How the Two Work Together To Protect Your Home
It is well-known that Las Vegas has some of the hardest water in the country. Hard water can damage your dishwasher, water heater, washing machine, and ice maker. It also causes scale deposits to accumulate inside plumbing lines, eventually leading to reduced water flow and clogged pipes. Additionally, it shortens the life of fixtures and reduces the effectiveness of soaps, detergents, and cleaning products.
The most effective way to combat hard water problems is to combine a water softener with a reverse osmosis (RO) system for the softest, purest water in your home.
Discover the Rain Water difference.
What Does a Whole-Home Water Softener Do?
A whole-home water softener attacks hard water before it enters your home’s plumbing system. It is usually installed where your water main connects to the house. Its primary purpose is to remove hard water minerals, including calcium and magnesium, to soften the water.
Most soft water systems work by using an ion-exchange process in which hard-water ions are attracted to the media inside the tank. Once they are removed, it replaces them with sodium ions, softening the water.
Some of the benefits of water softening include:
- Preventing scale buildup inside plumbing lines, water heaters, and fixtures.
- Increasing the effectiveness of detergents, soap, and cleaning products.
- Reducing dry skin and brittle hair problems.
- Helping clothing remain brighter and softer.
What Does a Reverse Osmosis System Remove From Drinking Water?
Reverse osmosis systems in Las Vegas are different from water softeners. While it does not soften the water, it removes around 99% of impurities found in drinking water.
As the water passes through different filters, media, and a semi-permeable membrane, it removes:
- Dissolved salts
- Arsenic
- Fluoride
- Lead
- Chlorine
- Mercury
- Microplastics
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Nitrates
- Dissolved inorganic compounds
- Sulfates
- Odors
Generally, a reverse osmosis system is installed in the kitchen, since this is usually the main area where people access water for drinking and cooking.
When comparing reverse osmosis vs. filtration methods, it is worth noting that RO water purification is superior to standard filtration systems and simply more effective for Las Vegas homes.
Learn more about our reverse osmosis systems.
How Do Water Softeners and Reverse Osmosis Systems Work Together?
Combining reverse osmosis systems with water softeners in Las Vegas creates a very effective multi-stage filtration and softening process for your home. Before the water reaches the RO system, calcium, magnesium, and other hard-water ions have been removed. Without a water softener, these dissolved solids place excessive strain on the RO membrane, causing it to wear out sooner.
Hard water can also damage and clog the membrane. Once the softened water reaches the RO system, it further enhances the quality of your drinking water by removing all remaining impurities for the purest water.
Some key things to remember:
- A water softener makes hard water soft but does not remove impurities.
- An RO system removes impurities, but it is not recommended for removing hard minerals.
- Combining both systems is the most efficient way to soften and purify water.
Why Is Combining Both Systems Beneficial for Las Vegas Homes?
Combining both systems addresses the extreme hardness of Las Vegas water and the remaining impurities left in water after the Las Vegas Valley Water District treats it. The LVVWD only removes impurities to acceptable standards for safe drinking water. They can also add fluoride to the water, which some people do not want.
Overall benefits of having both systems installed include:
- Maximum hardness protection.
- RO systems remove excess sodium from softened water.
- Reduces reliance on plastic bottled water.
- Saves money on soap, detergents, and cleaning products.
- Protects your home’s plumbing and fixtures from scale buildup.
- Eliminates white-scale stains.
- Extends the life of water-based appliances.
How Can Homeowners Choose the Right Combination of Water Treatment Systems?
Choosing the right combination of water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, and other filtration systems starts with a simple water test. Bring in a sample of your home’s water to Rain Water Conditioning of Las Vegas, and we will test it for you. We will identify the specific hardness level and any contaminants in your water.
Next, we will recommend different water softening and water purification combinations. For example, one of the most popular setups is a whole-house water softener for showers, water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers, paired with an RO system installed in the kitchen. The RO system can be connected to your refrigerator and kitchen faucet to provide the purest water for drinking and cooking.
Another important consideration when using a water softener and filter together is determining how much water your household uses. You’ll want to ensure you select the right tank capacity to meet your specific water usage needs.
Our licensed professionals can provide further assistance in ensuring the combination water treatment system is sized correctly for your house and water usage.
Get the Softest, Purest Water in Las Vegas Today
You don’t have to worry about water quality in Las Vegas or common water problems when you pair a whole-house water softener with one of our reverse osmosis systems. Feel free to stop by our showroom during business hours or contact us directly to request more information and a free estimate.
Our team is happy to answer your questions about water softening and filtration and help you determine which setup will be most effective for your Las Vegas home.
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