A water softener in Northeast Ohio is a must for area homeowners. This region is known for its high concentration of both limestone and dolomite, which can lead to groundwater contamination. Below, we’ll discuss what hard water is, how to identify it, and why a water softener system is the most effective way to address it.
What Is Hard Water?
Water is considered hard when it has a high concentration of minerals, such as magnesium and calcium. Water in Northeast Ohio typically falls into the moderate to very hard water categories. The problem with hard water is that the minerals in it can cause extensive damage to your home’s plumbing system and all your water-using appliances, among many other issues.
Signs You Need a Water Softener
There are many key signs of hard water in your home. One of the most obvious is the buildup of limescale on your plumbing fixtures and sinks. This is a white, chalky substance that results from minerals adhering to the surfaces of your fixtures and sinks after the water dries.
You’ll likely notice a buildup of soap scum and residue on your dishes, as well as spots on your glassware. Your skin can be excessively dry, and your hair frizzy and dull. It can be challenging to work up a lather with any type of soap, and you may find that your laundry feels stiff and difficult to clean.
Benefits of Installing a Water Softener
There are many great benefits following a professional water softener installation in Ohio. One of the most important is that it can extend the lifespan of your plumbing system and all your water-using appliances. It’s an excellent method to protect your water heater and improve its overall operating efficiency.
Softer water will be smoother on your skin and allow you to have healthier hair. You’ll find that you’ll use less soap and laundry detergent to achieve the same level of cleanliness. Even better, your plumbing system is less likely to malfunction when you use softer water in your home.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
While knowing that you need a whole-home water softener is important, it’s also helpful to understand how it works so you can truly appreciate its benefits for your household. The water-softener system consists of three main components: the mineral tank, the brine tank, and the control valve.
The mineral tank is filled with special resin beads that attract and hold onto minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, which make up the core of hard water in Northeast Ohio. The brine tank holds sodium chloride or potassium chloride and is responsible for regenerating the resin beads in the mineral tank. Lastly, the control valve regulates the flow of water through the unit, manages regeneration cycles, and controls overall timing.
The basic idea behind a water softener is that it uses an ion exchange process to remove hard minerals from the water. It replaces them with either sodium chloride or potassium chloride, depending on your system. Water will naturally flow into the mineral tank, where the calcium and magnesium ions will stick to the resin beads.
When this happens, the sodium or potassium that are initially attached to the resin beads are released into the water. The result is softer water with fewer minerals. This water then travels through your plumbing system to all your plumbing fixtures and water-using appliances.
Every so often, your water softener will go through a regeneration cycle. This occurs when a brine solution from the brine tank flushes through the mineral tank. This flush removes the calcium and magnesium ions from the beads and recharges them with sodium or potassium. The remaining calcium and magnesium ions are flushed down the drain.
Maintenance Requirements
To keep your water softener system in good working condition throughout the year, you need to regularly monitor the salt level in its brine tank. Most homeowners find they need to add salt every four to six weeks. Additionally, it’s important to have one of our professionals service your water softener annually.
Reliable Water Softener Service
Lakes Heating & Air Conditioning offers reliable water softener service for the entire Northeast Ohio community. We also provide many whole-home water quality solutions to enhance your home’s water supply.
Call our friendly team today for a professional water analysis and a free estimate for a water softener system.
