According to Geological Surveys, a significant percentage of global geography comprises hard water. While most consumers soften water to enjoy the perks of soft water, there is some muddle about whether it is safe to drink softened water. In this article, we will explore the benefits of softened water, how to make soft water, and the distinction between hard and soft water. Our experts at JBL Plumbers do not just leave it there, but we also offer water softener installation and maintenance. In this article, you will see just why our specialists’ help is needed.
On average, the majority of consumers are concerned that drinking softened water increases sodium intake in the diet. Softening water, notwithstanding the myth, will not lead to your tap water tasting salty. An elevated amount of sodium – sodium bicarbonate is formed during the water softening process, and this is different from sodium chloride (table salt).
Most soft water is seamlessly safe for drinking. However, added sodium levels may not be good for persons with high blood pressure. Nonetheless, there are better ways of making softened water drinkable despite health concerns.
Water hardness is caused by calcium and magnesium compounds. It elevates the amount of soap to lather and causes minerals to scale pipes. Water softeners remove minerals in water using the ion exchange process. They encompass polystyrene beads that are charged with sodium chloride (salt) ions. After passing over the beads, the hard water mineral ions swap with the chloride or salt ions, thereby freeing water from minerals. It works similarly to a filter.
A water softener or filter comes with a plethora of benefits and these include;
When purchasing water softeners or filters, ensure that you do so from a recommendable company.
Despite its clarity, drinking water has chemicals and minerals. Water hardness is caused by the concentration of certain minerals. To distinguish between hard and soft water, you need to know the grains per gallon of these minerals in each. Hard water encompasses higher levels of magnesium and calcium, and a small amount of sodium whereas soft water contains higher or above-average concentrations of sodium. Water softening systems help reduce mineral concentration in water.
As mentioned earlier, water softener systems work by decreasing the concentration of minerals in the water. And, installing one in your home can be of immense benefit as it will help get softened water suitable for drinking. However, you need to regularly clean your water softener since it undergoes the reverse osmosis or ion exchange process, there are resin beads extracted. These clog up the passages in water softener appliances. So, you need to clean your equipment as often as possible.
Both soft and hard water contains several different minerals. And, these minerals can help determine which water is safest to drink. Drinking hard water is healthy for the body in that it naturally comprises essential minerals: iron, magnesium, and calcium. According to research, these minerals not only keep your heart healthy but also your cardiovascular system. Additionally, these minerals improve the taste of hard water. But, this depends on the hardness. A typical classification for hard water is 121-180 mg l of sodium bicarbonate. 0-60 is classified as soft while 61 to 120 mg l is moderate/semi-hard.
On the other hand, if your diet encompasses rich sources of calcium and magnesium, then, there are no risks in drinking water that is softened as it contains lower concentrations of these minerals. If you have diet deficiencies, ingesting a multivitamin or magnesium and calcium supplements may be adequate to meet your daily needs.
However, the bigger concern is for individuals with high blood pressure. They are susceptible to the blood pressure raising effects of drinking softened water. It increases your sodium levels which can result in blood pressure health issues. So, do not include sodium in softened water if you can help it. Otherwise, softened water would be good for your skin and hair.
Ask your doctor to conduct a test on you to see if it is advisable to take soft water. Feel free to visit a trustworthy person for assistance.
Fungi and bacteria can form on the resin of your water-softening equipment. Thus, it is crucial that you clean and maintains the appliance to keep your water safe. But, is the resin found in water softeners or filters toxic? Well, you need not be alarmed. The resin beads found in water softeners are not toxic. Nonetheless, they clog up the smaller passages in appliances as well as fixtures. Thus, you must get an inspection of your tank and plumbing work from JBK plumbers to ascertain that all the resin beads are thoroughly flushed out of your water supply.
Additionally, you need to replace the resin in your equipment after some time. Occasionally, you can get between five and ten years on well water and a decade or more on city water. This water contains manganese iron or higher concentration levels of organic contamination. Coating and oxidation of the resin make it easily fall out. Therefore, it is not advisable to be drinking softened water from systems with a damaged resin.
In conclusion, most individuals can safely consume soft or hard water with no side effects. The high amount of sodium in softened drinking water may be an issue for some people. Nevertheless, this can be managed with potassium-based equipment. If you have an issue with drinking soft water, try out bottled water or your home’s tap or water for laundry, bathing, or dishwashing. Contrariwise, if you wish to soften your water, feel free to search around and be in the company of an expert.
Consulting JBK Plumbers about the system’s effect on your plumbing can help you know your water quality, how your water supply works, and how best to install the water treatment system.
It is better to be aware of the maintenance necessities of a water softening system before purchasing one and how best to keep your water safe. For more information on maintenance and water softeners, call us on 801-874-7976 or visit our website.