Assistance may lie with a water softener. It removes hard water minerals, allowing water to effectively clean your skin. Most homes in the United States have hard water.

Here’s how you know if your home – and your skin – can benefit from a water softener.

Razor Burn

As shorts and swimming suits make their summer debut, shaving increases. You may be experiencing increased incidences of razor burn and accompanying shaving bumps. This can be especially painful if your skin is already sensitive from sun exposure. This doesn’t mean you are over shaving, but rather, your water may be hard. A water softener may be the fix your gams need.

Squeaky Skin

Soft, clean skin is one thing, but that dry, squeaky feeling after bathing means hard minerals are stripping your skin of its natural oils. With sunburned skin, you need all the moisture you can get to help your skin heal. Soft water from a water softener naturally helps keep your skin softer.

Clogged Pores

Too much sun can lead to blisters and burns. Heat leads to perspiration, which can also mean oilier skin. If you are seeing more breakouts than normal on your face, don’t immediately blame the sun and heat. Hard water’s high mineral content leaves a film of soap scum on the skin, which can result in clogged pores. The sun and heat will do enough damage. Let your water be your last worry.

Skin-Saving Test

Not sure if you need a water softener? Check out this free and easy test. Test your home water for free. You’ll discover how soft water might be the answer to soothing your skin this summer with a Whirlpool Water Softener from EcoPureHome.

The post Soothing Sun-Ravaged Skin with Soft Water appeared first on HomeWater 101.

We highlight the 3 different telltale signs you need a new water softener for your home.

It’s easy to forget about your water softener and get stuck in the bi-monthly regiment of filling it with more salt without wondering how old or how long the system will last.

Water softeners start to decline and become less effective after 10 years. Here are 3 signs that you need a new water softener.

Sign No. 1: Dirty Dishes and Itchy Skin

Your dishes are spotty after you clean them, your skin is itchy and soap scum is collecting quicker than usual in sinks. These are all signs that you have hard water. And if you have hard water, your water softener isn’t working as it should.

The problem is your system isn’t regenerating softer water like it used to because it’s old and worn down over years of reliable use.

Sign No. 2: Your Water Softener Is Old

You have a timer-based water softener. These systems regenerate on a schedule you set over a decade ago. Newer systems regenerate soft water based on when you need it — this is called “demand initiated” regeneration. This is ideal because it works on an “as needed” basis.

Sign No. 3: Your System Is Bulky

Your system is bulky and taking up too much space. If you have a twin tank system, your softener is taking up too much room. A single cabinet-system is Demand Initiated and takes up less space, making it an efficient option for your home.

Newer systems also include low salt indicators, enhanced iron removal and water use monitoring, making maintenance and management a breeze.

If these signs are apparent for your water softener and you want to test your water, use a simple test tool so you can find your hard water number. If you know your number and want a new system, you can browse a selection of water softeners by going to EcoPureHome.

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For all the benefits that softer water offers your home, there are still false beliefs about what it does to your water. In this video, we bust those myths.

Myth No. 1: Water softeners make your water salty and add sodium to your diet.

This is false. There are only about 20 milligrams (mg) of salt found in an 8-ounce glass of water. That’s equal to a few grains of table salt. There are approximately 2,300 mg of salt in a teaspoon, 59 mg of salt in an egg and 120 mg in a glass of milk. Water softeners do not alter the taste of your water or impact your daily diet.

Myth No. 2: Water softeners remove important minerals from your drinking water.

This is false. Water softeners only get rid of minerals your body cannot absorb such as magnesium and calcium. After water is softened, no nutrients are lost that will benefit your health.

Myth No. 3: Water softeners are expensive to operate in your home.

This is false. Your water softener will cost you $10/year on your electric bill — that’s the same as it takes to run your alarm clock. Water softeners can actually save you up to $800/year by extending the life of your fabrics, reducing the amount of soaps and cleaning product you use and improve the performance of appliances such as your dishwasher and washing machine.

To learn more about where it will save you, check out our “The Impact of Hard Water on Your Wallet” video.

The new water softening systems that you can find on EcoPureHome only use 6-8 bags of salt per year — that’s nearly half of the salt it used to take on older systems.

If you’re having troubles finding the right water softener solution for your home, use our water test tool and find what you need.

The post Busted: Hard Water Myths appeared first on HomeWater 101.

Crusty White Buildup
White crust on faucets and showerheads and cloudy glass on shower doors are telltale signs of hard water. Hard water minerals (calcium and magnesium) are to blame for these bathroom nuisances, causing flaky buildup and inability to fully rinse away soap and cleaners. A water softener removes the excess calcium and magnesium from your water, keeping faucets sparkling and eliminating the problem before the water is even plumbed throughout the house.

Damaged Appliances
Appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, coffee makers and water heaters are cornerstones of the home and see a lot of use. They also rely heavily on the use of water for proper functioning. If hard water is being plumbed to these appliances, scale can build up in the pipes and within the systems themselves. Because of that, there will be reduced water flow to your refrigerator, and your dishwasher will no longer clean dishes as effectively. A thick layer of lime scale may even build up in your water heater, making it less efficient. And that morning cup of coffee that you love so much may taste worse or take longer to brew. In addition to costly damages, the lifespan of these appliances can be reduced by 30 to 50 percent with hard water. A water softener will minimize the need for costly repairs or premature replacement.

Stiff, Discolored Laundry
The minerals found in hard water deposit themselves onto fabrics, which cause discoloration and stiffness. Laundry detergent does not activate and perform well when used with hard water, which minimizes its effectiveness unless you add more soap to the wash cycle. This quickly becomes costly and wasteful. Soft water will allow you to use less laundry detergent while getting cleaner, brighter and softer results.

If using soft water sounds like a good New Year’s resolution for your household, there’s no better time to find the water softening system for your home. Everyone and everything will benefit—and it will be the easiest resolution you’ve ever made.

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You know that water softeners eliminate several headaches around your home—from spotty dishes and stiff laundry to costly appliance repairs. But a common question is whether a softener will also remove important minerals from your water that you and your family need to stay healthy.

Happily, this is not a concern for water softener owners, and here’s why:

1. The minerals found in your tap water are in a form that your body can’t properly digest. If you’re looking to add key vitamins and minerals to your diet, it is more important to focus on the food you eat. A well-balanced meal plan will provide the daily dose of nutrients you need to stay healthy. If you’re concerned about your intake, consider adding a multivitamin or supplement.
2. Water softeners are designed to capture and remove specific minerals (magnesium and calcium) from your water. This process gets rid of the home-damaging hardness minerals and leaves minerals like fluoride (which helps prevent tooth decay) intact.

Not only will a water softener eliminate white, crusty buildup, scum rings in your tub, and spotty dishes, it won’t remove any essential nutrients from your water either. To give your home the gift of good “health,” start by getting a free water test to help you evaluate your water and find the best softening solution for your home.

The post Myth: I’m losing “good” minerals from my water appeared first on HomeWater 101.

Choose the best option for you

You’ve done the research and now you’re ready to purchase and install your water softener. Whether you’re using a dealer, a plumber or your own DIY skills, there are advantages and disadvantages to each installation method. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect from each installation option, so you can choose the best approach for you.

Doing it yourself

Installing the water softener yourself allows you to work on the project at your own pace and without spending extra money on a plumber. If you understand and are comfortable with the principles of plumbing, the project will take no more than half a day. And if you’re simply replacing an old water softener, this can be completed in about an hour.

You’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary supplies and tools before you begin, as you may need to cut some pipes to align your water softener and water supply lines. And to help installation go smoothly, creating a detailed checklist before you begin will ensure you don’t miss any key steps.

Working with a retailer

If you purchased your water softener through a retailer, you may have the option of using their installation service for an added charge. It may take several days to schedule the installation, as the retailer uses an installer in their network who’s equipped to install your particular system. And since the retailer sets the appointment for you, they’ll be able to negotiate rates, helping you get the best installation price.

Using a local plumber

Purchasing a water softener from your nearby home improvement store means you can either install it yourself, have the retailer manage the installation, or call a local plumber. If your plumbing skills are shaky, professional installation by your local plumber is still affordable and will give you peace of mind that it’s been done correctly. As for availability, you may not get an appointment right away, so plan in advance to ensure your water softener is installed as soon as possible after purchase. If you haven’t already purchased a water softener but are starting to research plumbers, they may try to lead you toward a particular product they carry—even though it may not be the right option for your home or your budget. When the plumber arrives, make sure you have your water softener and its intended location ready for the plumber to make sure the installation goes quickly.

Using a dealer or water treatment specialist

When working with a water softener dealer, they’ll help you select a custom solution for your home and install the appliance as well. In fact, many dealers offer the opportunity to rent a system on a monthly basis, which is another option to consider for your household needs. If you aren’t sure which features you need or the best capacity for your home, working with a dealer is the most user-friendly option; however, it’s also the priciest.

Depending on your experience, comfort level and budget, there’s an installation option for everyone, so you can find the right balance and best solution for your home. For a comprehensive look at all your installation options, you can use this breakdown, which includes a detailed review of cost, time and difficulty.

The post Installing your water softener appeared first on HomeWater 101.

Sodium is a naturally occurring mineral and is found in almost everything you consume—from apples and almonds to water and milk. And while sodium is used to soften water, one of the biggest misconceptions is that it makes your softened water taste salty. Luckily, that’s not the case. This article dispels that common myth and provides a practical solution to help reduce the amount of sodium that does exist and ensure you are drinking the healthiest water possible.

How much sodium do you need?

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the recommended limit for sodium is less than 2,300 mg a day. The average American consumes about 3,400 mg a day, but the vast majority of sodium comes from table salt and processed and prepared foods, like cold cuts, canned soups, fast food, and frozen dinners. Here are the sodium levels of some common food items:

• An 8-ounce glass of low-fat milk contains about 120 mg of sodium
• One egg contains 59 mg of sodium
• An 8-ounce glass of orange juice contains about 25 mg
• A can of soda contains 40-45 mg
• Depending on the brand, a standard 1-ounce slice of bread has between 80 and 230 mg of sodium
• A teaspoon of regular table salt contains 2,300 mg of sodium

Sodium in softened water

The amount of sodium present in drinking water—even after softening—does not represent a significant percentage in a person’s daily intake. During the regeneration process, the resin beads that remove the calcium and magnesium (the hardness ions) in your water are flushed with a brine solution (made from the salt you add to your tank). This releases the calcium and magnesium ions from the beads and replaces them with sodium ions. The excess brine and hardness ion solution is then flushed from the system. This process adds just a little sodium to the overall water supply—and you definitely won’t taste it.

The exact amount of sodium present in soft water will vary based on how much hardness is being removed by the softener. The harder your water is, the more sodium ions that are being exchanged to make soft water. For example, someone with 11 grains per gallon (gpg) hardness would see an additional 20.6 mg of sodium per 8-ounce glass.

Once you have your hard water number, this is how you can calculate the additional amount of sodium that will be added to your water:

How to reduce sodium consumption

You may choose not to drink soft water because of the sodium in it for health reasons or otherwise and seek out the most simple solution available. For example, will a Brita water filter remove sodium from soft water? Standalone Brita filters, like pitcher or faucet filters, are an excellent way to reduce the most common water contaminants and impurities, but unfortunately, sodium is not on that list. There is an additional measure you can take to ensure your drinking water is sodium-free while still enjoying the benefits of soft water, such as reduced stains and limescale, more efficient soap usage and longer appliance life.

Install a reverse osmosis filtration system

Does reverse osmosis remove sodium from softened water?

Yes.

In fact, the most thorough way to remove sodium from soft water—along with a host of other contaminants such as chlorine and lead—is to install a reverse osmosis drinking water system to work alongside your water softener. These systems, like the Brita Total360 Reverse Osmosis (RO) System, use a thorough, 3-stage reverse osmosis filtration process that includes a pre-filter, a post-filter and a semipermeable membrane. This membrane is where the magic happens, as it is specifically designed to remove concentrated substances—like salt—and leaves only clean, healthy drinking water for you to enjoy. In short, reverse osmosis systems remove 95%+ of all common contaminants in water, including sodium.

A win-win solution

When you do the math, water softeners add a very small amount of sodium to your diet. And if you add a reverse osmosis system to remove salt, you will have the most thorough, healthy water treatment solution for your home. You’ll get to enjoy the many benefits of soft water such as preventing damaging scale buildup in your pipes and appliances, using less energy, lotions and soaps, which will save money throughout your home. And perhaps more importantly, you will enjoy the safety and security of having clean, healthy, sodium-free drinking water for you and your family.

Ready to learn more? Explore the Brita Total360 Reverse Osmosis (RO) System on EcoPureHome.

Unsure of your home’s water quality? Contact a local EcoWater expert to get a free water analysis.

The post Myth: Water softeners make your water salty appeared first on HomeWater 101.

We are the 85%

Only 15% of the United States has naturally occurring soft water. The remaining 85% of us get to fight the daily battles of hard water with spotty dishes, limescale buildup and appliance inefficiency.

Why so hard?

Water out of a lake or river is called surface water and is relatively soft. The hardness factors in when water comes into contact with subterranean minerals. Limestone, which is rich in calcium and magnesium, is present across most of the country. As water passes through it, it picks up the hard water minerals along the way. The longer the water travels through these elements, the harder it becomes. This is why certain cities, counties and states can have varying degrees of water hardness.

U.S. water: The good, the bad and the ugly

People who live in the Pacific Northwest, parts of the Southeast, the Gulf States and New England can count themselves part of the lucky 15% living in soft water zones. They tend to see less than three grains per gallon of hardness minerals in their water, making it some of the softest water in the country.

Water from the Midwest all the way to the West coast comprises a majority of the 85% of hard water. In particular, the Midwest region is ranked as having some of the hardest water in the country. Ten grains per gallon (gpg) of hardness minerals in water is considered “very hard,” and many Midwestern households consistently average 16 gpg.

What does this mean for these homes? Embarrassing stains, spotty dishes, crusty faucets and showerheads, and limescale buildup in tubs and showers. Over time, they’ll also see an uptick in many household costs, ranging from regularly purchasing more soap to buying new appliances up to 50% sooner than expected.

With our country’s varied landscape, it’s no surprise that regions and cities throughout the U.S. vary in their hard water number. But these six metro areas are known for having some of the hardest water in the country:

• Indianapolis
• Las Vegas
• Minneapolis-St. Paul
• Phoenix
• San Antonio
• Tampa

Say goodbye to being part of the 85%

Just because you’re part of the 85% doesn’t mean you can’t create your own soft water. All you need is one simple appliance—a water softener—to fix the issue. A water softener will also save you money in the short and long term. For a quick look at how even the hardest water becomes soft, watch The Hows and Whys of Hard Water.

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