A lot of Utah homeowners are confused about water softeners, so we’re clearing the air when it comes to certain myths you should know about!
It’s likely that you’ve considered purchasing water softeners but were then turned off by something you read online, but it’s important for home and business owners to understand how a lot of negative information about water softeners is actually false or incomplete.
So on this page the Master Plumbers at Beehive Plumbing are taking a closer look at some of the common myths about water softeners, which should clear the air when it comes to knowing the truth about this cutting-edge plumbing technology!
Common Myths Associated With Soft Water And Water Softeners
The following are 6 myths about water softeners that you should know about:
Myth #1: Soft Water Entails Salt
This is one of the most common misunderstandings when it comes to soft water and water softeners, and this pertains to a lack of understanding about the ion-exchange process that’s a big part of how this technology works.
There is a backwash cycle process within water softening that uses sodium chloride (salt) to wash away magnesium, calcium and other hard minerals from a home’s water supply. But what happens is that the chloride will get washed away along with the magnesium and calcium, which only leaves traces of sodium behind.
But sodium is NOT salt, and you’ll never have to worry about your soft water having any kind of salty taste to it.
Myth #2: Sodium Levels In Soft Water Are Unhealthy
A lot of people get turned off from water softeners because they believe the sodium levels will actually be unhealthy for them, which of course would be alarming if it actually were true.
But the truth is that the traces of sodium found in soft water are very miniscule and wouldn’t even reach the level of “Low Sodium” by the FDA. You’ll never have water that exceeds 30 grains of salt per gallon, and you can also eliminate this potential of increased sodium levels in you water supply by implementing a reverse osmosis system.
Reverse osmosis water systems are highly recommended along with water softeners for many different reasons, and this is primarily because municipal water supplies aren’t usually the cleanest!
Myth #3: It’s A Good Option To Get A “Salt-Free Water Softener”
It’s important for homeowners to realize that a salt-free water softener will not do enough when it comes to effectively eliminating magnesium and calcium from your water supply. What has been found with these types of water softeners is that they’ll only be effective within very specific circumstances, which of course don’t always pan out for every home or business!
The truth is that there’s no such thing as a “salt-free water softener”. Water softeners are always technically supposed to be used to eliminate excess amounts of calcium and magnesium within a property’s water supply, so any type of “salt-free” option will only suspend these mineral deposits while not actually eliminating them.
Myth #4: Soft Water Doesn’t Do A Good Job At Properly Rinsing Soap
A lot of people simply get used to their soap coming off their skin through hard water forces, so they can question the effectiveness of soft water particularly when they’re left with a slick feeling after showering.
The truth is that this “slick feeling” is actually the natural feeling of human skin as it combines with our body’s oils, so there’s nothing wrong with soft water when it comes to properly rinsing soap during a shower or bath!
Myth #5: Municipal Water Supplies Don’t Need Water Softeners
Most cities throughout the United States provide hard water, and the amount of hardness within your home’s municipal water supply will largely depend upon where you live. Northern Utah just so happens to be one of the areas of the country in which hard water is a serious issue, which is why we’re constantly helping people with tub and shower repairs!
Some of the common issues associated with hard water supplies include the following:
- Stiff, effected laundry
- Mineral deposits on glassware and dishes
- Increased need for fabric softeners and soap usage
- Itchy, dry skin and scalp areas
- Hair that becomes unmanageable
- Extra cleaning needs to remove soap scum from showers and bathtubs
- Higher energy and water bill costs
- Scale buildup throughout a property’s plumbing system
So it really couldn’t be further from the truth when someone says that your municipal water supply is fine and doesn’t require a water softener, and getting a water softener can have a positive ripple effect throughout many areas of your life!
Myth #6: Water Softeners Waste Energy
The truth is that you water softener will greatly benefit all of your household appliances that utilize water, and neglecting hard water can lead to many different problems throughout your home.
There are many instances in which a water heater replacement and repairs are needed because a homeowner didn’t do anything about their hard water supply, so neglecting your need for a water softener can end up costing you so much more in the long run.
Water softeners also support the overall efficiency of your plumbing appliances by eliminating the risks of scale buildup. Scale buildup is a very serious plumbing problem that is many times rooted in the effects of hard water, so you can actually increase appliance lifetimes and reduce your monthly utility costs by installing a water softener at your home or business!
Reach Out To The Plumbing Specialists At Beehive Plumbing To Learn More About Our Water Softeners!
Beehive Plumbing has been supporting countless homes and businesses throughout Northern Utah when it comes to installing and maintaining water softeners, and we’ll always be here for you when it comes to answering any questions/concerns you have about this state-of-the-art plumbing technology.
So always feel free to reach out to us online or call us at 801-661-8155 to get in touch with our plumbing experts who will help you better understand how our water softeners can do wonders for your property’s plumbing system!
