Do you know how to convert hard water to soft water? The simple answer is to install a water softener, but what do they really do? There is some chemistry involved in this type of water conditioning, but if we leave out the exact details, here is what I hope is a simple explanation:
- Hard water is caused by mineral content, most commonly calcium and magnesium ions.
- A water softener contains a form of salt (sodium).
- Chemically speaking the mineral ions trade places with the salt ions.
- The minerals are removed while the sodium (salt) content of the water is increased.
Why Do You Care?
The water in and around Oxford, MN and Waterford, MI is notoriously hard. A good warning sign is if your hands still feel slimy after washing them with soap and water. Here are some of the benefits you can expect from water conditioning:
- Hard water leaves white spots behind on dishes, glasses, and silverware. After all, who wants guests to see water spots on the wine glasses when you are hosting a dinner party? A water softener means there is no soap residue and no white spots.
- The excess minerals in hard water may damage your hair and make your skin look dull. Soft water makes your hair and skin feel softer, cleaner, and smoother.
- Water conditioning will help eliminate soapy scums and curds.
- Instead, soft water will restore rich lathering of soaps and shampoos.
- Hard water minerals get trapped in laundry. Using soft water will make clothes and linens feel softer and maintain bright colors.
- Soft water is also easier on appliances meaning ice makers, dishwashers, and washing machines will last longer.
But What About the Added Salt?
Because of the ion exchange we talked about earlier, the amount of salt added by a water softener is directly related to how hard (mineral content) the water was to start with. Here’s a good rule of thumb: Soft water will add about 35 milligrams of sodium to each 8 oz. glass of water you drink. That’s compared to 204 mg. in a tablespoon of ketchup and 211 in a slice of whole wheat bread.
Soft Water is Just a Phone Call Away
There’s no need to put up with the annoyance of hard water in your Waterford, MI or Oxford, MI home. Call Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to learn more about the water conditioning options available to end those water spots, split ends, and ugly mineral deposits on your faucets and plumbing fixtures.
