What Size Water Softener Do You Need?

Not all water tastes the same. Nor does all water look or feel the same. This is partly due to the minerals found in the water. For example, hard water has high mineral content. Largely made up of calcium and magnesium, the excess mineral composition can change the taste, appearance, and even the feel of water. If you have ever noticed chalky stains on your faucets, sinks, or silverware, then you might have an idea of what we are talking about. Luckily, there is something that can help. A water softener helps remove those surplus minerals. Local plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing are happy to help with water softener installations, replacements, and repairs. Continue reading to learn more about choosing a water softener.

Risks of Hard Water

We already mentioned that hard water leaves stains on faucets, sinks, and silverware, but there is more. The many minerals in hard water dont allow cleansing products to completely dissolve. That means those dishes in the dishwasher, your clothes in the laundry, and your hands wont be getting as clean as they should.

The chalky residue we mentioned earlier does not only affect your appliances and dishes. Mineral buildup in your pipes and drains can lead to blockages. As you know, clogs cause undue pressure on the pipes and can result in cracked, leaking, or burst pipes, shortening the life expectancy of your plumbing system.

Worse, hard water can irritate skin and has been linked to eczema in children. Though the risk of health complications due to hard water are low, there are studies that show exposure to extreme water hardness can negatively impact several organs in the body. Heart disease and high blood pressure can be caused by drinking hard water. Hard water is also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Water Softener Can Help!

There is good news. There are filtration systems that can eliminate excess minerals in your water. Water softeners are whole-house filtration systems that remove calcium and magnesium minerals through a process call ion exchange. Heres how it works.

When hard water enters the system, it flows through sections of resin beads in the softener tank. As water passes through the softener tank, the positively charged minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and sodium attach to the negatively charged tank. The softened water then continues through the plumbing system and is distributed throughout your building.

Every three to four days, the water softener draws salt water from the brine tank to negatively charge the softener tank and release the positively charged minerals. As the minerals are released, they are flushed out of the system through the plumbing system.

What Size to Get?

Choosing the size of your water softener depends on two primary factors: the size of your household and the grains of hardness in your water. Usually, a 32,000-grain water softener can take care of a family of four. If you want a more specific answer, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to get in touch with a courteous representative.

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