Water softeners are a highly efficient way to improve the quality of water that runs through our pipes and into our homes by removing hard minerals. Appliances, plumbing fixtures, the taste of tap water, and the softness of our skin can be impacted by minerals found in our water supply. That’s why installing a water softener is so important in areas with particularly hard water—like Las Vegas.
However, it’s essential to maintain your water softener in order to keep it working optimally. How long does a water softener last before you need to replace it? Our water filtration experts explain.
Tired of crusty buildup on your faucets and dingy glassware and dishes? It’s time to install a water softener. Contact Rain Water of Las Vegas for a free estimate!
What Do Water Softeners Do?
A water softener is a system used to remove high concentrations of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. Over time, hard deposits can build up into visible crusty residue known as scale. Water with a high mineral concentration is known as hard water. A water softener filters out these minerals that can clog pipes and damage your appliances.
RELATED: The Damaging Effects of Hard Water
What Impacts the Life of a Water Softener?
Most water softeners last 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance and professional water softener repair. Depending on the age of your home, your water source, and the area you live in, the wear and tear on your water softener may be different. Things that affect the lifespan of your water softener include:
- Professional sizing and installation to make sure you have the right equipment for the job
- The quantity of water to be filtered daily
- Regular maintenance such as replacing the salt supply or resin beads
- The hardness of the water in your city
Whether or not you take good care of your softening system is a critical factor in the life you will get from it. Getting professional measurements done and matching the correct water softener with the household size is vital in ensuring that your equipment can handle the usage. The hardness of water can change from location to location, which affects the work required and, therefore, can impact the life of your water softener.
Signs That a Water Softening System is Not Working Properly
Mineral buildup can take a heavy toll on your appliances and water supply. There are a few factors to pay attention to when investigating how well your water softener is working so you know when to call a professional.
- Change in Water Pressure. Weak water flow may be a sign that your water softener needs servicing. Decreased water pressure can mean buildup inside the pipes running throughout your home and obstructing free water flow.
- Spots or Streaks on Dishes or Shower Doors. Adequately treated hard water should not be leaving residue behind. If you notice hard water spots on glasses or shower stalls, it might be time to take a closer look.
- Rough or Dingy Clothes After Laundering. Extra minerals in your water can make your clothes feel rough and hard. Additionally, mineral buildup in your washing machine may eventually lead to damaged appliances.
- Taste of Your Water. With the extra minerals present, hard water may taste a bit chalky depending on the concentration of minerals in your water. The taste of coffee, tea, or cooking that involves water may also be affected by hardness.
Is your water softener not working as it should? Call Rain Water of Las Vegas for all your water softener servicing and repairs!
What Happens If I Don’t Replace or Repair an Old Water Softener?
An inefficient water softener won’t affect your health, but it may cost you more in the long run. Here are some reasons why:
- Premature aging of your water heater – Heating hard water accelerates the formation of scale inside the tank and on heating elements which may cause costly issues with your water heater.
- Raising utility bills – Your boiler or water heater may have to use more power to push water through mineral buildup inside pipes or out faucets.
- Special cleaning products – Scale can cause unsightly layers of film to up on your sinks, tubs, toilets, and around your faucets, creating more work and sometimes requiring specialized products to keep your kitchen and bathroom clean.
- Using more soap to get jobs done – The minerals in hard water react with soap which may cause it not to lather as well or clean as efficiently. This reaction means you’ll need more soap to clean thoroughly.
Should I Replace My Water Softener?
If you notice signs that your water softener is failing and you’ve had the system for at least 10 years, it could be time to replace it. However, it’s essential to get a professional opinion when choosing, installing, and maintaining a water softener for your home or business. Getting the correct equipment for the job is crucial to keeping soft water running throughout your home.
At Rain Water Conditioning of Las Vegas, we provide premium water softeners, maintenance you can trust, and unbeatable warranties included with every product you purchase. All of our new water treatment systems have a 10-year parts warranty with a 1-year service warranty. If there is ever a problem with your equipment that we cannot repair after two attempts, we will provide a complete replacement at NO cost within the first 12 months of installation. Call us today to learn more!