If you live in South Florida, then you’ve probably noticed spots on clean dishes, dry skin and hair, or scale buildup, but you might be wondering exactly what is causing this to happen. Hard water is usually the culprit, and there’s not a lot of knowledge around the effects of hard water. Hard water is typically filled with extra minerals, specifically magnesium and calcium. All Year Cooling and Plumbing is going to dive in and talk a bit about hard water and whether water softeners are necessary for residents living in South Florida.
What is Hard Water?
As we stated, hard water is water that has extra minerals in it, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals often lead to the buildup that we see and the dryness in our skin and hair. The entire state of Florida is considered to have “very hard” or “extremely hard” water when compared to other states, making it a problem for many residents. The hard water in Florida is caused by water sources running through soil and rocks, where the minerals are absorbed into the water. This is extremely common in Florida, as there are many areas where the water runs through and can pick up these excess minerals.
Signs That You Have Hard Water
There are many signs that can indicate that you have hard water in your home, and knowing these signs can help you determine if this is a problem in your area and if you can do things to treat the water. Here are some common signs of hard water that you can look out for:
- White chalky buildup on faucets, sinks, and bathtubs
- Soap scum
- Spotted clean dishes
- Brown/reddish stains
- Dry skin and hair
- Low water pressure
- Stiff laundry
- High energy bills
What Are Water Softeners?
Water softeners are an option for those who have hard water and want to combat the issue. Water softeners are often referred to as ion exchange units as well. They are used to remove the excess calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that are inside the water, which cause the hardness. A water softener is similar to a filter that has resin beads, which filter out and trap excess minerals, preventing them from entering the water stream used in your Florida home.
Do Florida Residents Really Need a Water Softener?
In Florida, there are many areas throughout the state that suffer from hard water. With that being said, having a water softener can help with the effects of hard water. It’s important to note that hard water doesn’t pose any health or safety risks, but the dryness, laundry effects, high energy bills, and buildup on sinks and tubs can be enough to push you to get a water softener. The biggest issue associated with hard water is its impact on appliances, which can cause them to require maintenance or replacement earlier than those in areas with softer water.
Are There Cons to Having a Water Softener?
Although water softeners are great for decreasing the amount of minerals in your water, there are some cons that need to be considered before deciding if getting a water softener is for you.
- If you’re using a salt-based water softener, then this can increase the sodium within your water
- Softened water can be corrosive to certain types of pipes that the water flows through, which could potentially lead to leaks
- It can actually affect the taste and feel of your water, as some people have noticed a slippery feel and a salty taste of the water, which could be unappealing
- Water softeners often need consistent maintenance and upkeep, which can be an ongoing cost
Is a Water Softener Right for Your Home?
If you live in South Florida, then the chances are high that you’re living with hard water. However, whether or not you need a water softener is ultimately up to you as the homeowner. Hard water doesn’t pose a health or safety risk to your family, but the effects of it can be annoying and impractical for your family. Between stiff laundry, buildup that keeps you constantly cleaning, and dry skin and hair, these effects could be enough for some to want to mitigate the issue.
Water softeners are a great way to soften your water and eliminate some of the pesky effects of hard water; however, it’s important to consider the cons of having a water softener. The initial cost, maintenance, and potential salty taste with salt water softeners are some considerations you shouldn’t ignore. Weighing your options and determining what’s best for your family is ultimately up to you, the homeowner, but it’s beneficial to know that there are ways to deal with the hard water we experience in the state of Florida.
How All Year Cooling and Plumbing Can Help
At All Year Cooling and Plumbing, we are familiar with the hard water effects in Florida, and we’ve dealt with many families across the state who have dealt with the effects of it. With that being said, our team of experts is trained to help you identify the best course of action for your family based on your needs. If you’re unsure whether or not you should opt for a water softener, we can help lay out the pros and cons for you in an easy and digestible way based on your particular family needs, home, and current hard water effects you’re dealing with. If you’re sure that you do want a water softener installed in your home, you can contact us today, and we can help you get one installed that’s right for your situation, family, and home so that you don’t have to deal with the negative effects of hard water again.