"Hard" water has an excess of calcium and magnesium that it picked up while making its way underground to an aquifer. Hard water can lead to a number of household problems that are more annoying than dangerous. Fortunately, there is an effective and affordable solution: a water softener. If you are unfamiliar with the effects of hard water, here’s what you should know.

What Is a Water Softener?

The water softener is a mechanical device attached to the water input of your home. It operates on a principle called "ion exchange," in which it trades out the magnesium and calcium in the source water for sodium, which is found in saltwater. The device features a tank containing polystyrene beads, which carry a negative charge. The minerals in hard water, on the other hand, carry a positive charge and attach themselves to the beads, displacing the sodium ions that previously attached themselves during a saltwater bath. Sodium enters the drinking water while the hard minerals stay on the beads. Once saturated with magnesium and calcium, the beads are again flushed with saltwater to displace the minerals and ready them for the next use.

Why Is a Water Softener Necessary?

Hard water can cause stains and chalky, white buildup—limescale— in your sinks and bathtubs. Both are very difficult to remove. The mineral content also tends to neutralize cleaning detergents, so your clothes may come out of the washer not completely clean or even gray. Hard water causes wear and tear on your appliances, including the water heater, and can noticeably shorten their lives. Finally, it can clog your pipes and lead to greater water use and higher bills. A water softener can solve all of these problems for the cost of some salt and about 25 gallons of water a day to flush the beads.

If you've noticed scale build up or stains in your sinks and bathtubs or your laundry comes out gray and dingy, a water softener can likely help. For installation, contact Niebuhr Plumbing & Heating. They’ve been serving customers in and around La Crosse County, WI, for nearly 120 years, and they offer expert HVAC repair and plumbing service. Visit their website to message them or call (608) 782-1700 to discuss solutions to your hard water problem.