Although converting soft water to hard water costs money, the many benefits of soft water appear to make this a prudent investment. The majority of homes have hard water which is filled with chemicals that can harm skin, clothes, and kitchen utensils. Soft water cleans things more thoroughly than hard water, and this can lower the home water bill. Soft water also prevents the scale build-up that affects pipes and is more effective when cleaning the skin.
It is estimated that hard water is supplied to more than 85% of homes in the United States. Hard water contains the minerals calcium and magnesium which cling to everything they touch. When it is used to wash dishes, it causes streaks which can make dishes look like they have not been washed at all.
One of the main benefits of soft water is that it saves money, making up for any extra cost. As soft water is far better than its hard counterpart for washing clothes and dishes, less of it needs to be used. Also, soft water preserves clothes for longer and when it is used, less laundry detergent is required.
The protection given to plumbing is one of the most important benefits of soft water. The minerals in hard water allow a build-up of scale to occur over the course of time. This normally results in reduced water pressure and slower water flow. As soft water contains only a fraction of the minerals of hard water, it does not lead to any blockages in the pipes.
A build-up in scale can also affect the operation of a hot water heater. A heater that is blocked by mineral build-up must use more energy to provide the same water temperature as a heater that is unblocked. It is estimated that a hot water heater without scale deposits is 20% more efficient than a heater with scale build-up.
Having cleaner, healthier skin is yet another one of the benefits of soft water. The minerals in hard water tend to cause dry hair and scalp. With soft water, all the extra cells from skin pores are removed when washed.
