Water softeners are a useful and relatively inexpensive device for alleviating the hard water problems faced by many homeowners. Hard water is water that contains an excessive amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals, and it can cause a variety of issues including clogged pipes, staining on fixtures and appliances, and an undesirable taste and texture. Water softeners replace the dissolved minerals with sodium ions, resulting in softer and cleaner water that is easier on your plumbing system and can greatly reduce the time and expense of maintaining fixtures and appliances.

When considering the purchase of a water softener for your home, look for a system with a wide range of features and benefits. Systems should be easy to install and operate, as well as being able to remove the greatest amount of substances that cause hard water and scale build up. It's also important to find a reliable and reputable brand, since the quality of parts and materials used by some manufacturers can be very important.

The main benefits of a water softener are improved water quality and reduced maintenance. The removal of hard minerals from the water means that limescale build up in pipes, fixtures, dishes, and laundry machines is greatly reduced. This can help to extend the life of these appliances and reduce the time and money spent on cleaning up limescale spills or other damage. Softened water also feels better on the skin and hair, and can make showering and bathing more pleasant.

There are also economic benefits to using a water softener. Studies have shown that the costs of running a typical household without a softener can run between $50 and $100 more per year than using one. This includes less wear and tear on water heating systems and dishwashers, as well as fewer cleaning products in order to remove limescale and stains. In addition to these savings, softened water can help to ensure that clothes remain looking great for longer because the minerals in hard water can react with detergents and bleach to cause discoloration.

All in all, a water softener can bring a variety of benefits to your home, from improved water quality to better performance from your water fixtures and appliances. Be sure to shop around and research the various brands of water softeners on the market in order to find the best system for your home and budget.