A water softener is a device used to soften water to make it more suitable for use in softening hair and other products. The process does this by exchanging the mineral ions present in hard water for sodium and potassium minerals. There are many advantages of using a water softener. They can save you money on household expenses related to softening water and make it more acceptable for everyday usage.
There is a good reason why home water filtration systems use a water softener. Soft water reduces the occurrence of scale in your pipes and plumbing fixtures, which reduce clogging and increase the durability of your appliances. Also, the presence of trace minerals like calcium and magnesium reduces the acidity of drinking water, making it less harmful to your body. Hard water may contain chemicals such as limescale and other heavy metals like lead, that can be harmful to your health.
The use of a water softener also benefits your skin and hair because of the reduced need for regular shampooing and bathing. Hard water has a poor PH level, which makes it very harsh for your hair and skin. When hard water is constantly in contact with hair and skin, it can cause dryness and dullness of the hair and skin. A softener reduces this effect by making the water slightly acidic so that it better suits the human body. The result is healthier and softer skin and hair with fewer and milder blemishes and wrinkles.
For example, calcium is a mineral found in drinking water. Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth, and it is necessary for keeping the nails and hair healthy. However, if you regularly take calcium from pipes in your kitchen, it could be hard to avoid the negative effects of calcium in your drinking water. Softeners work by reducing the amount of calcium in water so you get softer and cleaner-tasting water.
Water softeners also prevent mineral build-up in your pipes. Hard water can create a build-up of lime and magnesium deposits over your pipes, appliances, and hot water heater. These minerals can make your pipes clog up and make them weak. By using a softener, you avoid this buildup and can enjoy a long period of time with no worries about your water being weak and discolored.
Besides softening water, a softener can also improve the look of your hair and make it shiny. If you have frizzy, greasy hair, using a water softener can improve your hair texture. It will retain more moisture, which means it will feel softer to the touch. Furthermore, using a softer hair product will reduce the build-up of oils and dirt on your hair and scalp which can cause it to get dull and lifeless looking. If you regularly use a shampoo that has magnesium and calcium, for example, it will improve the condition of your hair and keep it looking vibrant, healthy, and clean.
This post was written by Allison Lutich, owner and expert at Pure Blue H2O. They offer whole home water solutions such as softeners, whole home water filtration systems, and reverse osmosis systems. Their focus is to provide America with safe and clean water throughout the home. Click here for more information!