Water softeners play a crucial role in homes as they improve the quality of water you use. The primary function of these devices is removing minerals from hard water. This includes magnesium and calcium. If you use well water in your home, the water softener will also have to remove iron and several other minerals in addition to the calcium and magnesium.
It is important to note that hard water has a unique taste. It’s also difficult to wash clothes with hard water as you will have to use a lot of detergent to soften the water and remove stains from clothes.
When You Need A Water Softener Replacement For Your Home
Ideally, water softeners should be serviced regularly to ensure they are always in good operating condition. This service should only be done by a qualified plumber to ensure you get the best outcome. With regular servicing and proper use, a typical water softener can last 10-15 years. However, this will depend on the manufacturer. If the water softener in your home was installed a long time ago, you should consider replacing it. The following are common signs your water softener needs to be replaced:
Do You Know The Age Of Your Water Softener?
A sure sign your water softener needs a replacement is old age. If your device has exceeded its expected lifespan, you should plan for a replacement. For instance, if your water softener has a life expectancy of 10 years, and it was installed over a decade ago, you should have it replaced immediately because it has outlived its usefulness.
Off-Tasting Tap Water & Your Water Softener
When your water softener is functioning optimally, it should be safe for you to drink water directly from the tap. If your tap water has a different taste, or it simply doesn’t taste right, there could be a problem with the water softener. Therefore, you should plan for a replacement. Your tongue can taste minerals in water, so trust your taste buds and have your water softener checked. If it has outlived its usefulness, your plumber can install a new water softening system to ensure you have clean, soft water to use at home.
Difficulty Lathering Up In The Shower Or Bath
If you have a hard time lathering up in the shower, the water from the shower head could have excess minerals. This issue is a sure sign of hard water in your plumbing. If you have a water softener installed, it may not be working correctly. Before you have it replaced, have your plumber take a look at the device for problems. In most cases, obsolete water softeners have to be replaced as opposed to getting repaired.
Difficulty Lathering Up In The Shower Or Bath
When you wash your clothes with tap water and find that the clothes are scratchy and stiff when dry, you should check your water softener. Hard water causes a problem like this. While you can use a fabric softener when doing the laundry to soften the clothes, this is only a short-term solution. The best solution for the problem is to replace your water softener to resolve the issue once and for all.
Scale Formation Around Pipes & Faucets
If you notice a crusty buildup around the opening of your faucets, you could be using hard water in your home. The scale formation can be attributed to the minerals found in hard water. Replacing your water softener can resolve the issue once and for all.
Do You Detect A Change In Water Pressure?
Since all the water getting into your house must pass through the water softener, a change in water pressure may indicate that the unit has malfunctioned. You may experience a sudden increase or decrease in water pressure as a result of the malfunction. By calling a competent plumber to replace the old water softener, you can be assured of getting high-quality, clean and soft water in your home all the time.
Conclusion
When you need a water softener replacement, do not hesitate to give Robinson Plumbing a call. We offer top-quality plumbing services at affordable prices. Our team of professional plumbers specializes in plumbing repairs, installations, and tune-ups.
We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Our certified and knowledgeable plumbers can quickly get the job done correctly, the first time around. Call Robinson Plumbing today to schedule a free estimate.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!