In this post, we explore the common question “What are the cons of having a water softener?”
People often use water softeners to treat hard water, yielding benefits like reducing scale accumulation and improving appliance efficiency. Water softeners are popular in Tampa Bay. However, like any household appliance, water softeners also have their drawbacks.
By understanding both the pro’s and con’s, you can make an informed decision about whether a water softener is suitable for your specific needs and circumstances.
Let’s dive in!
What Are the Cons of Having a Water Softener?
We have isolated four cons of having a water softener that are applicable to Central Florida homes.
Increased Water Hardness
We have tested for and observed increased water hardness in Central Florida homes. This may be due to the influx of new residents or other changes in the local water supply.
Low-cost water softeners on the market may not effectively handle this increased hardness, leading to inadequate softening and other issues. It is crucial to select a high-quality water system that can handle the specific hardness levels of your water. This will help avoid problems like scale buildup and reduced efficiency of appliances.
To learn more about testing, you can contact us for free testing. You can also contact a State-approved water laboratory.
Environmental Impact
Water softeners that use ion exchange technology require periodic regeneration of the resin bed using salt or potassium chloride. While this process effectively removes the tiny particles of crushed rock in your home’s water, the discharged brine, known as backwash, can pose environmental concerns if not properly managed. If the brine is directly released into the environment, it can contaminate soil and water bodies, impacting aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to ensure proper disposal or recycling of the brine to minimize the environmental impact associated with water softening. Consider selecting an eco-friendly regeneration-enabled water softener and having professionals install it for the most environmentally conscious approach.
Additional Maintenance and Cost
Water softeners require regular maintenance and upkeep. This includes replenishing the resin bed with salt or potassium chloride, monitoring and adjusting water hardness settings, and occasionally cleaning or replacing the resin beads. These maintenance tasks can add to the overall cost and time investment associated with owning a water softener. Additionally, low-cost water softeners that may not be designed to handle increased water hardness levels can break down within a relatively short period of 1–2 years.
To ensure long-term performance and durability, consider investing in a reputable water softener that can handle the specific hardness level of your water, containing tiny particles of crushed rock, and has a track record of reliability.
Drinking Water Concerns
While water softeners are effective in addressing hard water issues, it is important to note that they do not purify the water. County reports reveal that tap water in the Tampa Bay region contains traces of various contaminants such as arsenic, lead, chlorine, ammonia, chloroform, and harmful bacteria. Therefore, relying solely on a water softener may not adequately address these additional concerns. Softened water may have a different taste compared to untreated water, and the removal of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, can affect the overall mineral content and taste. To ensure safe drinking water, it is recommended to assess the overall water quality, including contaminants, and consult with water treatment professionals or health experts to determine the most appropriate approach for maintaining drinking water quality while addressing both hard water and potential contaminants.
Finding the Right System
While water softeners offer several benefits, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks associated with their use.
Getting the right system includes testing your water to understand what’s in it. Remember, a water conditioner addresses the hardness of the water. It is not designed to remove all contaminants to ensure water is ideal for drinking.
Purity Bay specializes in a wide range of home water solutions. This includes water softeners, reverse-osmosis systems and whole home water filtration systems. Whether you need help selecting a water system or servicing an existing system, our experienced team can help you out!
