Household Water Treatment Systems
Installing a water softener will reduce the minerals in your water throughout your home. There are numerous benefits to this solution:
- Appliances that use water like washing machines and dishwashers will function more efficiently
- Improve the condition of appliances, pipes, and fixtures throughout your home
- Dish, clothing, and body soaps will lather more easily
- Healthier skin and hair
What is Hard Water?
Most Calgarians are aware that we have hard water in Southern Alberta. Hard water is naturally occurring in many areas and is caused by the presence of minerals that are picked up by water as it flows through the ground. Water is considered hard from 10.5 – 21.0 gpg (grains per gallon). Calgary’s water hardness ranges from 9.9 – 17.7 gpg. Calgary’s hard water is caused by high levels of calcium and magnesium that accumulate in the water as it flows from the Rockies.
Challenges of Having Hard Water in Your Home
Hard water is tough on all your plumbing fixtures. Toilets, faucets, and valves all have plastic or rubber parts that break down faster with hard water. Hot water tanks and especially tankless water heaters are extremely susceptible to degradation from hard water if left unchecked. In addition to degradation to your plumbing fixtures, hard water can also take a toll on your skin, hair, clothing, and body. 180 Plumbing & Heating can recommend and install a water softener or descaling filter based on your needs. Get in touch with our team to learn more.
Appliances and Plumbing
Hard water contributes to the degradation of all your plumbing fixtures and water appliances. The calcium and magnesium in hard water causes scaling and mineral build-up which leads to a loss of efficiency and early appliance failures.
Hot Water Tanks
One of the biggest efficiency issues with hot water tanks is the buildup of minerals in the bottom of the tank over time. These mineral deposits greatly reduce the efficiency of the appliance as they form a barrier between the tank heating element and the water in the tank. The hot water tank needs to run harder and longer to achieve the same heating effects on the water. Having a water softener to reduce the amount of mineral buildup is very helpful for prolonging the efficiency and lifespan of the hot water tank.
Skin and Hair
If your hair is dry and lacklustre after you wash it, or if your skin feels scratchy and uncomfortable, hard water may be to blame. Hard water, with high mineral content, can leave your skin dry.
Soaps and Detergents
Hard water can cause soaps and detergents not to work effectively. You may have a lot of trouble getting soap or detergent to form a lather when using hard water. It means more soap and detergent will use to overcome the negative effects of hard water.
Clothing and Fabrics
One of the biggest efficiency issues with hot water tanks is the buildup of minerals in the bottom of the tank over time. These mineral deposits greatly reduce the efficiency of the appliance as they form a barrier between the tank heating element and the water in the tank. The hot water tank needs to run harder and longer to achieve the same heating effects on the water. Having a water softener to reduce the amount of mineral buildup is very helpful for prolonging the efficiency and lifespan of the hot water tank.
Dishes and Glasses
Have you ever pulled your dishes out of the dishwasher with a cloudy film? This effect is usually the result of the detergent reacting with hard water. Investing in a water-softening system will help keep your dishes looking clean and shiny.
Tankless Hot Water Heaters
The efficiency of on-demand or tankless hot water heaters will be greatly reduced by large mineral deposits that accumulate over time. If you install a water softener, your tankless hot water heater will require servicing less frequently as fewer minerals will accumulate in the appliance.
If you have been dealing with these concerns in your home, or you would like to take preventative action to prolong the life of your appliances and plumbing, 180 Plumbing & Heating can recommend and install a water softener or descaling filter based on your needs. Get in touch to see what options are available to you.
Benefits of Using a Water Softener for Calgarians
Positive Impacts of Water Softeners
Are you considering buying a water softener in Calgary for your home? More and more homeowners are reaping the benefits that come with installing a water softener. In addition, it can help save money by reducing overall water usage. Having a water softener will reduce the minerals in your water throughout your home. This solution provides numerous benefits, including:
- Saves Money
Did you know that soft water can actually save you money in the long run? By removing the minerals that cause buildup in your pipes and appliances, you can prevent the degradation of appliances, build up in your pipes and fixtures, and save on fewer repair or replacement costs for your dishwasher, laundry machines, and water heaters. - Cleaner Hair and Soften Skin
Soft water can do wonders for your hair, skin, and beauty routines. The mineral ions in hard water can prevent soap from completely dissolving, which leads to the formation of soap scum. Soft water doesn't have these minerals, so homes with a water softener can enjoy a deeper lather. Soft water can also alleviate the effects that hard water has on your body, such as a loss of natural oils in your skin and hair. - Clothes are Softer and Look Cleaner
Soft water can also make a difference in your clothes. Soft water leaves no mineral residue and can restore your clothes so they are always fresh and ready to wear. - Cleaner Dishes
Hard water can leave streaks, film, and residue on your dishes. With a water softener installed in your home, you won't have to worry about this problem anymore. A water softener fixes the problem by removing minerals that build up on dishes when the water dries. Plus, soft water works with soaps and detergents more easily so there is more lather and cleaning action in your dishwashing routine. - Saves Time
Hard water can be a huge pain to deal with on a daily basis. From dishes to laundry to cleaning the shower, there's always something that needs to be re-washed or scrubbed. This can amount to hours of wasted time. Using a water softener not only prevents the negative effects of hard water but also results in the complete dissolution of soap. This means that less insoluble soap scum will collect in your bathroom saving you time and energy with your cleaning routine. A water softener in Calgary can save you time and money by reducing the amount of cleaning you have to do around your home.
Other Home Water Solutions
Alternative Ways to Manage Your Water’s Chemical BalancesAAre you having trouble with your water system? Have you noticed any discolouration or smells? Does your water system not seem to be working as it should? We can test your water system, diagnose the problem, and provide expert advice and service to solve the issues. 180 Plumbing and Heating can help implement solutions for other water mineral concerns such as iron, chlorine, or fluoride in your water, or sediment for well systems. 180 Plumbing and Heating is committed to helping homeowners and business owners in the Calgary area with their water concerns. Contact us today to learn more about choosing and installing a water treatment solution for your home.
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