Some places, including Phoenix, have water that contains a high concentration of calcium and other hard minerals. Over time, these substances can leave a visible residue on your kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Although it’s safe to drink hard water, many people find it has an unpleasant taste. Treating this so-called “hard water” requires the installation of a water softening system. For the best water softener Arizona residents know and trust, get in touch with Day & Night Air.
What Is a Water Softener?
Water becomes hard when it filters through limestone and chalk deposits in the earth. These substances are high in calcium and magnesium carbonate, which are picked up by the flow of water and travel through your pipes. Water softeners remove calcium and other minerals from the water before it exits the faucet so they won’t build up on the shower, bathtub, and sinks.
If you’re not sure whether the water in your home or business is hard or soft, professional testing can determine its mineral levels. Your municipal utility company will be able to tell you the mineral content of water if your home is connected to the public water system.
Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon. According to the U.S. Department of Interior and the Water Quality Association, soft water has less than 1 grain per gallon of minerals. One to 3.5 grains/gallon is considered slightly hard water. Moderately hard water has between 3.5 and 7 grains/gallon. Hard water has between 7 and 10.5 grains/gallon. If the water has more than 10.5 grains/gallon, it is considered very hard.
Signs of hard water can include an itchy feeling after showering, water that doesn’t seem to create a lather when added to soap and clothes, and dishes that don’t seem as clean as they should be. Your hair may have a filmy residue or look dull after shampooing. You may also notice brown or red stains in your washing machine or dishwasher. These effects occur because the ions in the water interact with the soap to form “curds” that remain on clothes, dishes and other items after they are washed.
Benefits of a Water Softener
Unattractive hard water deposits are the initial reason most homeowners decide to treat their water. Although you’ll appreciate the lack of messy residue to clean in your home, aesthetics aren’t the only reason to install a water softener. Over time, the build-up of these minerals can damage your appliances. Using a water softener can significantly extend the life of your home’s plumbing system, dishwasher, and washing machine.
Hard water residue also requires your appliances to work harder over time. This means your energy bills will be higher and your home less efficient. Mineral deposits from hard water can also clog the pipes, leading to damage and the eventual need for repair or replacement.
When you wash clothes with hard water, the fabric tends to break down more quickly. Many families notice that their clothes look brighter and have less wear and tear after installing a softening system.
How Do Water Softeners Work?
Water softening systems typically work by removing the minerals through an ion exchange process. The mechanical apparatus is permanently installed within your home’s plumbing and includes a resin bed with high sodium content. When the water is filtered through this bed, the minerals remain behind and sodium enters the water to replace the calcium and magnesium that were removed. The resin bed will eventually become saturated with minerals and must be periodically rinsed and re-saturated with sodium through a process called regeneration.
Unlike these minerals, sodium does not impact the efficacy of soap, create unwanted buildup, or affect the flavor of water. The softening process adds about 750 milligrams of sodium to every gallon of water, which may be a concern for those adhering to a low-sodium diet. However, some systems replace the sodium with a potassium chloride solution.
Various models are available depending on the needs of your home or business. The Water Quality Association notes that every cubic foot of resin filter can effectively soften 3,200 gallons of water.
Get Expert Water Softener Installation, Repair & More in Phoenix at Day & Night Air!
At Day & Night Plumbing, we install water softeners and whole house filters that tie into the main household plumbing. They will remove minerals, chemicals, and other contaminants from the water you use in your Phoenix area home. Most systems can be programmed to automatically flush and recharge on a schedule so you’ll always have soft water when you need it.
We provide water softener installation in Phoenix with fast, exceptional customer service. We take pride in our work and ensure that our customers receive high-quality service. If you need a Phoenix water softener, give us a Call us today at 602-497-4662 or contact the team at Day & Night Air to request an appointment.
