Water Softener Installation and Repair in Greeley
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Knowledge of softeners is helpful, but knowledge of local water sources can make the difference between a functioning water softener repair, and a wasted one. At Top Notch Plumbing, our team is all too familiar with water hardness in Northern Colorado towns like Windsor, Evans, and Loveland.
Putting our expertise to work for you will maximize efficiency by reducing time playing around with settings on your softener. Further, we take your whole-house plumbing into account during installation water softening system and can advise you one which type of softener you might need. If pipe repairs are an issue, we do that too.
What is water “hardness?”
Good question. We’re all familiar with water softeners, or at least that they’re in every house, but what do they do? Let’s do a brief overview of this poorly understood–but essential–appliance.
Water hardness is a measurement of minerals.
Primarily calcium and magnesium, based on information from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS mentions two simple tests to check if the mineral content in your water is not soft enough.
- Wash your hands. If you notice that after washing (yes, with soap) you have a slimy feeling on your hands, or you tend to use extra soap to try to get rid of this, your water softener may not be doing its job. This is due to a reaction between soap and calcium which results in soap scum.
- Run the dishwasher. Does your glassware tend to be cloudy after a wash? This cloudiness is a result of another reaction: this time between minerals and heat, which leaves behind a residue especially visible on glass items.
Water softeners use oppositely charged ions to isolate minerals and prevent them from entering your plumbing beyond the softener, protecting your pipes and appliances from damaging corrosion and mineral buildup too.
Installation Basics
This section could also be called, “Why you may not want to do this one on your own.” While many individuals are capable of installing a water softener, getting an expert on your side can save time and save money as well.
Knowing local code can even prevent damage or re-do’s down the road. What’s more, if a softener’s settings aren’t correct you may end up running through salt too fast or not noticing any change at all.
Water loops
Does your home have a water loop already? If not, you may want to consider installing one while working on the water softener installations. A water loop will decrease the amount of water you waste by rerouting softened water back through your system. These can be tricky to install, so we can help.
Location
Location, location, location! It’s true in home-buying and home plumbing. Where you place your system is crucial to the installation process and the performance of your new water softener. Your softener should be placed as close as possible to the main line but remain accessible for regular maintenance.
Benefits of Installing a Water Softener
Soft Water is Better for Your Plumbing
Hard water contains high levels of minerals, including calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up in your home’s plumbing system and cause damage, for instance to pipes that become clogged or leaky.
Installing a water softener is an effective way to improve the longevity and function of your home’s various plumbing systems.
Soft water helps keep pipes clean and functioning as intended, reducing the risk of clogs and repairs.
It also allows for detergents and soaps to dissolve better in tap water, resulting in improved efficiency for dishwashers, washers, washing machines, and other appliances dependent on clean water.
Hard Water can Damage Your Appliances
Just like hard water can damage your plumbing, it can also damage your appliances. The minerals in hard water can build up on the heating elements in your washing machine and dishwasher.
Over time, this can reduce their efficiency, meaning they will need to be replaced more often. With a water softener installed, your appliances will be protected from damaging limescale and this will save you money in the long term.
A water softener also provides better tasting and smelling bathing and drinking with salt-free water softener – making sure your whole family benefits from clean and fresh water.
Your Skin and Hair Need Soft Water
The minerals in hard water can remove natural oils from your hair and skin, leaving them dry and, in some cases, irritated. If you have hard water, you may find that you need to use more lotion and shampoo to keep your skin and hair healthy.
Soft water works wonders for your skin, reducing the risk of eczema and dermatitis by reducing calcium levels in the shower and bath.
Softened water also helps your hair become more manageable and shiny, as there is less buildup from residue on harsh minerals that accumulate with hard water use.
Hard Water Spots Are a Common Issue
Spots on your dishes or clothing after they’ve been washed are common, and the minerals in hard water often cause them. A water softener will remove these hard minerals, leaving your dishes and clothing spot-free.
Installing a water softener is an excellent way to ensure that your family is taking advantage of the full benefits that clean, soft water has to offer.
Not only does a water softener make your life easier in ways such as reducing buildup or preventing clogged pipes, but having a water softener helps to reduce hard water spots on dishes and clothes.
Hard water can leave behind lime soap and spots, which makes them difficult to scrub off using traditional detergents.
By having a water softener installed, you eliminate this problem by providing your household with clean, soft water, which is a worthy investment.
How Does a Water Softener System Work?
Water softeners are highly effective devices that use ion exchange technology to remove excess minerals from hard water.
This process is done by running the hard water through a tank containing small beads of resin, which are positively charged with sodium ions. When the passing water contacts the resin beads, these heavier calcium and magnesium ions in the water attach themselves to the beads instead, leaving behind only softer water.
This softened water can then be used for household purposes such as laundry and bathing. To keep the system healthy and performing well, it is important to regularly have water treatment systems clean out the resin beads and recharge them with sodium ions.
By doing this, you will keep your home’s water softener working efficiently to provide soft, usable water for years to come.
How Often to Clean Your Water Softener?
Depending on the type, size, and usage of your water softener, it should be cleaned every 5 to 10 years.
Cleaning it is an essential part of keeping it running efficiently. A neglected water softener may lead to reduced water quality and effectiveness, increased salt deposits, and efficiency issues.
If you use an extended cycling water softener, you may need to clean or replace your resin bed more often. Professional servicing is recommended for ensuring a properly functioning unit and the lifespan and quality of the system.
At Top Notch Plumbing, we also clean and maintain water softener systems.
Water Softener Costs
Most models and installation costs range from $500 to $6,000, with an average cost of around $1,500.
Purchasing a water softener is an excellent investment for anyone who has hard water. The cost of a new system can vary significantly, depending on the type and size of the unit.
Cleaning your water softener may help to extend its life even further by removing build-up in the unit’s mineral filter that may impede its efficiency.