Water Softeners Myths Busted

Most water in the U.S.—whether you have city water or well water—is hard. Did you know that hard water can wear out a water heater in less than two years? This is just one of the reasons why it’s essential to install a water softener.

Water Softener repair & Installations in FloridaHard water is tough on pipes, appliances, and even hair and skin. Unfortunately, many people avoid getting a water softener because they’ve heard negative messages about them. There are many common myths about water softeners. Most are based on a misunderstanding about how a water softener works. Read on to find out the truth!

Softener turns your water into saltwater.

This is one of the most common myths about water softeners. The reason many people believe this is because water softener systems require softening salts. Many people think that this salt ends up in the water that comes out of your faucet, but it doesn’t.

Water softeners use an ion exchange process to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium. This process happens in a tank within the system that’s filled with resins. The resins are charged by salt (sodium chloride). As hard water moved through the tank, the hard minerals swap places with the sodium in the resin beads. The minerals stay behind in the tub while a small amount of sodium (not sodium chloride) flows out of the tank.

Though soft water contains sodium, it doesn’t contain salt. It will not have a salty taste. According to the Water Quality Association, the amount of sodium in softened water is minuscule, especially when you compare it to any dietary source of sodium.

Soft water isn’t healthy to drink.

Some people claim that soft water strips valuable nutrients from the water, while others claim that it has unsafe sodium levels. Neither is accurate.

Hard minerals, like calcium and magnesium, are healthy to consume, but water isn’t a good source. The calcium and magnesium in water aren’t the same as the calcium and magnesium in food. In water, they are raw inorganic minerals that are hard for human bodies to digest. Removing these minerals from your water won’t impact your health.

According to Mayo Clinic, the sodium in softened water is unlikely to have any impact on your health. Most food and drinks have far more sodium than soft water. The only instance when it might be detrimental is if you are on an extremely sodium-restricted diet. In that case, you should drink water that has been purified by a reverse osmosis filter.

Water softeners can do the job of a water purifier.

Home Water Treatment Services in FloridaSince softened water can taste better than hard water, some people believe it also purifies water. But it doesn’t.

The only inorganic materials that a water softener removes are minerals. Water purifiers remove many other contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. If you are concerned about the safety of your water, a water purifier is a smart investment.

Soft water makes skin feel filmy.

If you are used to bathing in hard water, soft water may seem like it leaves your skin feeling slick. Many people think it’s leaving a film on their skin. It’s actually doing the opposite. It’s removing filmy residue.

Hard water doesn’t react well to soaps and detergents. It leaves behind soap scum that dries out your skin and clogs up your pores. (This is what can make clothes feel stiff.) When you switch to soft water, it will soften your skin by removing the soap scum. It will also open your pores, allowing your natural oils to come out. This is what can make your newly-moisture skin feel slick.

A water softener is a waste of money and energy.

This myth is totally false. A water softener is a smart investment for any home with hard water.

The energy used to power a water softener is made up for by the improved efficiency of your water-based appliances. Dishwashers, laundry machines, water heaters, and coffee makers run at optimal efficiency with soft water. In contrast, a water heater in a home with hard water can be nearly 50% less efficient. Calcium deposits in pipes and faucets can even slow water pressure to a trickle. Soft water prevents these problems, cutting down on both your utility costs.

On top of these energy savings, a water softener saves your money by extending your appliances’ lives. Without scale build-up from hard water, pipes, and machines last longer. You also won’t have to buy as much soap and detergent.

Don’t buy into the myths! A water softener is a wise investment. If you want to learn more, contact us! We have more than 30 years of experience providing customers with soft, safe water!