Water softeners are beneficial to homeowners, especially here in Texas where hard water is quite prevalent. While making the decision to use a water softener is an easy one, there’s information you should know and contemplate before investing in one.
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What is hard water?
Hard water occurs when a water table passes through an aquifer containing minerals such as calcium and magnesium carbonates. These minerals are in chalk, marble, and limestone. When the water supply passes through these permeable rock deposits, it picks up pieces as it flows. While public water supplies are cleaned and treated, it’s common for the finished product to maintain a percentage of metals and minerals when it comes into your home.
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What is a water softener?
A water softener is a secondary treatment for your home water supply that filters hard water to remove the mineral particulates before clean water is released into your home through your plumbing. When hard water flows into one tank of your water softener, it passes through a resin bed made of tiny polystyrene beads. The calcium and magnesium in the water stick to these beads while the water picks up sodium instead.
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What does it do?
We have a big problem with hard water near Austin, as it is particularly common in the southwestern United States, . While not really detrimental to your health, carbonate build-up is detrimental to your plumbing and appliances. Water softeners protect your appliances and double their lifespan. It prevents build-up from restricting the flow of water through pipes. It also helps prevent the soapy film that builds up in your bath or shower or on your clothes in the wash.
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What size and type should you use?
In order to find the perfect fit, you’ll need to gather some information about your home water usage. First, figure out approximately how much water your family uses on a daily basis. Then, find out the flow rate by determining how many gallons per minute your water supply is able to provide. Once you have this information, you can perform a store-bought test to see how hard your water is. To skip your own calculations on water usage and testing yourself, you can schedule a free consultation with one of our water analysis professionals. We will determine how much water your family uses and test your water for hardness. With this information, we help you pick the correct size and type of water softener that suits your needs.
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Is a water softener right for you?
The best way to determine if a water softener is necessary is to test your water’s hardness. Locally, our groundwater naturally contains a lot of calcium and magnesium. If you’re a homeowner living within or around Austin, it’s an easy decision to make.
Considering a water softener to eliminate hard water stains on your dishes, soften skin, or reduce strain on your plumbing? Call our water softener experts at (512) 388-0022, and let us help you choose the perfect system to solve your hard water issues today!
