When you live in the desert, you know water is a precious commodity. Las Vegas relies on Lake Mead for water – but what many people may not realize is that the water that comes from the lake is full of minerals. While these minerals aren’t harmful, they can cause some minor maintenance concerns around your home.
If you don’t have a water softener in your home, you may not give a lot of thought to the difference between hard and soft water. But as you look around your home, you may see evidence of the hard water that comes from Lake Mead: Scaly deposits in sinks and showers, stained clothes and dull hair. If you’re tired of these inconveniences, read on to learn how water softeners can create a better environment in your home.
Improved cleaning
One of the most obvious effects of hard water is the residue it leaves behind on dishes and glassware. This white residue is due to the buildup of minerals in your water. You know your dishes are clean, but they may not look that way to guests. Water softeners can eliminate the embarrassing spots and residue that hard water leaves behind.
Faster results from your water heater
Have you ever turned on your hot water and heard popping sounds coming from your water heater? That’s the sound of mineral deposits bouncing around inside the water heater tank – and those deposits can eventually make your water heater less efficient.
Water softeners can prevent mineral build-up in water heaters, which means the appliance can function as efficiently as possible.
Easier on appliances
Hard minerals can take a toll on your appliances over time. Washers and dishwashers may end up with blocked or clogged water lines, due to mineral accumulation. Clogged water lines mean your appliances will be less efficient – and you may notice a spike in your energy bill as a result.
Extend the life of your plumbing system
Mineral buildup in your plumbing lines can cause a decrease in water pressure and undermine the integrity of your plumbing. Using soft water prevents buildup and reduces a common risk factor for home plumbing maladies.
As you familiarize yourself with a water softener’s features, the benefits of such a setup should become apparent over time. The most significant improvements will come as you see your appliances continue to perform well without being damaged by the harsh elements of hard water. With so much to gain in the long run, it makes sense for most households to reconsider the condition of their water and to invest in a more viable alternative.
