If you live in the Greater Spokane area, you may have noticed the effects of hard water in your home. Hard water can cause a variety of issues, from mineral buildup on fixtures and appliances to dry skin and hair. This is where a water softener comes in. Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing, a trusted name in home services throughout the Inland Northwest since 2000, is here to help you understand what a water softener is and how it works.
What is Hard Water?
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. As water percolates through the ground, it picks up these minerals from the soil and rock formations. While hard water is not harmful to your health, it can cause several problems in your home, such as:
- Limescale buildup on plumbing fixtures, appliances, and pipes
- Reduced efficiency of water heaters and other appliances
- Soap scum and difficulty lathering soap
- Stiff, scratchy laundry and faded colors
- Dry, itchy skin and dull, lifeless hair
How Does a Water Softener Work?
A water softener is a filtration system that removes the excess minerals from your water supply, effectively “softening” it. The most common type of water softener is an ion-exchange system, which works by exchanging the calcium and magnesium ions in the water with sodium or potassium ions.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a water softener works:
- Hard water enters the water softener tank, which is filled with resin beads coated in sodium or potassium ions.
- As the water passes through the resin beads, the calcium and magnesium ions are attracted to the beads, displacing the sodium or potassium ions.
- The softened water, now containing sodium or potassium ions instead of calcium and magnesium, flows out of the tank and into your home’s plumbing system.
- Over time, the resin beads become saturated with calcium and magnesium ions and need to be regenerated.
- During the regeneration process, a brine solution (made from water and salt) is flushed through the resin tank, washing away the accumulated calcium and magnesium ions and replacing them with fresh sodium or potassium ions.
- The regeneration process is typically automated and occurs on a regular schedule, ensuring a continuous supply of softened water for your home.
Benefits of a Water Softener in the Spokane Area
Installing a water softener in your Eastern Washington or Northern Idaho home can provide numerous benefits, such as:
- Prolonged lifespan of plumbing fixtures, appliances, and pipes
- Improved efficiency of water heaters and other appliances, leading to lower energy bills
- Easier cleaning and reduced soap scum buildup
- Softer, brighter laundry and extended life of clothing
- Softer, healthier skin and hair
Choosing the Right Water Softener for Your Home
When selecting a water softener for your home, it’s essential to consider factors such as the size of your household, your water consumption, and the hardness level of your water. Mainstream’s expert plumbers can help you assess your needs and recommend the best water softener solution for your home.
Additionally, Mainstream offers a comprehensive Service Partner Plan to make your home maintenance, including water softener upkeep, as easy and stress-free as possible.
We Are Water Softeners. We Are Mainstream.
At Mainstream, we understand the importance of having clean, soft water in your home. Our experienced plumbers are dedicated to providing personalized solutions tailored to your specific needs. From water softener installation and maintenance to a wide range of other plumbing services, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t let hard water cause problems in your home any longer. Contact Mainstream today at (509) 237-6483 or send us an email at contact.us@866411zapp.com to schedule your water softener consultation.
