Well Water is Usually Hard The minerals calcium and magnesium are what make well water hard. Unless you live in a region where there is naturally less of these minerals, a home with a private well will likely require a water softener.
Installing a water softener system for private well water is an effective solution that improves the quality of your drinking water and extends the life of plumbing fixtures and appliances. Water softeners work by removing minerals from hard water, such as calcium, magnesium, and other dissolved solids.
Failing to use a water softener when needed will ruin the plumbing in the house, not mention ruin the tubs, sinks, dishes, anything the water touches over time. To stop filling it with salt is very bad advice.
Well water is generally hard, but can be soft in some cases depending on the water source and local geology.
The two major cons associated with water softeners are cost and maintenance. Depending on the type and size of water softener you choose, the initial price along with installation can cost you anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Water conditioners are the best alternative to a water softener if you are concerned about sodium in your water.
The cost of treating this wastewater is significantly higher than other types of waste, and much of the water treated in this way still isn't recoverable. Thus, in 2005, California took action and made it legal for communities to ban this type of water softener in order to meet toughening environmental standards.
A dual-tank water softener is a salt-based softener with two resin tanks. This style is often the best water softener to use for well water due to its better ability to filter heavy minerals.
“Sticker” companies sell the most common water softeners at anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. “Big Box” companies sell the cheapest, least effective water softeners at around $800. Cheap water softeners almost always cost more in the long run because they likely won't work and will require a better replacement.
A well is said to have gone dry when water levels drop below a pump intake. This does not mean that a dry well will never have water in it again, as the water level may come back through time as recharge increases.
If your water's hardness is greater than 7 grains per gallon or 120 mg/L, then you might need a water softener to ensure your appliances run well and to improve the taste, smell, or look of your water.
Remember, fabric softener is completely optional, and your garments will likely pop out of the dryer feeling fresh, clean, and soft without it. However, “For some, it might make doing their laundry a little more fun to use an extra product that smells very good and is colorful,” Fulford says.
If you have dietary or health restrictions that require you to limit salt intake, bypassing the water softener can provide access to water that has not been softened (hard water).
Softer water will prevent some failures of domestic appliances, such as washing machines and boilers, due to limescale build-up inside pipes. The lack of scaling may also make some devices more efficient and thus save money on energy bills. Water softeners waste some water during regeneration.
Can I Drink Softened Water? While most softened water is perfectly safe to drink, the amount of sodium in the treated water will depend on the hardness of the original water. If the water hardness is below 400 ppm calcium before you soften it, then you can drink it with little concern.
The major disadvantage to softening water is the potential health risks for people that might be on low sodium diets. The exchange of hardness minerals for sodium adds 7.5 milligrams per quart for each gpg of hardness removed. In addition, calcium and magnesium are eliminated from the homeowner's diet.
Installation Costs: The installation of a water softener system usually ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the type of system and the size of your home. Labor Costs: Labor costs vary by geographical location; urban areas typically have higher labor costs than rural areas.
A water softener should last 10 to 15 years. If your unit is facing more wear and tear, it could be due to improper maintenance or particularly hard water. If you'd like to extend the lifespan of your water softener, one option is to add a pre-filter.
Because well water is so likely to be hard water, it is important to treat it before everyday use. For cleaner dishes and water fixtures, smoother and softer skin and hair, and efficient appliances, give Culligan Water a visit today!
Quick In-Home Testing
Fill the bottle one-third full, add a few drops of pure liquid soap and shake vigorously for a few seconds. If there is a distinct lack of fluffy bubbles and the water appears cloudy and/or milky, your water is hard.
Environmental impact of water softeners
While added salt may not be a detriment to the health of a generally healthy household, the salt that is then discharged from one's home/business into freshwater streams, rivers, and aquifers is causing serious damage to our water supplies and aquatic life.
You are not required to have a water softener for your home appliances, but having one could make them work better and possibly improve the look and quality of your water.
Water Quality Association (WQA), an international nonprofit industry trade group representing residential, commercial, industrial, and small community water treatment industry, has said publicly the following: There are no health problems caused by ion exchange water softening.