Do I Really Need a Water Softener?
For many homeowners, the cost of adding a new appliance can be difficult to swallow. With hefty price tags come the question: Do I really need this appliance? But for Brainerd-area homes, the answer to water softeners is usually yes. From your family’s comfort to the lifespan of your plumbing system, adding a water softener to your water quality ecosystem can have serious benefits.
What Is Hard Water, and Why Should You Care?
Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon, or GPG, and you can test it using a home test kit (more on that later).
Over time, the minerals in hard water build up in water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, pipes, and other parts of your plumbing system, leading to clogs, faster breakdowns, or less effective operation. Hard water has other effects, too: dry skin and hair, spotty dishes, less vibrant clothes, and stains and limescale stains on tubs, sinks, and toilets. And if your appliance is damaged due to your water quality, your manufacturer’s warranty is voided, leaving you to foot the bill yourself.
If you care about your comfort and the longevity of the items you own, hard water is worth solving.
How Do I Know If I Need a Water Softener?
Signs you need a water softener include:
- Soap scum on fixtures
- Dry skin and brittle hair
- Faded laundry, spotty dishes
- Limescale buildup on appliances
- Decreased water flow or pressure
- Frequent plumbing repairs or water heater issues
- Use of excessive cleaning products
To be sure, we recommend testing your water with a home test kit or calling the pros at Schroeder’s to do it for you. A score of 0 to 3 GPG indicates soft water, while 4 to 7 shows moderately hard water. If your water tests 8 or above, it’s hard water. Schroeder’s can provide professional analysis and recommendations on whether a water softener is necessary in your situation.
Water Hardness in Brainerd
While the water quality in the Brainerd area can be hit or miss, it’s generally much harder than average. This means that Brainerd homes and cabins will especially benefit from water softeners.
Are Water Softeners Worth It?
For most homeowners, yes, water softeners are worth it. They often pay for themselves over time through long-term savings in energy use and longer appliance lifespans. Water softener benefits also include softer skin, cleaner clothes, clearer glassware, reduced need for cleaning products, and even less soap and shampoo every time you shower. Common ailments like eczema can be partially treated – or even corrected – through softer water.
I Have a Water Purification System—Do I Really Need a Water Softener, Too?
Having a water quality system in your home is an indicator that you care about your family’s health and comfort – but it doesn’t perform the same function as a water softener. A water filtration system removes contaminants and sediment, making the water safer and tastier. But a water softener focuses specifically on calcium and magnesium, protecting your plumbing system and making water feel better.
Water softeners and filtration systems serve similar but different functions, and they work best when paired together for a whole-home water-quality ecosystem.
Schroeder’s Solutions: Local, Trusted Water Experts
Since 1960, Schroeder’s has served the Brainerd Lakes area with top-quality plumbing, heating, A/C, and appliance solutions. We know local water because we’ve lived and worked with it for decades. We offer maintenance memberships that make caring for your new water softener easy, and flexible financing options to ensure your service fits within your budget.
Still wondering if a water softener is right for your home? Schedule a free water test today!
Ready to Rid Your Home of Hard Water?
If you own a home or cabin in Brainerd, you’re likely dealing with hard water. If you’re tired of dry skin, spotty dishes, mineral buildup, and using excess cleaning products, it’s time to add a water softener to your home. Schroeder’s can help, from choosing the right one for your needs to installing it expertly and providing maintenance tips. Give the pros at Schroeder’s Home Services a call – we’re happy to help!
