Water Softeners and What They Do
Most homeowners already know the difference between hard and soft water, and whether or not they are in need of a water softener.The primary difference is that hard water does not allow cleaners and soaps to effectively do their job, whereas soft water not only allows the cleaner or soap to complete its task, it also allows you to use less. Many people are unsure as to what a water softener installation will actually do to improve their household usage. An experienced Arlington plumber, like those at The Plumbing Dr. can answer all these questions and more.
When you have a water softener installed in your home, it is generally located right where the water enters. The reason for this placement is so that al of your household water, including drinking water, is able to be softened from one single unit. Due to the placement of the water softener, water used for irrigation is not softened, and thankfully it doesn’t have to be.
Within the softener there is a plastic resin that is coated with sodium ions (essentially sodium chloride, or table salt). The plastic resin attracts the calcium and magnesium ions that are already in the water flowing to your home. As these unwanted ions are pulled out, the sodium ions are released into your water. The exchange in the ions is what softens the water, making the use of household soaps far more effective. If you are experiencing hard water problems and need a water softener installation immediately, contact the best Arlington plumbers available at The Plumbing Dr.
The average water softening unit can soften 3,200 gallons of water per cubic foot, this allows for smaller units to be installed in order to keep down the cost. The Plumbing Dr. has your best interest at heart, and offers some of the most affordable and effective water softeners in the area.
For those that have particular health concerns related to sodium intake, there is an alternative water softener method. Though the sodium ion resin found in water softener systems is the most common and least expensive; there is a potassium chloride resin that can be used as a substitute. This resin is more expensive, but works the same as the sodium based water softeners. The Plumbing Dr. can talk to you about various options and water softeners that will fit your needs and budget.
If hard water is affecting you and your home, contact The Plumbing Dr. at (703) 525-9280
