Most homes in Indianapolis, IN have hard water. This means the water has high concentrations of certain dissolved minerals. Hard water can cause a variety of issues within a household, ranging from inconveniences to significant plumbing problems. This leads many homeowners to ask, “Do I need a water softener?” Mission Mechanical shares more information about the water quality in our area and how your household can benefit from water softener installation.
Hard Water in Central Indiana
Across the Central Indiana region, hard water is quite common. Hard water is water containing concentrations of dissolved minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and iron salts. In our area, water hardness is typically in the range of 200 to 350 milligrams per liter, also expressed as parts per million (ppm).
So what’s the problem with hard water? When a home’s water supply is quite hard, the household can experience a variety of issues. The dissolved minerals in the water supply can react with household cleaners, causing cleaners not to work properly which in turn leads to using more cleaning solution. Soap scum forms on surfaces, from your bathtub to your dishes and clothing, and hard water can even cause soap film to stick around in your hair after a shower.
While those issues don’t seem very severe, the biggest issue with hard water is the mineral scale it causes in your plumbing appliances and pipes. Mineral deposits decrease the function of your appliances such as the water heater and plumbing fixtures, also causing them to wear out early and require more frequent replacement.
Water Softeners for Hard Water
Hard water can be treated by using a water softener. A water softener is a type of water treatment system that uses ion exchange to reduce the amount of calcium and magnesium ions in the water supply. Most systems are installed to treat all water coming into a home, which means soft water flows through pipes to taps and appliances.
Benefits of Water Softener Installation
Water softener systems are very helpful in homes throughout the Indianapolis area due to the natural hardness of our water. Adding a water softener to your home will certainly benefit your family.
To help you decide if you need a water softener, here are some of the great benefits these devices provide.
- Soft water is better for plumbing systems and appliances. Water-using appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers, as well as your pipes and plumbing fixtures, will last longer thanks to a water treatment system. A water softener’s treatment keeps pipes from clogging, meaning you can avoid the huge expense of ruined appliances and costly plumbing repairs.
- Water softeners help eliminate the foul odors and tastes that can come with hard water. A water softener system removes excess minerals, so your water supply is healthier and better-tasting.
- Hard water is notorious for creating water spots on glasses, dishes, and utensils. Even when you wash your dishes by hand with a sponge and soap, you may notice water spots left behind. Water softeners remove minerals in your water that cause the spots, so your dishes appear cleaner.
- Removing hardness from your water supply helps your skin and hair get cleaner and feel healthier. Soap lathers better in water without a high mineral content, and doesn’t leave a soapy film behind on your skin and hair. Soft water also makes you less susceptible to acne and body odor. And lastly, soft water can give your hair a healthy shine, making it look more natural and vibrant.
- The money you spend on a water softener is an investment in your household’s health and happiness, but this investment will also pay you back. You’ll save money on your utility bills through reduced water consumption and more efficient water heating, and reduce the cost and frequency of replacing appliances that were prematurely worn out due to hard water. Cleaning will require less soap which also helps you save, and your clothing will last longer so you get more life out of these purchases.
Do I Need a Water Softener? Ask the Pros!
If you’re wondering whether you need a water softener, Mission Mechanical is here to help you answer that important question. Contact us today to learn more about hard water in the home and request an estimate for Indianapolis water softener installation.
