How to Tell If You Need a Water Softener

A water softener works by removing excess calcium and magnesium ions through an exchange with sodium or potassium ions. This process can help not only your plumbing system last longer, but your clothes as well. The trick is figuring out if a water softener is right for your home.

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In this post, your local clogged sewer line repair experts from Oak Plumbing share signs that indicate you need a water softener. 

Dry, Itchy Skin

Hard water can make your skin feel itchy due to the calcium and magnesium salts in the water. These minerals can stay on your skin and in your soap, leaving behind a residue that can cause the skin to become dry and irritated. Hard water can also clog the pores, resulting in increased inflammation and blackheads. 

Scale Buildup on Appliances

Limescale is a chalky substance created by calcium and magnesium bicarbonate. Check your kettles and coffee pots for mineral deposits, which can also build up inside the water pipes, clogging the plumbing and causing damage your water heater. When it’s time to get a new heater, you can get in touch with Oak Plumbing to find out the water heater replacement cost. Our team also performs water heater repairs and maintenance. 

Discolored Clothes

If you’ve noticed that your clothes and sheets are becoming faded, this is likely due to hard water. They may also be harder to wash due to the presence of excess mineral substances in the water. 

Stains on Sinks & Bathtubs

Stains on sinks and bathtubs occur when hard water evaporates and leaves calcium and magnesium behind. You can use a small amount of vinegar to clean these stains or run the jets in your tub for 15 minutes or so, then let it soak for at least an hour. However, the best approach is to prevent the staining from happening in the first place by using a potassium chloride water softener. A water testing kit can help you determine the amount of excess minerals in your water supply.  

Constant Plumbing Repair

Steel pipes are easily damaged by limescale buildup. The flow of water in your pipes can become restricted as the pressure is lowered because of the excess minerals. which speeds up the limescale buildup. This buildup can shorten the lifespan of your appliances and damage your plumbing.

Choose Oak Plumbing for your home plumbing repair and maintenance needs. Whether you’re wondering about your bathroom plumbing or water heater repair costs, our team can help. Call us at (707) 200-7594 or fill out our online form to schedule an evaluation. We work with homeowners in Benicia, CA. 

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