Tired of your skin feeling bone-dry after leaving the shower? Feeling like there’s not enough fabric softener in the world to make your fresh laundry feel soft? For many families across Alberta, these challenges are all too familiar, leading many to wonder if a water softener is a beneficial choice.
Join us here at Weiss-Johnson as we explore the key advantages and disadvantages of installing a water softener. Read on!
What Does a Water Softener Do?
A water softener is a home treatment system that softens hard water by neutralizing excess minerals. Most hard water in Edmonton is caused by calcium and magnesium, which don’t pose health risks but can still affect plumbing, appliances, and cleaning.
Water softeners solve this by using potassium or sodium minerals, which interact with the water supply. The mineral ions within the water are then trapped, leaving you with soft, residue-free water.
The system runs on a cycle. The mineral-trapping resin gradually fills up as the softener works. It then flushes itself with a salt brine solution and resets for the next round. This regeneration usually runs overnight, when water demand is low.
Pros of Water Softeners
- No More Scale Buildup: Over time, minerals from hard water can clog pipes and household appliances. While you can descale this buildup, water softeners help stay ahead of the curve and save you both time and money.
- Improve Soap & Detergent Effectiveness: Softer water = more effective cleaning. Without minerals trapped, water can lather, rinse, and perform more effectively. You can enjoy easier cleaning, all while using less product.
- Softer Skin & Hair: Just as minerals leave a residue on glassware, they can also dry out skin and hair. In Alberta’s dry climate, removing these minerals can make a real, everyday difference.
- May Improve Plumbing System Lifespans: As water circulates throughout your home, the minerals don’t just stay in the water. They also accumulate in plumbing systems, including water tanks. By removing these hard minerals before they enter your home’s plumbing system, your appliances won’t need to work as hard.
Cons of Water Softeners
- Initial Installation Cost: While there’s nothing like a quick weekend DIY project, water softener installations in Edmonton should only be completed by a professional. These installations include tasks such as cutting into plumbing, installing and connecting bypass valves, among other requirements that can’t be improvised.
- Keeping Up with Maintenance: Just like any appliance, water softeners require regular servicing. The salt or potassium needs topping up every month or two, and the brine tank benefits from an occasional cleaning to keep it working well.
- Space: Though not a large footprint, a water softener still takes up space. In many cases, this is usually a spot near your main water line, in the basement or utility room. The tank-and-brine setup takes up roughly the same space as two storage bins, so it’s worth confirming you have the room before committing.
- Slippery Feel: Some people report a slick feeling with softened water, due to its lower mineral content. While this usually just means to use less soap, it can still take some time to get used to.
So, is a Water Softener Worth it?
It depends. For most homes connected to city plumbing (such as in Edmonton), installing a water softener is typically a matter of personal preference. For these homes, it comes down to how much scale, detergent use, and dry skin impact your day-to-day living.
But if you’re outside city limits and utilize a well-based water supply, a water softener is highly recommended. Unlike city-treated water, well water can have more pronounced effects, including severe scaling in appliances and pipes.
Better Water Behind the Scenes with Weiss-Johnson
Installing a water softener in Edmonton is an important home investment. We’re here to help you make an informed choice. Contact our team today to learn more about whether a water softening system is right for your home.
