Installing a water softener in your home protects your plumbing system, extends the lifespan of your appliances, enhances cleaning, and can improve overall skin and hair health by reducing mineral buildup. The water softener benefits that come along with having a whole-home water softener system are plentiful! So, if you’re tired of facing the endless battle against mineral deposits and mineral buildup in your home (the battle against hard water) and believe your family and your home will benefit from a water softener system, you’re in the right place!
What Is Hard Water?
Simply put, hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals – primarily calcium and magnesium. So why is this a problem? Great question! This is a problem that will affect your water quality because these minerals will naturally dissolve on their own into groundwater as it flows through limestone, chalk, or gypsum deposits.
Keep in mind that while hard water is okay to drink, it can lead to problems in your home – especially for plumbing, appliances, and even your skin and hair. So, it’s important to keep an eye out for the following signs of hard water.
The Most Common Signs of Hard Water
- White, Chalky Buildup on Fixtures
- Spots on Dishes and Glassware
- Soap That Won’t Lather Easily
- Dry, Itchy Skin and Dull Hair
- Faded or Stiff Laundry
- Slow or Reduced Water Flow
- Frequent Appliance Repairs
How Does a Water Softener Work?
Water softeners are designed to remove the very minerals from your system that make water hard. Water enters the softener tank where it comes into contact with tiny resin beads. These beads, usually charged with sodium ions, will target calcium and magnesium, grabbing them and removing them from the water. In exchange, the softer sodium ions are released into the water, resulting in softer water free from hard minerals.
What Are the 10 Water Softener Benefits?
- It Can Help You Save Money on Cleaning Products: Why waste money on extra cleaning products? With a water softener, you can reduce the amount of soap and detergent needed for washing – thanks to the absence of calcium and magnesium ions, which hinder lather formation.
- It Can Improve the Efficiency of Your Water Heater: Scale buildup can slash the efficiency of your water heater and affect the entire plumbing system. Don’t let costly repair bills sneak up on you! By installing a water softener, you will remove mineral ions such as calcium and magnesium. A water softener and the soft water it provides can improve your appliance’s performance as well as your drinking water. Installing a water softening system benefits your entire water supply by diminishing the chance of blockages and ensures you’re not overpaying for your gas or electric bill.
- It Can Help Treat Skin Conditions: Softened water may bring relief from dry skin or eczema, by reducing the need for excessive amounts of soap that can irritate the skin. Plus, the softness of the water is gentle on clothing, potentially reducing skin irritation commonly exacerbated by hard water.
In addition to softer skin that has more of its own natural oils, washing dishes will be a whole new experience, and scale buildup and soap scum issues will be a thing of the past. You’ll enjoy better-tasting water, better skin and hair, brighter laundry, improved appliance efficiency, and no more negative effects of hard water.
- It Eliminates Bad Hair Days: Tired of your hair feeling rough and difficult to manage? The use of a water softener can rid your water of harsh minerals, leaving your hair softer, more vibrant, and easier to manage. They improve your hair’s pH level as well. In addition to healthier hair, you’ll notice a difference in energy efficiency and healthier skin.
- It Can Help Reduce Cleaning Time: Cut back on the time you spend scrubbing and enjoy cleaner dishes by having to use less soap and less time cleaning plumbing fixtures! Another benefit of a water softener system is that it helps remove calcium and sodium ions that plague laundry machines and coffee makers and cause a cloudy appearance.
Because water softener systems interact better with cleaning products, it makes eliminating grime and dirt easier. Say goodbye to tedious cleaning and hello to more free time with a water softener system from Five Star!
- It Leads to Cleaner Laundry & Dishes: Did you know that aluminum, mineral-free water reduces soap scum on skin, dishes, and laundry? By having a water softener installed, you can keep your clothes looking bright and your dishes sparkling. In addition, soft water also helps prevent the dinginess often caused by washing in hard water, extending the life of your clothes and kitchenware.
- It Results in Tastier Food & Drink: Hard water can also negatively affect the taste of your food and drinks? With soft water, you can enjoy the pure, unaltered taste of your drinking water for meals and beverages.
- It Helps Protects Your Appliances: As we’ve discussed, mineral build-up is notorious for shortening the lifespan of household appliances that use your plumbing system water. By installing a water softener, you can guard against premature wear and tear, further saving on potential future replacement costs.
- It Provides a More Luxurious Bathing/Showering Experience: Elevate your bathing regimen to a spa-like level with softer water, which provides a more luxurious lather and leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
- It Will Give You a Streak-free Car Wash: If you wash your car at home, you’ll enjoy the benefits a water softener can have on your vehicle as well. You’ll achieve professional-quality shine when washing your vehicle as softened water eliminates spotty residue, ensuring your wheels have a gleaming, streak-free finish.
What Is the Water Like in Ohio?
Here’s a quick overview of the water hardness in our service area locations throughout Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton, Ohio:
- Columbus, Ohio: The city of Columbus softens its water on average to about 120 parts per million (ppm), which is approximately 7 grains per gallon.
- Cincinnati, Ohio: The water hardness in Cincinnati is about 124.5 parts per million (ppm), which is around 7.3 grains per gallon.
- Dayton, Ohio: Dayton, Ohio’s water hardness runs around 155 parts per million (ppm), which equals 9.1 grains per gallon.
We recently visited a home in Dayton where the homeowner’s dishwasher had been leaving cloudy spots and taking forever to finish cycles. After a quick inspection, we discovered heavy mineral buildup from hard water had gummed up the internal components. We installed a water softener, flushed the system, and just a week later, the homeowner told us her dishes were sparkling – today her dishwasher cycles were running like new and she is enjoying all the water softener benefits!
What Are Your Next Steps to Raise Your Water Quality?
If you’re considering a water softener and would like to start seeing some of those water softener benefits for yourself, you should start by testing your water hardness. Most home improvement stores sell simple test kits.
Use those results to guide your choice.
- For moderate to high hardness (over 7 gpg): a salt-based softener is typically the most effective.
- For low to moderate hardness: or if you prefer lower maintenance, consider a salt – free conditioner – ideal for reducing scale, not removing minerals.
Don’t want to take a go at it alone? We got you! You can schedule a free professional test with Five Star. Simply schedule your free water quality test with us, and we’ll do the rest.
From extending the lifespan of your home appliances to gaining softer, healthier hair, there are numerous water softener benefits that can come along with having a water softener installed. We know there’s a lot of information out there about water quality and softening systems – but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Five Star Home Services, we’re here to make the process simple, clear, and stress-free, every step of the way.
If You’re Ready for Softer Water, Just Call Five Star
Want to protect your appliances and enjoy softer water? Whether you live in Columbus, Cincinnati, or Dayton, Ohio, we are here to help! Don’t waste another minute to get the water softener benefits you deserve. You deserve high-quality water! Schedule your free water quality test today! Our experts are standing by to guide you toward a future free from the hassles of hard water.
You can also contact us at your convenience by calling (833) 405-8009. We’re here to help guide you in making the changes that make a difference!
FAQs
- What is water hardness?
Water hardness refers to the amount of dissolved minerals – mainly calcium and magnesium – that are found in your water. Hard water isn’t dangerous, but it can cause buildup in plumbing, reduce soap efficiency, and leave spots on dishes and fixtures. Over time, this buildup can damage appliances and ultimately reduce their lifespan.
- How does a water softener help appliances?
A water softener removes those hard minerals, helping protect your appliances like dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines. Without the mineral buildup, your appliances run more efficiently, last longer, and use less energy, saving you money in the long run.
- How often should I refill salt in my water softener?
Most homeowners need to refill the salt in their water softener about once a month, but this can vary based on your water usage and system size. It’s a good idea to check the salt level every few weeks. A general rule of thumb is that if the tank is less than half full, it’s time to top it off.
- Can I install a water softener myself?
While some DIY-savvy homeowners can install a water softener, it’s not recommended unless you’re experienced with plumbing and local code requirements. A professional installation ensures the system is set up correctly, efficiently, and safely, protecting your investment and your home.
