Water treatment systems, like water softeners, are useful for homeowners who have water supplies rich in minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Those materials can cause the water to stain kitchen or bathroom surfaces and prevent it from not being as effective for cleaning, laundry, or washing dishes. Softeners can filter out many of those materials and provide a purer water source. However, they don’t last forever. Here are some signs to look out for that could indicate the need for a new water treatment solution.

When to Replace Water Softeners

Buildup Around Faucets

The calcium and other minerals that hard water contains can cause a solid buildup around pipes and faucets. If you start to notice any chalky or crusty buildup forming around the faucets or shower heads, the water softener is no longer working effectively, and many of those materials it’s supposed to filter out are making their way into your water supply.

Laundry & Cleaning Issues

Hard water can’t react with soap. When you go to wash your hands or clean the dishes, the soap won’t lather well. It can also cause issues with the laundry since that soapy lather is required to fully clean clothes. If your clothes appear a bit dingy or feel itchy once you put them on after washing, the water softener may be slowing down or simply not working.

Different Taste

You can sometimes tell a difference in taste between hard and soft water. Hard water has a metallic taste. It’s not unhealthy to consume, but it can make coffee or soup taste a bit off. Drink a glass of tap water and see if it tastes at all like metal. If it does, it’s time to replace the water treatment. 

Water softeners can last for about 20 years, but if you notice any of these signs, contact Carolina Plumbing & Water Systems in Mebane, NC. These plumbers have provided a number of repair services and water treatment options, including sump pumps, water heaters, and swimming pool equipment, for the past 30 years. The company also continually updates its product line with the most innovative items on the market. Call (919) 563-3709 or contact the team online to learn more about water softeners.