Dallas Plumbers • Water Softeners

Hard water is a problem many homeowners struggle with that can lead to a number of different problems and annoyances. In general, hard water is a consequence of minerals that dissolve in water that comes from aquifers and underground sources. In most cases, minerals such as calcium, carbonate, manganese, and magnesium find their way into water taken from these sources. When the concentration of these minerals is elevated in water you may notice one or more of the following:

• Glasses and dishes may have a spots on them when taken out of the dishwasher
• Clothes may feel scratchy and have a dingy look
• You may notice a film or spots on your shower door, bathtub, sink or faucets
• Your hair may seem sticky or lack luster after washing it

Hard Water and Soap – How it effects Cleaning

In homes with hard water, cleaning can be a problem because of the way soap and minerals in the water interact. Depending on the concentration of minerals in your water, soap will combine with them, creating a sticky, soapy curd – a bit like cottage cheese. Additionally, depending on the kind of detergent you use, its active ingredient may be compromised due to the amount of minerals in the water. As a result, your clothes may feel stiff or hard. Overtime, due to the lack of proper cleaning, your clothes will lose the brightness of the colors and may develop a sour smell.

In the case of taking a shower or bath, hard water leaves the skin feeling slightly sticky and may leave a light film on your skin. While in general hard water does not pose a direct health threat, soap curding can irritate skin and interfere with the complete removal of bacteria and dirt when taking a shower or bath.

Addressing Your Hard Water Problem

There are different ways to address a hard water problem. While you can do things like adding Borax to your wash or vinegar to your dishwasher, these solutions may not be enough when higher levels of minerals are present in water. Consequently, you may need to install a water softener.

In general, there are four kinds of water softener systems:

• Dual-Tank Softener
• Magnetic Softener
• Salt-Free Softener
• Salt-Based Ion Exchange Softener

Which Water Softener is Right for You?

Determining which water softener is right for you depends on the hardness of your water and your daily water needs. At Public Service Plumbers, our experienced sales staff can help you decide which water softener will work best for you. Our bonded, insured, and certified plumbers can install your water softener and make sure you understand how to properly maintain it so your water is softened continually.

To learn more about water softeners and how we can help you, call Public Service Plumbers at (214) 753-4633 to speak with one of our service representatives today.