt level in the brine tank. When it decreases, that means that you will start to get hard water. You can completely avoid this when you regularly check your tank for salt levels. Just open the tank’s lid and check if salt is still covered in water. If it’s dry, you need to refill the brine tank with salt.

You need to take extra care of your water softener when it’s more than 10 years old. Talk to a plumber in Benbrook, TX immediately if you think there is a problem with the water softener. It’s always best to resolve the problem early so it doesn’t become a plumbing emergency which will even cost you more down the road.

Clean the Brine Tank Regularly

It is not enough to just check the salt levels of your water softener. As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to also periodically check the appliance itself. If you keep using your water softener without regular maintenance, chances are there may be a build-up of salt inside the tank. This is called Bridging — and it interferes with the water softening process.

Read your manual so you know how to clean your water softener. You can also ask a plumber in Benbrook, TX to teach you how. Just take the lid off and remove all the particles inside. You may use a mild detergent, brush and water for cleaning your water softener. Do this regularly to prevent mold buildup in your appliance. When there is mold, feel free to use a mold remover. Rinse the tank and then refill it with the right kind of salt.

Flush the Resin Bed

When the resin beads in your water softener’s tank are in contact with organic compounds such as iron or heavy metals, they bind to them and should be removed from the tank. This bead collection is called resin bed and they should be removed from the tank. Otherwise, your water softener will lose its efficiency.

While you need to know how to properly maintain your water softener, it’s still best to hire a professional plumber for professional cleaning of your appliance.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth

Because of the advantages and the benefits of using water softeners, we would highly recommend it to homeowners. The installation cost may be a little higher, but with its benefits — you get to save more money in the long run. Also, you won’t have to experience problems related to hard water.

Are you ready to install a water softener for your home? Do not hesitate to give us a call! Our plumbers have experience installing different models of water softeners. They are also very knowledgeable about how a water softener works. If you need a plumber in Benbrook, TX, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth. We are always ready to assist you and our professional staff will make sure that you have an exceptional experience with us.

Call us today for an appointment.