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.

The post Signs you need a new water softener appeared first on HomeWater 101.

These are some of the most common problems you may be experiencing around your home due to hard water:

• Around the home
  • Crusty, white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads and water-using appliances
  • Dishwasher that no longer cleans dishes very well
  • Reduced water flow due to clogged pipes
  • Hard-to-clean film and scale on bath and kitchen fixtures, shower walls and toilets
  • Spotty, filmy glasses and dishes—even after washing
  • Soap that refuses to lather despite using copious amounts
  • Gray, dingy clothing
  • Towels that feel hard and scratchy post-wash
• Financial hits over time
  • Higher utility bill costs over time
    • Hard water will require up to 29% more energy to heat your water over the life of a water heater
    • The estimated increase in energy bills over a 10-year period: $1,500
  • Decreased efficacy of major water-using appliances, including big ticket items like water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines
  • A 30% to 50% decrease in the lifespan of major appliances
  • Increased purchases of items such as laundry detergent, bath and kitchen soaps and lotion
    • Estimated annual cost without a softener: $1,039
    • Estimated annual cost with a softener: $225 (75% to 80% percent savings)
• Personal well-being
  • “Squeaky” skin post-wash
  • Excessively dry skin
  • Dull, limp hair
  • Razor burn
  • Hair color that quickly fades

If any of these signs are present in your home, the best way to know for sure if you’ve got hard water is through a hard water test. It’s quick and easy, and it will tell you how hard your water is. Armed with that info, you’ll be able to look into the best solutions for your home.

The post Can’t lose those stubborn spots on your glasses? You probably have hard water. appeared first on HomeWater 101.