The main reason that water softeners can shorten the life of your water heater has to do with the anode rod. While many people have never heard of the anode rod, it plays a major role in keeping a water heater up and running.
A water softener can significantly help extend the lifespan and improve the efficiency of a water heater. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can lead to mineral buildup, reduced heating efficiency, and premature system failure.
Sediment can build up over time in a water heater, shortening its lifespan. To prevent this, you should flush your water heater at least once per year. Flushing will help to remove any sediment that has built up and improve the efficiency of your water heater.
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.
How long will a water heater last with hard water? While actual life expectancy varies based on the water heater, hardness of the water, and maintenance schedule, hard water will likely reduce the life expectancy of the water heater by about two years.
Heating elements can gradual breakdown if there is a mineral build up in the heating system. This is because mineral deposits can solidify, encasing the elements and forcing it to work harder to heat the water. This will lead to gradual wear out that will make the heating system have a shorter life span.
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.
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.
Water conditioners are the best alternative to a water softener if you are concerned about sodium in your water.
The life expectancy of a hot water tank varies depending on its size, how often it is used, and how well it is maintained. A standard 40-gallon tank will last between 10 and 15 years while larger tanks (50 gallons) have a lifespan of up to 20 years.
Some Are Linked to Health Risks
The harder the water, the more sodium ions are swapped for calcium and magnesium. In addition, softened water is more susceptible to leaching away copper and lead from certain types of plumbing.
Even if you have a water softener, you could still experience some sediment buildup. With a water softener, you may be able to get away with less frequent water heater flushes. However, each home and plumbing system is unique, so it is best to have a licensed plumber check the effectiveness of your water softener.
However, soft water lacks minerals and can wear down magnesium rods quickly. If you have soft water, it's a good idea to switch to a zinc or aluminum (or hybrid) anode rod, which you can find at most hardware stores.
Overall, it's probably okay to drink softened water every day. However, if you are on a medically low sodium diet, ask your healthcare provider to make sure.
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.
Softened water removes essential minerals from the diet.
Some people have health concerns that water softeners remove essential minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water.
Softened Water Side Effects
Too much sodium and elevated blood pressure can damage your kidneys and your eyes, is harmful to your heart and can cause other issues that are present in people with high blood pressure.
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.
For most people, salt from water softeners will have no health effects whatsoever. The only people who could possibly be affected by water softener salt are those who are on a doctor-ordered, extremely low-sodium diet.
Signs of a Malfunctioning Water Softener
Soap scum and mineral buildup on the surfaces of your tub or shower. Spots or streaks on dishes, cutlery, clothes, and fixtures. Dry, itchy skin and/or dry, damaged hair. Water with an unpleasant taste and/or odor.
Plumber Installation
Water softener knowledge and installation is par for the course for professional plumbers, so they'll be able to expertly install your system in two or three hours, barring any unforeseen setbacks.
Check the Serial Number - Our systems have an average lifespan of 8-10 years. Your Serial Number will tell you how old your softener is.