With over 85% of American homes having hard water, and Texas being one of the hardest hit, it is likely that your household will be adversely affected by the water scale and sediment that results. Water softeners provide a solution to the damage hard water can cause in water using appliances and a home’s plumbing in Sugar Land.

The Creation of Hard Water

Rain falls upon the ground and percolates through rock coming into contact with chalk, limestone and/or other minerals. The minerals are dissolved and are picked up by the water, hard water is the result.

Signs You May Need a Water Softener

A water softener reduces scale buildup in water heaters, prolonging the appliances life and efficiency.

Potential signs of hard water include:

  • Gray, dull and dingy laundry with a stiff, scratchy feel.
  • Dull hair
  • Water spots on fixtures and faucets.
  • Milky, white film on shower doors.
  • Rust stains and a rotten egg smell.
  • Hard water stains in toilets.

The Advantages of a Water Softener

In addition to iron, water may also contain calcium and manganese and potentially hydrogen sulfide gas. The mineral build up in hard water can affect water using appliances. Water softener installation can prevent scale build up and reduce the amount of contaminants in the water. The installation of a water softener will provide:

  • Cleaner dishes
  • Softer, longer lasting and brighter laundry
  • Softer and cleaner hair
  • Softer and healthier skin, especially for dry skin conditions such as eczema
  • Better-tasting, sparkling, clear water
  • Extended appliance life and reduced maintenance
  • Reduced corrosion and build-up of your plumbing in Sugar Land
  • Soft water prevents soap scum and mineral deposits, making it easier to clean toilets, sinks, showers and tubs.

Cleaner Plumbing System

Mineral laden hard water leaves deposits of scale in your plumbing in Sugar Land fixtures and pipes. Over time these deposits build up, causing clogs and corrosion that can reduce the plumbing system’s useful life. Water softening systems minimize buildup, reducing clogs and corrosion. Consequently, the plumbing system lasts longer, while appliances and fixtures perform efficiently.

While there are numerous types of water softeners, two of the most commonly used are the ion-exchange polymers and reverse osmosis. Water softeners remove calcium, magnesium and other contaminates in hard water, making it soft and clean, and preventing it from damaging water using appliances and plumbing in Sugar Land.

Special Precautions in Water Softener Use

Some experts believe that the minerals in hard water can be beneficial for your health by providing mineral nutrients. On the other hand, you need only talk to a urologist to learn of the correlation between a high rate of kidney stones and the presence of calcium rich hard water water. Almost anyone who has ever experienced kidney stones will agree there is no contest. Mineral nutrients can be obtained through diet and not your drinking water. In a third world country where malnutrition is common, the nutrients of hard water may be beneficial, whereas in developed countries, numerous experts agree it poses a greater number of hazards to health and home than benefits.

Water softeners are frequently used in conjunction with water filtration. Together they are called a water conditioning system and provide clean, clear great tasting water that is 99% contaminate free.

Benjamin Franklin plumbers specialize in water softeners and water filtration installation. For additional information, or to schedule water softener or water filtration installation or repair, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Our licensed, professional plumbers provide repair, installation and service for your plumbing in Sugar Land. We stand behind our repairs with Benjamin Franklin’s exclusive 100% satisfaction guarantee. We serve Houston, Sugarland, Katy and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating. Thanks for visiting Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.