Staying hydrated is crucial in the summer, but water that looks cloudy or tastes chalky is unappealing to drink. You might also find that it leaves a white film on your glass—and all the plumbing fixtures. Fortunately, there are water treatment options for removing excess minerals. Here are a few of the most common questions homeowners have about water softeners.

Water Softener FAQ

What is hard water?

Hard water refers to water that has a high mineral content, typically calcium and limestone. These minerals collect on surfaces when water evaporates, leaving behind streaks called scale. You can see these on dishes, glass shower doors, and even the inside of your washing machine and dishwasher. You may also notice that your skin, hair, and clothing don’t feel as clean as they used to.

How does a water softener fix this problem?

This water treatment system consists of a mineral tank that holds resin beads and a pump system that transports water from the main supply to your tap. The beads help change the mineral content of water by forming ionic bonds with the calcium and magnesium. This effectively removes the unwanted dissolved compounds from your water, giving you a cleaner, fresher supply.

What are my filtration options?

Water softeners use different forms of salt resin to alter the mineral content of your water. Homeowners can choose from rock salt, solar salt, or evaporated salt. Rock salt is a naturally occurring mineral that is made almost entirely of sodium chloride. Solar salt comes from evaporated seawater and is mostly sodium chloride with other natural minerals mixed in. Evaporated salt is mined from underground deposits of dissolving salt and contains the highest concentration of sodium chloride. If you have concerns about your sodium intake, then you may want to avoid drinking from the faucets or look for a water treatment system that uses potassium chloride instead of salt.

Why do I still see stains?

Water softeners are usually effective at removing a compound called ferrous iron, but this depends on the hardness of your water. The harder your water is, the better the softener will be at getting rid of these compounds. Soluble iron, also known as clear water iron, will turn a reddish color when exposed to air. The particles are very small and may pass through the water treatment system. Colloidal iron also consists of fine particles that can pass through filters, making water look cloudy. This may require extra chlorination to remove.

If you’re frustrated by mineral scale on your dishes and plumbing fixtures, reach out to the experts at Oehler Pump & Well Service. They’ve been helping families throughout the Greater Charlotte, NC, area for over 45 years. They’re proud to be certified and licensed by the state’s Well Contractors Certification Commission. Visit them online to learn more about their water treatment options, and call (704) 875-2209 to request an estimate.