The term hard water can be confusing for many people. However, all it means is that there are higher than ideal levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium in your tap water.
While not dangerous, hard water can build up in your pipes, make it harder to clean your house and be harsh on your skin and hair. If you have hard water in your home, a water softener can help. This whole-house filtration system removes minerals, leaving you with soft water. Here are five benefits of installing a water softener. Better skin and hair The minerals in hard water can make your hair look dull and feel brittle and your skin dry and irritated. A water softener will filter your water, making your hair and skin look healthier and feel softer. Cleaner clothes Clothes that are washed in hard water often feel coarse, rough or still dirty after washing. This is because the minerals make it hard for soap to lather and properly launder your clothes. Soft water is gentler on clothing and allows the detergent to properly do its job. Better tasting water While perfectly safe to drink, some people find that hard water can taste earthy or metallic. This is especially noticeable with well water thanks to the high levels of iron in the water. A water softener can remove the flavour of minerals, saving you money on bottled water. Better water pressure Hard water can leave a scaly build-up on your pipes, which sometimes causes clogs and a decrease in water pressure. With a water softener, there’s no such build-up. Longer life for your appliances Warm and hot temperatures cause minerals to harden into solid deposits known as limescale. This causes your hot water appliances, like your water heater, dishwasher and washing machine, to work harder. These deposits also affect smaller appliances like your kettle and coffee machine. A water softener makes it easier to remove minerals and thereby helps stop limescale from building up again. This means your appliances will work more efficiently and last years longer. Water softener systems in the Greater Toronto Area If you’re interested in installing a water purification system or water softener, Black Forest Plumbing can help. Call us today to find out more about our water purification services. Book A Service Appointment