Discover how this appliance can treat hard water problems and protect your home plumbing system.

Plus, five signs you should have one installed.

What Is a Water Softener?

water softener being filled with salt

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A water softener isa water treatment systemdesigned to “soften” hard water in a home.

Salt Water Softener

These systems remove minerals that cause hard water through a process called ion exchange.

The mineral tank is full of spherical resin beads charged with sodium ions.

Salt-free water softeners don’t remove minerals from the water but instead neutralize them.

Consider having your water tested for hardness if you stumble on these signs frequently.

This increase rarely occurs in one dramatic intervalinstead, it gradually builds up over time.

Have your water tested and install a water softener if necessary.

Hard water can also cause clothes to feel rough and scratchy against your skin.

Hard water minerals tend to tarnish metal cookware while causing dishes and glassware to becomestained and cloudy.

Frequent washing with hard water can even make dishes more prone to chipping and breaking.

Have the water in the home tested if you experience these problems regularly when washing your dishes.

Depending on the test results, install a water softener.