This is the land of 10,000 lakes, so naturally water is a big deal around here! Within Minneapolis city limits and a small handful of suburbs, the Mississippi River is the sole source of water for homes and businesses—made safe for drinking by the Water Treatment & Distribution Services Department, of course. The water department uses multiple treatment processes to do this, including filtration, sedimentation, disinfection, and softening.
If the water in our taps is already softened, is a water softener necessary? Well, that depends. For Minneapolis residents, maybe not—if you’re satisfied with your water’s softness. However, many of our neighbors in the suburbs receive well water, which is often much harder than desired. Many people can benefit from installing a water softener in their home; Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Greater Minneapolis can help you decide if it’s right for you.
How to Tell If You Have Hard Water
Many homeowners are unsure whether or not they have hard water. You can search online for the water hardness levels in your area. Most cities will publish a water quality report containing that information. However, just knowing the numbers doesn’t always tell you what you need to know. If you have hard water in your home, you’re likely to develop a few telltale signs.
You may want to consider having a water softener installed to counteract these hard-water challenges:
- Dry skin and hair – During our frigid winters, most Minnesotans experience dry skin and hair at some point. However, if it’s becoming a chronic issue or seems particularly noticeable after a shower, hard water may be to blame.
- Limescale buildup on appliances – Take a look at your tea kettle or coffee maker. Do you notice a buildup of chalky white mineral deposits? A water softener can help eliminate this scaly residue.
- Mineral deposits on sinks and tubs – Those chalky, plaster-like deposits can build up on sinks, tubs, drains, and faucets, too. Hard water contains minerals that stay behind and present a cleaning challenge.
- Water spots on glassware – Have you ever taken your drinking glasses out of the dishwasher only to discover streaky white spots? The minerals in hard water are responsible for that, too!
- Stiff or dingy laundry – Hard water can wreak havoc on your clothes and bedsheets. The mineral-heavy water can make clothes feel itchy or rough and can fade colors and dull your whites. Water softeners are a great antidote to this problem.
- Chronic plumbing issues – Steel pipes are prone to collecting mineral deposits, slowing the flow of water and leading to corrosion. Limescale buildup around valves and joints can also contribute to leaks and other issues. Installing a water softener can minimize wear and tear on your plumbing system.
Deciding to Have a Water Softener Installed
Hard water isn’t dangerous or unsafe to drink. Some people prefer their water a little harder, while others like softer water. However, keep in mind that hard water can be tougher on your plumbing system and can even cut the lifespan of water-based appliances by up to a third. Our team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Greater Minneapolis can help you determine if you’d be happier with a water softener installed. We can test the water in your home, inspect your plumbing, and give you our professional recommendations. We’re always happy to answer any questions you might have!
Call (612) 430-6547 today to learn more about the benefits of installing a water softener in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas!