It’s a fact. Humans need water to survive. It is very important for our health and comfort. Besides the need for hydration, we use water to clean our bodies, our clothing, and our homes. Harmful bacteria will get out of control without a ready supply of pure and safe water.
The quality of water can vary from place to place. In Lubbock, Texas, the water often contains water hardening minerals like magnesium and calcium. These minerals can lead to several problems, including pipe damage and decreased water heater efficiency.
To address these issues, many homeowners in Lubbock turn to water conditioning systems. In this blog, Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric will share what water conditioning is, how it affects your pipes, and its importance for those living in the Lubbock area.
What is Water Conditioning?
Water conditioning involves the removal of certain minerals and impurities in the water supply. Like we said, the water in the Lubbock area contains large amounts of magnesium and calcium. They are the primary causes of the many problems with hard water. Water conditioning systems are designed to take care of these issues, making the water softer and more suitable for everyday use.
To learn more about the available solutions for your water conditioning needs, reach out to Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric. Armstrong has served the Lubbock, Texas area for more than 89 years! Click here to read comments from our many satisfied customers. Armstrong has been the home comfort contractor of choice for thousands of satisfied Lubbock area homeowners. We can help you, too!
Effects of Hard Water on Pipes
Before we jump into how water conditioning helps, we need to understand the problem with hard water. When you use water with high levels of magnesium and calcium, these minerals tend to build up inside your pipes over time. This can restrict the flow of water, reducing water pressure and making your appliances, such as the water heater, work less efficiently.
Even more, the minerals in hard water can lead to the formation of limescale deposits. Limescale is a stubborn, chalky substance that can buildup on faucets, showerheads, and the insides of your plumbing fixtures. Limescale affects the appearance of your fixtures and reduces their lifespan.
How Water Conditioning Affects Pipes
Water conditioning systems address the issues caused by hard water through a process called ion exchange.
First, there is a tank filled with resin beads that are coated with sodium ions. The water passes through this tank and the magnesium and calcium ions are attracted to the resin beads with the sodium ions. This process successfully removes the hardening minerals from the water. The water is now much softer and better for you and your home.
The system is designed to cleanse itself so that it is always working to keep your water clear of harmful minerals. This process is called regeneration. The water conditioning system automatically flushes the resin beads with a brine solution at a specified interval of time. The process replenishes the sodium ions on the beads.
The Benefits of Soft Water
Soft water, which is the result of water conditioning, offers several benefits for homeowners in Lubbock:
1. Improved Appliance Efficiency: With soft water, your water heater and other appliances work more efficiently, because minerals do not build up to disrupt their performance. This can lead to energy savings and a longer lifespan for your appliances.
2. Longer Pipe Lifespan: Soft water prevents the accumulation of minerals inside your pipes, reducing the risk of clogs and corrosion. This can greatly improve the lifespan of your plumbing system.
3. More manageable hair and softer skin: Your skin and hair are much happier when cleansed with soft water. They will feel smoother and less dry after bathing. You will feel so much better.
4. Less Limescale buildup: Say goodbye to unsightly limescale deposits on your fixtures and appliances. Soft water prevents the formation of these stubborn deposits, making cleaning and maintenance easier.
5. Better Lathering: Soap and detergents lather more easily in soft water. This means you will use less soap when washing dishes, doing laundry, and bathing.
Water Conditioning Solutions
Hard water is a common challenge in our area due to the high levels of magnesium and calcium in the water supply. You don’t have to live with the negative effects of hard water on your health, pipes, and appliances. Water conditioning systems are a great solution to this problem by making your water softer through ion exchange with resin beads.
Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric offers a variety of water conditioning solutions. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledge technicians.
By investing in a water conditioning system, you can enjoy the benefits of improved appliance efficiency, a longer pipe lifespan, softer skin and hair, reduced limescale buildup, and better lathering soap.
If you want to protect your pipes and make your daily life more comfortable, consider having Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric install a water conditioning system in your Lubbock home. Your plumbing system will thank you, and your overall quality of life will improve.
