Benefits of Using a Water Softener
It’s inexpensive to operate a water softener. It consumes less than $3 in electricity per year.2
A water softener only requires about 2.5 pounds of salt. That’s 80 percent less salt than dial-style softeners.
Soft water can make cleaning easier, help your appliances last longer and help you avoid plumbing clogs.
Clog-Free Plumbing and Fixtures
Soft water helps water flow freely in plumbing. Hard water causes mineral coatings to build up in your pipes and fixtures. This can lead to clogs and lower water pressure.
Showerheads in homes with hard water can lose 75 percent of their flow rate in fewer than 18 months. Soft water preserves the brilliance and full flow for faucets and showerheads, nearly as well as the day they were installed.
Soft water is doesn’t have a lot of minerals. It doesn’t leave deposits in pipes or restrict water flow in fixtures.
Longer-Lasting Appliances
Over time, hard water can cause minerals to accumulate in your washing machine and dishwasher.
The mineral deposits in hard water form limescale when heated. This can cover the heating elements in your appliances, reducing life span and efficiency.
As a result, your appliances may need regular repairs or need to be replaced ahead of time.
Efficient Water Heaters
Soft water maintains the efficiency of water heaters.
Gas storage and tankless water heaters operating on soft water hold on to the factory efficiency rating over a 15-year lifetime. In comparison, using hard water for a gas water heater can cut efficiency by up to 48 percent.
If you own an electric water heater, up to 30 pounds of rock-like scale can build up in the tank from hard water. The scale is a poor heat conductor. It can decrease the life of your heating element, because it has to work longer to heat water.
Soft Skin, Brighter Laundry and Cleaner Dishes
Hard water minerals build up on your skin and in your hair, making it look dull. It can also contribute to painful razor burn.
Soft water is more efficient at cleaning soap residue, so you’ll have smoother skin and shinier hair. Plus, your clothes will look brighter and your dishes will look more flawless.
Less Soap and Cleaning Time
When you have hard water, you have to use more soap for a good lather. The minerals in hard water react with soap. This makes a scum on sinks.
With soft water, you won’t need to waste as much time cleaning to get rid of soap scum. You’ll also use less detergent.