Do You Need a Water Softener in Virginia?

Hard water is one of the most common problems for homeowners in Virginia because Virginia has a layer of calcium-based bedrock, which creates hard water issues. Water softeners help remove minerals from your water, protecting you and your home from the consequences of hard water.

Would you benefit from a water softening system? F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical is here to explain the signs of hard water issues and how they impact you.

Signs of Hard Water Issues

Hard water is caused by calcium, iron, or magnesium deposits that get into drinking water. It can create issues with your plumbing system and anything else that comes into contact with your tap water. Looking out for signs of hard water issues will help you identify how hard water may negatively impact your home.

Signs of hard water include:

• Mineral buildup: Look out for crusty white buildup on faucets, showerheads, sinks, drains, tiles, or appliances.
• Soap scum and residue: Magnesium and calcium particles in your water will react with soap, leaving behind soap scum. This buildup can hold onto moisture, causing mold, mildew, and bacterial growth. The interaction between the minerals and soap also prevents suds from forming as they usually would and may leave behind soap residue.
• Strange-tasting or -smelling water: Tap water with an unpleasant taste or smell is a clear sign of hard water. You may notice water that tastes slightly bitter or salty, or smells like rotten eggs.
• Stiff clothing: If your clothes feel stiff or rough after washing them, this could be because hard water deposits have attached to them. High mineral levels can also leave stains on freshly washed clothes, fade colors, and weaken the fabric fibers over time.

How Hard Water Affects You & Your Home

Fortunately, hard water isn’t dangerous for your health, but it increases the risk of bacterial growth and can create issues for your home over time.

Some consequences of hard water include:

• Frequent plumbing problems: Mineral buildup in your pipes and faucets will increase plumbing and drain problems over time. If the mineral content in your water is especially high, it can erode your plumbing fixtures and piping, creating extensive damage that will be costly to fix.
• Increased bills: Hard water can weaken pipes, increasing the risk of leaks, cracked pipes, and other issues that will raise your water bills. Mineral buildup in your boiler or water heater will also make those systems less effective, so they’ll try to use more energy to compensate.
• Appliance issues: Hard water threatens all your appliances that use water. Washing machines, dishwashers, and even coffee makers — minerals can build up in these machines, making them perform less effectively and increasing the risk of breakdowns.
• Skin issues: The minerals in your water can dry out your skin and clog your pores, leading to pimples, dry, itchy, or flaky skin, and even eczema.

The Benefits of Water Softening Systems

Water softening systems work by removing minerals from water through an ion exchange process. They address hard water issues and prevent problems from mineral buildup.

The benefits of these systems include:

• Improved water quality
• Pipe and appliance protection
• Reduction of soap scum and mineral buildup
• Prevention of bacteria, mold, and mildew growth
• Improved effectiveness of soaps and detergents
• Water that’s gentler on skin and hair
• Prevention of faded or damaged laundry
• Extended plumbing system lifespan

Schedule a Water Softener Installation

The expert plumbers at F.H. Furr offer a range of water conditioning services, including water softener installation. Our water conditioning specialists can test your water to determine the current level of minerals and then recommend the best system for your needs and budget.

We offer industry-exclusive guarantees, flat-rate pricing, and 100% customer satisfaction.

Contact F.H. Furr today or schedule an appointment online.