Common Signs That You Need a Water Softener

Water softener systems are designed to reduce or eliminate minerals like calcium and magnesium from your home’s water supply, making it softer and more hospitable for use in your daily activities. Most water softeners use an ion exchange process to soften the hard water through salt pellets. This process helps extend the life of appliances, reduces limescale buildup, keeps your clothes bright and soft, minimizes soap residue on your dishes, and enables you to keep a clean shower.

As your go-to full-service plumber in Catalina Foothills, AZ, RAM Plumbing shares some signs that you may need a water softener.

Soap-related Issues

One of the most evident signs that you have hard water is if it takes much longer to lather or rinse off soap and shampoo when showering or bathing. This is because hard water contains mineral deposits, such as calcium and magnesium, making it difficult for soaps and shampoos to dissolve properly. You may also notice your skin feeling dry and itchy after a shower.

Stains and Residue

If there’s a white or even grayish scum on the inside of your toilet bowl, this is also a sign of hard water. The same goes for dinnerware, silverware, and glasses. Have you noticed a chalky residue on the dishes when they come out of the dishwasher? Hard water is likely to be blamed here, too. Professional plumbing services can help you pick the right water softener for your home and install it correctly for optimal efficiency.

Appliance Lifespan Takes a Hit

The minerals in hard water can also harm your dishwasher, washing machine, and other appliances. This is because the mineral deposits gradually build up in pipes, hoses, and appliance components. As a result, you may have to get plumbing repairs or even replace these components much sooner than expected.

Air in the Pipes

Finally, if your pipes or faucets sound like there’s air in them, this could be due to hard water scaling up inside your plumbing system and causing clogs. This can lead to slower flow and excess water pressure, which can be dangerous and cause an emergency plumbing situation.

RAM Plumbing is the top plumbing company you need when dealing with hard water problems in your home. We are available 24/7, and our technicians are well-versed in all types of water-softening systems, so you know you’re getting the best service possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.