Hard water can put a significant strain on your plumbing system. The problem begins when the water’s excessive quantities of calcium and magnesium—the elements that make it “hard”—accumulate in the pipes and affect the fixtures and appliances. Water softeners are designed to trap the minerals and protect your home from buildup. Here are three reasons to consider this useful device.

Why Install a Water Softener?

1. Protect Appliances

Over time, mineral ions build up in appliances that use water, like dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators. If enough of the material accumulates in the pipes, water can’t flow through efficiently.

The appliance has to work harder and use more energy as a result, which can drive up utility costs significantly. It may also lead to premature failure due to overuse. Scaly buildup can even accumulate in smaller appliances, like coffee machines, and impact their longevity.

2. Soften Clothes

You might not even realize that your clothes could be softer after washing. However, hard water can leave deposits behind on laundry loads. Mineral buildup on these delicate fabrics will eventually cause colors to become lackluster and fade.

You might even notice that previously bright whites appear slightly dingy after repeated washes. Water softeners reduce the strain on your clothes significantly. Water dissolves more efficiently—without the aggressive mineral composition that takes away from the quality of the fabrics.

3. Enjoy Cleaner Dishes

It’s frustrating to run a load of dishes in the dishwasher, only to discover that they appear cloudy or have a whitish cast on the surface. As the water evaporates, the stains become more obvious. They don’t just affect the dishes, either; stains can develop on the dishwasher’s surfaces and create an unsightly appearance, too. 

While there are detergents formulated with sodium to reverse the effects of the excess mineral content in the water, you need to address the root cause. Softening the water itself is the solution, since you’ll eliminate the odds of buildup on both the dishes and the appliance.

If your home has hard water, turn to the professionals at H2O Specialists in Kerrville, TX. Serving the community since 1999, they install high-quality water softeners that will protect the integrity of your appliances and improve the condition of your dishes and laundry. You can also trust these experienced plumbers to handle other concerns, including drain cleaning, plumbing repairs, and drinking water system installation. Visit the website for information, or call them at (830) 895-7575 to schedule an appointment.