Hard Water vs Soft Water – What to Know Before Buying a Water Softener in Orlando, FL

If you live in Orlando, Florida, you’ve probably heard your neighbors and coworkers complain about hard water. After all, most of the water flowing through the plumbing systems of Florida homes falls squarely on the harder end of the spectrum. Many homeowners even invest in a hard water treatment system—like a water softener—or their house. But what is hard water? And is it really that bad?

What Is Hard Water?

By definition, hard water is water that possess a higher-than-average amount of calcium and magnesium. Soft water, on the other hand, contains less of these minerals. Most of the water in Florida is hard due to the limestone deposits running underneath the state. Flowing water dissolves the limestone and accumulates minerals before making its way into city water systems. Since the mineral-rich water poses no health risks, most city water systems don’t invest in hard water treatment before sending the water to your home. However, the “harder” minerals in the water will eventually build up on wet surfaces, in water-using appliances, and throughout your plumbing.

What Are the Effects of Hard Water?

While you may not have known what hard water was, chances are you’ve felt its effects in your daily life. The minerals in hard water can interfere with the ability of soaps, shampoos, and detergents to form suds. Without a water softener, homeowners often have to use twice as much soap in order to get things clean. Hard water can also:

• Stain dishes and glasses
• Fade clothing
• Cause crusty buildup on taps and shower walls
• Dry out your hair and skin

The largest (and most costly) effect of hard water, however, usually goes unobserved until it is too late. Hard water can leave mineral deposits, called lime scale, in your home’s plumbing system. Over time, these deposits can clog your pipes and break down water-using appliances, causing expensive leaks and water damage.

Is a Water Softener Worth It?

A water softener consists of two tanks, one holding thousands of resin beads and the other holding a brine solution. When hard water flows through the first tank, the beads trap the minerals and send newly “softened,” mineral-free water into your home for you to use when showering, doing laundry, or running the dishwasher. Periodically, the second brine tank flushes the mineral deposits from the resin beads down the drain. A water softener remains the most effective form of hard water treatment. Because this system removes mineral deposits from hard water before they can build up in your plumbing and appliances, it can save you a great deal of money in the long run. It can also improve the quality of life in your home by keeping things cleaner for longer, which makes a water softener system well worth the investment. Would you like to enjoy the benefits of using soft water in your Orlando, FL, home or business? Contact Florida Energy Water & Air today to learn more about the RainSoft hard water treatment solutions that we install for homeowners like you!