If you're not familiar with hard water but you've started to notice a white, flaky residue on your water fixtures or a film on your dishes, that's an indication that your water has excess mineral content. You'll need to invest in a water softener to address the problem. For those who have never dealt with this before, you might actually be surprised by some of the things that a water softener can do. Here's a look at some of the benefits you'll see from installing a water softener to address your hard water issues.

Protects Your Fixtures And Appliances

The biggest challenge of hard water is the damage it does to your fixtures and water-using appliances. The mineral deposit buildup on these surfaces, inside the pipes, and within the appliances can lead to slow water flow, insufficient water supply, and appliance malfunctions. Installing a water softener will eliminate the minerals that form these deposits, protecting your fixtures and appliances from damage.

Makes Your Skin Feel Better

The minerals in hard water can cause your skin to dry out, making it feel tight and uncomfortable following a shower. You might even struggle with soap residue because hard water doesn't always rinse the soap away as effectively. If you use excessive amounts of moisturizing lotion to try to soothe your skin, consider installing a water softener. Reducing the mineral content in your water will ease the effect on your skin and eliminate your discomfort.

Helps Your Cleansers Work Better

Everything from detergents to bath soap and even hair shampoo can be affected by hard water. The minerals inhibit the detergent's function, so you'll notice fewer suds and you may feel like things aren't as clean as they could be. A water softener eliminates those minerals that disrupt your cleaners, so your laundry, floors, dishes, and even your hair will get cleaner. This may allow you to use less detergent for the same tasks and still get quality results, saving you money over time.

Prolongs The Life Of Your Fabrics

When you wash clothes and fabrics in hard water, mineral deposits will cling to the fabric. Over time, this causes mineral buildup, leading to premature wear, fading, and other problems. If you want to prolong the life of your fabrics, keep your whites as white as possible, and keep your clothes feeling soft and comfortable, install a water softener to eliminate those bothersome minerals.

Talk with a water-softening equipment supplier today for more information.