If you’re considering installing a water softener in your Michigan home, you might have heard some common misconceptions about how they work and what they do. Before diving into the misconceptions, it’s essential to understand the basics of soft water.
What is hard and soft water? Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These excess minerals can lead to scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and on fixtures. They can also cause soap scum on dishes and shower doors, affect how clean you feel after a shower, and damage your laundry.
Soft water has been treated to remove these minerals, making it more efficient for cleaning and gentler on skin, hair, and clothes. Despite this, many people think water softeners pose a threat to either their health or their property. In this blog, we’ll clear the air and debunk some of the most common misconceptions about soft water.
Think you might have hard water? Contact Advanced Water Treatment today to schedule a water test!
Misconception 1: Water Softeners Add Salt to Your Water
One of the most common myths about water softeners is that they add salt to your drinking water. In reality, water softeners use salt in the regeneration process to recharge resin beads that remove minerals like magnesium and calcium from hard water. The water softening process involves ion exchange, which replaces the hard minerals with sodium ions.
Sodium chloride is what we know as table salt. During the ion exchange process, the chloride part of the salt is flushed away with the waste during regeneration. The amount of actual sodium (not sodium chloride) added to your water is minimal and typically safe for consumption. For example, an 8-ounce glass of softened water will usually contain less sodium than a single slice of bread.
The only exception might be if your water is extremely hard to begin with, which would call for more salt to remove more minerals.
If you’re concerned about your sodium intake, you can always opt for a reverse osmosis system to further filter the water. There are also salt-free softener systems available.
Misconception 2: Soft Water Is Not Safe to Drink
“Can you drink softened water?” and “Is it safe to drink soft water?” are common questions we hear from homeowners. The short answer is yes, softened water is safe to drink. The only significant change in the water is the reduction of hard minerals like calcium and magnesium.
However, on the other hand, softeners strictly remove minerals. This means that impurities like bacteria, metals, or chemicals may still be present in your water. It’s wise to test your water annually to make sure it’s free of contaminants that might be harmful.
For those with specific health concerns or who are on low-sodium diets, it’s important to note that the sodium added during the softening process is minimal. You can also consider a water filtration system to further purify your drinking water and reduce any sodium content.
Misconception 3: Soft Water Feels Slimy
If you’ve ever thought that soft water feels slippery on your skin after a shower, you’re not alone. Many people mistake this slick feeling for leftover soap, but that’s not the case. The reality is that soft water is better for your skin because it doesn’t leave behind mineral deposits or strip away natural oils.
Hard water can cause soap scum buildup, leaving a film on your skin. Soft water, on the other hand, rinses away soap more effectively, preventing residue. This leaves your skin feeling smoother and less dry.
In addition, soft water is better for your hair. For one, it doesn’t cause dry skin on your scalp like hard water can, and it doesn’t strip your hair of oils. Soft water also washes away shampoo, conditioner, and hair products more effectively. As a result, your hair will likely feel less weighted down, dry, and look shinier after you switch to soft water.
Misconception 4: Water Softeners Waste Water
Another misconception is that water softening systems waste a significant amount of water. While it’s true that water softeners use water during the regeneration cycle, modern systems are designed to be highly efficient. Many units now feature demand-initiated regeneration, which only uses water when necessary rather than on a fixed schedule.
Additionally, investing in a high-efficiency softener can reduce water usage in the home while still effectively treating hard water. For example, your clothes will come out of the washer clean instead of dull and stiff from mineral buildup and detergent residue.
Misconception 5: You Don’t Need a Softener for Municipal Water
Many homeowners think that if they use municipal water, they don’t need a water softener. However, while public water is treated to meet safety standards, it can still contain high levels of dissolved minerals.
Conclusion: The Truth About Water Softeners
Water softeners offer numerous benefits, from preventing scale buildup in plumbing to improving your shower experience. Despite the myths, softened water is safe to drink, more efficient in cleaning, and beneficial for your skin and hair.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of soft water for yourself, contact Advanced Water Treatment today. We provide custom water treatment services tailored to our clients’ needs, and we have been since 1977!
With over 40 years of local experience, Advanced Water Treatment has built a reputation for integrity and quality service. We never sacrifice the value of clean, pure water by using inferior products. Our team of experts is dedicated to restoring your water quality with reliable equipment!
