If you live in Chicago or own a home in the city, you are probably familiar with how hard it can be to get your soap to foam every time you wash or bathe with tap water. This problem happens because most of Chicago’s water supply is “hard”, explains Dawson Management.
Hardness is a strange term associated with water, but what does it mean?
Hard water refers to a situation where the water supply in a certain area has extraordinarily high concentrations of dissolved mineral salts. The commonest mineral ions in hard water are calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+).
The high mineral content of hard water does not threaten human health, but it can create problems for homeowners. Hard water can turn simple everyday activities like laundry and doing the dishes into time-consuming and costly chores.
How hard water affects your home and lifestyle
Hard water will create the following problems for your family:
Increased rate of scale buildup
The salts in hard water get deposited in your water pipes and appliances as the water passes through them. Over time, your plumbing becomes more vulnerable to clogging, and your appliances are more likely to wear out faster.
Soap scum and water spots
Calcium ions in hard water react with soap to form a sticky insoluble substance known as “soap scum.” Soap scum creates a mess by sticking to shower walls and curtains. It lines the sides of drainpipes to make them prone to clogging. Hard water also leaves ugly spots and stains on silverware, dishes, and glass surfaces.
Difficulties with laundry and cleaning
If water is hard, soaps and detergents become less effective. When washing or bathing, you have to use more soap to get a decent lather. Hard water also reduces the lifespan of your clothes by damaging the fabric.
Hair and skincare issues
Washing and rinsing your hair or skin is more work when the water is hard. For some people, hard water will even cause skin dryness or irritation. It can also cause hair loss problems by making hair brittle and prone to breaking.
Fixing your home’s hard water issues reduces the stress on your plumbing, thereby cutting the rate of wear and tear.
What can you do about water hardness in your Chicago home?
There is a lot of evidence that installing a water softener in your Chicago home will help you solve the problems caused by water hardness. Water softeners make your life easier by getting rid of the salt ions in hard water before they can damage your property.
There are different types of water softeners in the market – salt-based, salt-free, or dual-tank water softeners and more – but most work by replacing the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water with sodium and potassium ions. This process is called ion exchange.
Will installing a water softener in your home help you save money?
The answer is a resounding Yes! As explained above, hard water causes a long list of problems that act as a constant drain on your energy and finances. Whatever helps you solve these problems will also save you money. Here are ways that a water softener can help you save money:
Reduced maintenance costs
Fixing your home’s hard water issues reduces the stress on your plumbing, thereby cutting the rate of wear and tear. Your plumbing will perform better, and you will spend less on repairs and replacements.
Use less soap and detergents
Hard water forces you to waste vast amounts of soap and detergent to wash your clothes and dishes or clean soap scum from bathroom walls. A water softener will help you cut this waste and allow you to redirect your time to other activities.
Protect your appliances
Your dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater will last longer when they don’t have to deal with the stresses caused by hard water. The reduced rate of wear and tear means you don’t have to worry about frequent breakdowns and repairs.
Protect your hair, skin, and clothes
Your hair and skin will be cleaner. Your clothes will also look cleaner and last longer. These will not only save you money but can have a remarkable impact on your confidence and overall well-being.
Lower energy cost
Most water softeners come with energy-efficient features that help you cut your electricity consumption. Lower utility bills mean having more money for other essential things.
What should you know before you install a water softener?
As already stated, water softeners come in different types, and their performance varies. The right water softener for your home depends on the severity of the water’s hardness. Your household habits also matter when buying a water softener for your home.
Another vital factor to consider when buying a water softener is the maintenance requirements of the equipment. It is advisable to talk to a reputable plumber in the Chicagoland area to help you navigate these issues before installing a water softener in your home.