A water softener is a type of whole house water filtration system that is designed for removing hard water minerals (magnesium & calcium) as well as dissolved iron and manganese from the water. Water softeners that are more efficient with both water and salt usage are preferred. While symptoms of water quality issues such as bad odors & taste, staining of laundry, bathroom fixtures, etc. are indicators of problems, the preferred starting point is to get a water test to identify the minerals or contaminants in the water and at what quantity they exist. This will lead to an effective system recommendation and route to providing your home with excellent water quality.
Hard water produces a white scale on plumbing fixtures, makes cleaning clothes more difficult, creates streaking on dishes and glasses, and makes cleaning your hair and skin well a challenge. Hard water can also damage your home’s piping distribution system if not corrected. There are high efficiency filtration solutions that will condition your water by removing these minerals through the proven ion exchange water softening process.
WATER SOFTENER SYSTEMS
HARD WATER SCALING INSIDE PLUMBING
While hard water can create aesthetic and cleaning problems, long term build-up can eventually damage piping and water using appliances. Photo below is an example of what can happen inside your piping distribution system.
OTHER WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTRATION
In addition to water softeners, there are many other types whole house water filtration systems or “point of use” systems to remove bad tastes & odors, sediment and many other objectionable minerals and contaminants in the water. Starting with a water test will lead to the right approach. For more information on bad odors & taste in your water, see the link at http://bad-odor-taste/.