Water Softeners in Portage, IN
Numerous contaminants can leach into the water supply as it works its way from the treatment facility to your home. They range from bacteria and viruses to pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and fertilizers, to name a few of the most common examples. Some of those pollutants come from the pipes themselves while others leach into cracks in older pipes from the ground. While chemicals and microorganisms are certainly major concerns, hard water is also a serious issue. It can lead to numerous short- and long-term problems. Water softeners in Portage, IN, help reduce the impact of this widespread issue as well as its consequences.
Your Local Water Softener Experts
If you’re concerned about hard water, Summers Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can help. We’re experts in water softeners in Portage, IN. Our team provides water softening systems as well as installation, maintenance, and repairs to help keep those systems running at peak effectiveness. Feel free to contact us to learn more about water softeners and the services we offer or to schedule a consultation to find out if hard water may be damaging your home.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is a condition that occurs when water contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals. Calcium and magnesium are the primary culprits, but many other minerals can also show up in your home’s water supply. Those minerals naturally occur in rocks and soil. As water moves through the soil and rocks, it dissolves the minerals and holds onto them. They remain in the water supply until they’re acted on by an outside force, like a water softener.
Reports show that an estimated 85 percent of homes across the United States have hard water. Water hardness is measured by the concentration of minerals it contains. Much of Indiana has extremely hard water, meaning there are more than 15 grains of minerals in each gallon of water in the state. In fact, Indianapolis has some of the hardest water in the nation, measuring more than 20 grains of calcium, magnesium, iron, and other minerals per gallon.
Why Is Hard Water a Problem?
Hard water is a problem for many reasons. It’s not necessarily hazardous to your health, but the minerals can affect the taste, smell, and appearance of the water. That certainly makes it a bit more difficult to swallow. That’s only one of the problems it can cause.
If you have hard water, you may notice that your hands feel strange or dirty even after washing them. Your skin may feel sticky after bathing as well. In the long run, hard water can make your skin dry and flaky and cause your hair to become dull and lifeless. Shampoo and soap won’t lather or work as well if excess minerals are present in your home’s water supply.
Dish soap and laundry detergent won’t be as effective as they should be. At the same time, the minerals can stain clothing and leave residue on dishes. They’ll never look or feel completely clean because of the reduced effectiveness of detergent combined with the deposits left behind by the minerals.
On top of all that, hard water can take an extensive toll on your plumbing system. Minerals will build up in the pipes and can cause corrosion and clogs. They’ll also accumulate in your faucets, washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater. This may lead to an increased need for plumbing and appliance repairs. It could also cause you to have to replace appliances, fixtures, and plumbing components more frequently.
How Do Water Softeners Help?
Water softeners in Portage, IN, solve the problem by removing dissolved minerals from the water that comes into your home. They do this by essentially ionizing the minerals in the water so they adhere to filters in the water softening system. Mineral particles are replaced by sodium to help maintain a natural balance in the system and keep it working properly.
Once you have a water softener installed, you’ll notice a significant difference in your home’s water supply. Your water will look clearer and taste and smell better. You’ll find you don’t need to use as much soap, shampoo, or detergent as well. Your skin will feel cleaner, and your hair will have more bounce and shine. Your clothes will be brighter, and dishes will begin to sparkle.
Water Softener Systems and Services at Your Disposal
If you’re ready to get rid of the excess minerals in your water, as well as all the problems they can cause, we’re here to help. We install water softeners in Portage and offer maintenance and repairs services to ensure they serve you well for years to come. Call us or contact us through our website to schedule a service appointment and experience the difference water softeners can make for yourself.