Hard water is one of the more common problems that older homes will encounter, but it can strike homes in any community that has a older water grid. In addition to being bad for your skin, hard water can also create major problems with your plumbing because it can lead to the accumulation of minerals in the pipes. While water softener systems can correct this issues, many new homeowners have important questions that they need answered when they are choosing whether to make this upgrade:
Will Soft Water Be Noticeably Different?
Some people may not realize that soft water can have a distinctly different feel to it than hard water. In particular, it is not uncommon for soft water to make your skin feel slick. While this can be somewhat unnerving, it will not usually cause any skin irritations that will need to be addressed.
Unfortunately, they may go to use the water after the softener is installed, and find that the water is too soft. Everyone's skin is slightly different, and some people may find that the standard setting for water softeners make the water too soft for their preferences. When this is the case, it is possible to increase the hardness of the water by adjusting the water softener. However, these machines are rather complex, and you will need to consult with your owner's manual to determine how to perform this step without causing damage.
Do Softener Systems Lower Your Plumbing's Water Pressure?
Some people may not want to have these systems installed because they believe that they will significantly lower the pressure of their plumbing. Often, this belief comes from visiting a friend or family member that has a water softener and noticing that the water is extremely low. However, these systems should never cause substantial losses in pressure.
If your pipes develop pressure issues, you should inspect the softener for algae. This substance can grow in the reservoir, and this may impede the water's ability to flow through the system. After cleaning the algae out, your pressure should return to normal, but if it does not, you may need to hire a professional plumber to inspect the issue.
Soft water can provide both your skin and your pipes with important benefits, but many homeowners let a lack of knowledge rob them of the benefits provided by these systems. These commonly asked questions and answers will give you a better idea of what to expect from this upgrade, which will make you a smarter homeowner when decision time arrives.
To learn more, contact a company like Johnson Water Conditioning with any questions or concerns you have.
Share2 March 2015
