You might never have of heard of ‘hard water' but the fact is, 80% of US homes have some level of water hardness. Central Texas is no exception and is known for large limestone formations that contribute to hardness of water in some areas. Hard water results from high levels of calcium and magnesium in the water supply. It causes limescale build-up on faucets, shower heads, glass shower surrounds, tubs, water heaters and inside pipes. It eventually reduces water flow and, in extreme cases, puts water-using appliances out of service and clogs pipes. Limescale has been known to increase energy bills up to 25% because of reduced efficiency of hot water heaters.
While studies show drinking hard water doesn't pose a safety issue, it can present problems that can be frustrating and costly for homeowners. In laundry, hard water causes clothes to look dingy, dulls colors and gives whites a grey or yellow appearance. Overtime, hard water can damage fabric fibers and shorten the life of clothes by up to 40%. Washing dishes, glassware and silverware in hard water can cause spots and an unsightly cloudy coating - even more so when cleaned in dishwashers because the minerals from hard water are released faster when in contact with the heat. Bathing in hard water leaves a film of sticky soap residue leaving skin dry and itchy. The residue left on washed hair can make it dull, dry and hard to manage.
Most new homes builders do not install water softeners as a standard feature but will often install water softener loops in the garage as an upgrade. After you purchase and install a water softener, the only expense you incur is about $30 once every three or four months for salt pellets that takes the hardness out of water.
Once installed, the water softener services all inside water lines except the kitchen sink and refrigerator icemaker cold water line if you don't want to drink softened water. Your outside faucets are not part of the looped system simply because softened water is not recommended for watering plants, lawns, and gardens due to its sodium content.
