Do you Need a Water
Softener?
You may need a water softener when your water is so hard that
magnesium and calcium build up, thereby causing problems with your
water. This buildup occurs because the metal ions react with
detergents and soaps that are calcium sensitive. As a result, they
are not able to lather correctly; this will be evident by a "bathtub
ring." Hard water can interfere with all types of cleaning tasks,
including laundry because the cleaning efficiency of your detergent
will be hindered when hard water is used in laundering. Scale from
hard water can even build up to a point in which pipes, spray
nozzles or coils can become clogged which can cause damage, thereby
resulting in costly repairs.
Hard water actually results because of the calcium and magnesium
that is left in the water. These minerals are harmless to your
health, but they can hinder cleaning tasks. It is difficult to
obtain a sudsy lather with hard water, both in the cleaning of your
home and in the cleaning of your person (including skin and hair).
If hardness measures more than 120 parts per million or 7.0 grains
per gallon, your water is considered hard. A film and/or spotting
will occur on showerheads, shower doors, glasses, coffee pots and
other small and large appliances due to hard water.
Routine household cleaning tasks including laundering, dishwashing
and even bathing can be affected by hard water. For example, your
clothes that are washed in hard water can be harsh and scratchy and
clothing and other articles, especially white ones, may look soiled
and may take on a grayish tint. Shower walls and glass shower doors
may also become spotted because hard water buildup will cause a film
and scum to form on the tub and shower, which will be especially
noticeable on glass shower doors. Your skin and hair may not feel
clean when washing with hard water.
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