Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Pompano Beach, FL

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How Do I Know if My Home Needs New Piping?

Diego, a professional plumber from Service Minds Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, holding a tablet in a bright kitchen in Pompano Beach.Your plumbing system may be out of sight, but it only stays out of mind as long as everything is working properly. Unfortunately, by the time things start going sideways, it may already be beyond a simple fix. To solve serious systemic problems, investing in whole-house repiping may be the smartest solution.

Of course, repiping an entire plumbing system is no small task, so it’s important to consider whether it’s the right option for you. While every home is unique, here are several key factors to evaluate before making a decision.

Age and Pipe Material

All plumbing systems come with an expected lifespan, which can vary significantly depending on the materials used. Brass, copper and cast iron can typically last 70 to 80 years or more. For PVC piping, those numbers drop to around 25 to 50 years. Naturally, shoddy workmanship or low-quality materials can shorten your plumbing’s lifespan even further.

While it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, repiping your system before it reaches its life expectancy can often save you a lot of trouble. That’s especially true of certain older materials that carry risks far beyond age and condition. For instance:

Lead Pipes

In theory, strong and durable lead pipes are built to last up to a century under normal use. In practice, however, we now know they can leach potentially dangerous amounts of lead directly into your drinking water. If your home has lead pipes, it’s imperative to make plans for replacing them as soon as possible.

Polybutylene Pipes

Unlike lead plumbing, polybutylene (PB) pipes won’t slowly poison you with every glass of water you drink. What they may do, however, is suddenly and catastrophically fail with little to no warning. In fact, as PB piping gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, this type of failure became so common and damaging that it gave rise to one of the nation’s largest class-action lawsuits. Needless to say, any polybutylene pipes in your home are past due for replacement.

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized pipes are simply steel pipes coated in a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion. Unfortunately, that zinc layer can’t stick around forever. After around 40 years, most galvanized piping will have begun corroding and accumulating harmful mineral deposits — including lead. While replacing galvanized pipes isn’t completely necessary in all situations, it’s often the safest option for your home and your family.

Low Water Pressure

Have you noticed the flow from your faucets and showerheads getting weaker and weaker? Has it been taking longer than expected to fill up your dishwasher or washing machine? Low water pressure has many potential causes, from bad valves and pressure regulators to well failures and water main breaks. More often, however, it’s the result of corrosion slowly and steadily building up inside your piping. This gradually reduces the effective diameter of the pipes, restricting the flow of water reaching your fixtures.

Signs of Pipe Corrosion

Speaking of corrosion, it’s not just the insides of your pipes you need to worry about. Any piping around your home that’s accessible should be periodically inspected for signs of corrosion or damage. This may include rust, discoloration, flaking, dimpling, pitting or anything else that appears unusual. Minor exterior corrosion is rarely an emergency, but it can be an early sign warning of more serious problems.

Recurring Plumbing Leaks

Leaky plumbing is always a hassle, but a small leak in an isolated area can usually be fixed without much trouble. If you’ve got your local emergency plumbers on speed dial, however, you may have much bigger problems. Frequent, recurring leaks indicate your piping is likely headed for disaster, especially when they occur in multiple areas around your home. Major plumbing failures can cause tremendous property damage, so there may be little time to waste.

Poor Water Quality

Has your normally clean, tasty water been replaced by something that looks — and smells — like it’s straight from the swamp? You probably don’t need an expert to tell you something is very wrong. More specifically, this usually indicates the presence of heavy corrosion inside your plumbing system. If only the hot water is affected, the solution may be as simple as flushing or replacing your water heater. Otherwise, you’re likely dealing with widespread corrosion that can only be addressed with a full repiping.

Loud and Noisy Plumbing

A healthy plumbing system may not be silent, but it certainly shouldn’t sound like evil spirits trapped inside your piping. Whether it’s squealing, shrieking, knocking or gurgling, loud and unusual noises coming from your pipes should never be ignored. These sounds occur for many reasons, including excessive corrosion, clogged or damaged pipes, worn-out components, water pressure issues and more.

If your plumbing system has given you cause for concern, put your mind at ease with a call to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Pompano Beach. Our highly qualified plumbing professionals can perform a complete in-home evaluation and help you determine whether whole-house repiping makes sense for you.

Filed Under: Blog

How Often Do Homes Need to be Repiped?

Diego, a Service Minds Benjamin Franklin Plumbing technician, repairing plumbing under a kitchen sink in Pompano Beach.Your home’s plumbing is critical for maintaining a safe, healthy indoor environment. Even when you regularly maintain your pipes and fixtures, they will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. How often you might need to repipe your home depends on several factors, including the age of your pipes, the piping material used, your family’s usage patterns, and your water quality. Here is some information from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Miami, Florida about when to repipe your home.

Factors That Affect When to Repipe Your Home

The factors that affect when it might be time to repipe your home include:

1. Age of Your Pipes

If you live in an older home with original plumbing infrastructure, the pipes might need to be replaced. While plumbing pipes are durable, they weaken with age and can rust, deteriorate, and leak. If your home is 50 or more years old, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional plumbing inspection.

2. Plumbing Pipe Material

Materials used for plumbing pipes have changed over the decades. Older homes might have cast iron pipes made during the early part of the 20th century. Some pipe systems are lined with mortar, and others contain lead and other contaminants that can be hazardous to your health.

Common pipe materials can be expected to have the following average lifespans if they have been well-maintained:

  • Cast-iron pipes – 75 to 100 years
  • Galvanized steel pipes – 20 to 50 years
  • Copper pipes – 50 to 70 years
  • Brass pipes – 40 to 70 years
  • PVC, PEX, or CVPC pipes – Indefinitely
  • Kitek piping – 10 to 20 years; has been recalled

Even if you know the materials your pipes are made from, other factors can cause your pipes to deteriorate and fail much earlier.

3. Water Usage Patterns

Households that use a lot of water might experience more plumbing issues and have to repipe their homes earlier. A pattern of heavy water use can strain your pipes and cause them to deteriorate faster.

4. Water Quality

If you have hard water, it can leave mineral deposits in your pipes. These deposits can build up and cause corrosion and rust over time. Acidic water can also accelerate pipe corrosion.

Signs Your Home Might Need Repiping

The following signs indicate you should call a plumber to learn whether you need to repipe your home:

  • Discolored, rusty water – This happens when pipes corrode or rust and can be a health hazard.
  • Pinhole or slab leaks – If you notice multiple leaks above or below your home’s foundation, they can cause extensive damage and should be addressed promptly.
  • Low water pressure – Low water pressure from fixtures throughout your home indicates pipe blockages, mineral buildup, or other problems that may require repiping.
  • Kitec piping – Kitec pipes were used in homes from 1995 to 2007 because the material was flexible and believed to be an alternative to copper, but Kitec pipes are prone to bursting and have been recalled, leading to significant litigation and settlement.
  • Strange sounds – Strange noises such as gurgling or banging that emanate from your pipes can indicate blockages or deterioration that requires repiping.

What Is Involved With Repiping?

Repiping your home involves the following steps:

1. Professional Inspection

A licensed plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing will assess your pipes and their condition. They will identify issues and develop a plan with you for the project.

2. Choosing Pipes

Your plumber will explain various pipe materials and the factors that might influence which is best for you and your budget. Your choice will be affected by the building codes, durability, your home’s water quality, and cost.

3. Signing a Contract

Based on the assessment and the pipe materials you choose, your plumber will draw up a detailed contract that includes information about the project’s duration, supplies, costs, and other project details. Carefully review the contract, and ask questions if you have them before you sign.

4. Preparing

Before beginning the work, your plumber will shut off the water supply to your home. They will also remove fixtures and open walls to access the plumbing based on your home’s layout. They will also access outdoor pipes, which might involve some excavation work.

5. Installation and Testing

Your plumber will remove your old pipes and install the new ones. Once installation is complete, they will test your plumbing to ensure it is functioning optimally.

Contact a Licensed Plumber

Repiping your home is a major project, but it can protect your family’s health and cut down on frequent plumbing repairs. The experienced team of licensed plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Miami can assess the condition of your pipes and help you determine whether it’s time to repipe your home. Call us today to schedule an appointment at (786) 894-1576.

Filed Under: Blog

Can My Pipes Be Repaired, or Do I Need to Replace?

Diego, a professional plumber from Service Minds Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, consulting with homeowners in a bright, modern kitchen in Pompano Beach.Most modern plumbing pipes last for decades, so you can generally make do with repairs rather than replacement if your home has been built during the last 20 years. However, the older your home, the more the chance will be that you have to replace all of your pipes.

Reasons to Replace Your Pipes

Houses from the turn of the 20th century up until about 1950 used lead pipes. While they last longer than almost any other pipes, they can poison you over time. In the 1970s, builders used polytubelene pipes, and these are prone to breakage. Iron pipes can eventually rust and become weak. Copper pipes are prone to pitting corrosion, often resulting in slow leaks that are tough to detect. The first indication is usually a ballooning water bill.

It’s best to replace pipes that are still sound but haven’t created a disaster yet. Generally, a repiping job will cost between about $4,000 and $10,000 if there is no disaster to fix. Depending on the nature of the problems that could occur when your pipes burst, it could cost between three and five times that. So, replacing early is the best strategy.

When You Can Do Repairs Instead

If just one pipe is problematic, then it’s possible to isolate the section that needs fixing and do a small repair that costs a fraction of replacement. Given that cast-iron pipes last from 70-100 years, you won’t have to replace them very often. New pipes that are roughly 20 years old or younger can usually be repaired instead of replaced.

Signs of Trouble

Rusty water is an easy one to spot. Rust equals pipe decay if you have metallic pipes. Indications of corrosion include dimpling, flaking, stains, and weird colors. One pipe with any of these signs isn’t that big a deal, but multiple pipes with these could indicate that a plumbing system failure is imminent. A big change in your water bill also shows a problem. If you have hard water, then even a big drop in your water bill could show a problem because of pipes clogged with calcium deposits.

Our Advantages

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we have the right kind of experience and know-how to be able to advise you on your piping and whether or not a repair or replacement is better for your home. The Better Business Bureau trusts us with both full accreditation and an A+ rating, so you can trust us too. Call us at the office today to set up an appointment.

Filed Under: Blog

Why does soft water feel slimy in the shower?

Why Soft Water Feels Slimy in the Shower

Believe it or not, making the switch from hard water in the Pompano Beach, FL, area to a water softener may initially make you feel quite puzzled. This is because you’ve gotten so used to the hard water that most Florida residents deal with that the many benefits of water softeners might leave you feeling a bit slimy. It will take some time before you adjust, but once you do, you’ll be so glad you made the switch!

Hard Water vs. Soft Water

If you’ve lived in Florida for a long time, then hard water might be all you’ve ever experienced. In fact, the water in Florida is rated as hard to very hard. What makes the water so hard is the high level of minerals in it. These minerals, especially magnesium and calcium, are not harmful to your health. Unfortunately, though, they can negatively impact your plumbing, household appliances and even personal care.

Hard water is so prevalent in Pompano Beach, that it’s quite common to deal with the following:

  • Frizzy and dry hair
  • Feeling like film is left behind on your skin
  • Scalp irritation
  • Itchy and dry skin
  • Fixtures and appliances with mineral buildup

Despite all these negatives, you may not have ever made the connection between them and your water. For example, if you’ve always dealt with minor scalp irritation, you probably have no idea that its root cause is your water. Another problem that is caused by hard water is the residue it leaves behind. Also known as soap scum, this residue is caused by the minerals in your water reacting with your detergents and soaps. Resolving this issue requires you to switch to a water softener.

Once you make the switch, you’ll quickly begin to experience several benefits, including:

  • Healthier hair
  • Hydrated, softer skin
  • Less shampoo needed
  • Less soap needed

How Do I Stop the Slimy Sensation?

Now that you understand you’re feeling slimy because of spending years showering in overly hard water, it’s time to learn how to stop this sensation. After all, it doesn’t matter that using a water softener is better for your hair and skin if you can’t get rid of the icky feeling. Fortunately, there are three easy fixes for this problem.

1. Cut Back on Your Soap Usage

The primary reason why you’re feeling so slimy is because soft water doesn’t require you to use nearly as much soap. Therefore, you need to retrain yourself so that you won’t use the same amount of soap as you have in the past. Once you’ve reached the optimal level of soap, you’ll notice that the slimy feeling disappears.

2. Start Using a Synthetic Body Wash

A synthetic body wash isn’t made from oils or fats. Instead, it’s able to make suds without forming any gummy deposits. The difference between bar soap and body wash is quite noticeable, and some people absolutely love it. However, there are also people who don’t like the sensation of using synthetic body wash. If you belong to the first category, switching to a synthetic body wash is a game changer. You won’t feel slimy anymore, which will greatly enhance your enjoyment of showering.

Consider a Different Water Softener

Your current water softener might be salt-based, and this can be difficult for some people to get used to. By switching to a salt-free softener, your water will feel more natural, still provide many benefits and might even save you money in the long run.

Why Does the Slimy Feeling Happen?

In most cases, feeling a slimy sensation from showering is caused by using a salt-based softener, as mentioned above. There is actually a scientific explanation for why this happens, too. What happens is that your softener contains ions, and they naturally enhance the bond between your skin and your soap. This bond is stronger than the one between your water and your skin. This is fantastic for your skin health, but it also makes it necessary to expend more effort to make yourself feel truly clean.

Take Back Your Shower in Pompano Beach, FL

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, often referred to as the Punctual Plumber, provides water softeners for your home. Our expert team is aware of the slimy sensation, however, and we therefore offer salt-free softener solutions. When you make the switch, you’ll experience plumbing protection, increased energy efficiency and have a positive environmental impact!

Take care of your skin and hair health by installing a proven water softener today! Contact our team of expert plumbers in Pompano Beach to get started. We trace our roots back to 1996, so you know you’ll receive the absolute best care!

Filed Under: Blog

Is the Water in Pompano Beach Hard or Soft?

Is Pompano Beach Water Hard or Soft?

Hard water has more minerals dissolved in it than soft water. For water to be considered “hard,” it has to have at least 121 parts per million of minerals. If the water has 180 parts per million, then it’s considered very hard water. Florida, as a whole, has among the hardest water in the nation, often topping 250 parts per million. With the exception of West Palm Beach, Pompano Beach has the hardest water in the state at 298 parts per million.

Why Is Florida’s Water So Hard?

The chief mineral in hard water is calcium. Florida sits on top of the Floridan Aquifer System, which flows continuously through karst. Karst is a kind of limestone, and limestone is calcium carbonate. More than a quadrillion gallons of water make up the Floridan Aquifer System.

What Are the Problems of Hard Water?

First, it must be stressed that hard water does not pose a health risk as long as there are no heavy metals in it. In fact, it contains essential nutrients. It just doesn’t taste very good. Sometimes, it’s sweet. Sometimes, it’s bitter. Another problem is that it leaves an unsightly scum on sinks and bathtubs. It causes spots on dishes, and your laundry may come out in different colors, such as yellow and green, if you wash in hard water. The built-up calcium and other deposits can also clog pipes and water heaters, exacerbating energy bills.

What Can Be Done About Hard Water?

Generally, if a city has water that is above 200 PPM, it softens water a bit before pumping out to homes. Still, 200 PPM is quite high and will result in calcium deposits and yellow laundry. Your chief defense against hard water is a water softener. It uses salt to create ions with the minerals in your water, which can then be filtered out.

The chief disadvantage to water softeners is that they create water that’s high in sodium. While that won’t cause scaling on glasses or clog pipes, it could adversely affect the health of someone on a low-sodium diet. It’s a good idea to install a filter for water that you’re going to drink or use for cooking.

How We Can Help

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we have nearly four decades of experience in all aspects of plumbing, including that of water softeners. We also have an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. Give us a call to find out more information about water softeners and to set up an appointment.

Filed Under: Blog

How Often Do I Have to Add Salt to My Water Softener?

Adding Salt to Your Water Softener: How Often?

Many folks who have hard water go to open the brine tank of their water softener, and they discover it empty or nearly so. A brine tank empty of salt won’t be effective at removing the hard minerals from your water, leaving it tasting metallic and causing calcium deposits to build up on your pipes, appliances, and other surfaces in your water system.

The Short Answer

You should fill the salt container of your brine tank with salt once a month. That way, you can keep your water clear and tasting great.

The Long Answer

There are couple of things for which you must be prepared, however. One is a salt bridge. If such a bridge forms on the inside of your brine tank, then it won’t be cleaning the minerals out of the water even if the tank is full of salt. There are three ways to ensure that you don’t develop salt bridges:

  • Keep your brine tank half full of salt.
  • Install the brine tank in a low-humidity section of your property.
  • Make sure that you always use first-rate salt.

By doing these three things, you can ensure the most efficient running of your brine tank.

Additionally, check the inside of your brine tank periodically even if you haven’t planned to add salt. If the salt is dry and flaky, then the tank is low on water. Add water until the tank is roughly halfway full. If the level of salt is below the water, or the salt looks tacky and clumpy, then the tank is low on salt. Add salt until the salt is just above the water line.

It’s also important to remember that not all salt for your water softener is the same. Your water softener’s manufacturer will list the right kind of salt in your owner’s manual. Consult this before buying salt. Never buy salt that’s not recommended by the manufacturer. In many cases, the recommendation will be for one brand of salt pellets or another. Pellets form the fewest bridges and cause the least amount of other problems.

With more than three decades in the plumbing business, along with an A+ rating and full accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, we’re exceptionally qualified to handle any problems with your water softener. So, if you need to install a water softener or have your existing water softener serviced, then give us a call at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to make an appointment today.

Filed Under: Blog

How to Test for Hard Water

Testing for Hard Water

If you’ve found that soap or shampoo doesn’t lather as well as it should or that there are mysterious stains on your glassware that won’t go away, you may have hard water in your home. Hard water is water that contains a high amount of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. It doesn’t present a health concern, but it can still make life difficult in your home and is one of the most common complaints that homeowners have about their water quality. Hard water has a hard time creating a lather, which makes washing more difficult and forces you to use more soap and shampoo when you bathe. Hard water can also leave harmless yet unsightly stains on dishes and glassware, and it can leave mineral deposits on the insides of your pipes. All of this can be a nuisance, which is why it helps to test your home for hard water and find a way to soften it.

The best way to determine if you have hard water in your home is to have it tested by professionals. We at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can test your home for hard water and install a water softener that will solve your problems, but there are things that you can do on your own to test your water. Let’s go over some of them.

Calling Your Local Water Supplier

If your home relies on city water, you can contact your local water supplier to get an idea of water hardness levels in your area. You should be able to find this contact information on your supplier’s website. You might also be able to find an annual report online that shows the general water hardness level in your area.

A phone call and online research are good places to start, but they aren’t perfect. First of all, an annual report may not be entirely accurate, especially if water hardness levels have changed since the most recent report was published. Second of all, you’ll only learn about the general water hardness levels in your area; you won’t get any concrete information about water hardness in your home. Finally, contacting your local water supplier only applies if you’re using city water. It won’t help you if you use well water.

The Soapsuds Test

The most basic hard water test that you can do at home is the soapsuds test. First, find a glass or plastic bottle with a tight-fitting lid and fill it 1/3 full with water from your sink. Next, add 10 drops of dish soap. Cover the bottle with the lid, shake it for 10 seconds, and observe the results. If the soapy water foams up quickly and the water under the suds layer is clear, you have soft water. If you only have a shallow layer of suds and the water underneath it is cloudy, you likely have hard water.

Hard Water Testing Kits

The most accurate hard water testing is done in laboratories using a sample of water from your home. Since this is time-consuming and often inconvenient, many people opt for a home testing kit. These kits are found in most hardware stores and online retailers, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding one near you. Make sure that any kit you buy is from a reputable dealer and is designed to test for hard water. Many kits are only designed to test for specific contaminants or overall water quality and safety.

To use a home testing kit, fill a clean container with a sample of water from your faucet. Next, immerse a test strip from the kit into the water according to the kit’s instructions (it’s usually a few seconds). The strip will react to the minerals in the water and change color. Your kit should have a colored chart that should tell you how hard or soft your water is.

What to Do if You Have Hard Water

As we’ve said before, hard water isn’t hazardous to your health. You can drink as much of it as you want and be perfectly okay, although extremely hard water may have a bitter or salty taste. However, it can make cleaning difficult, and it may damage your plumbing over time by leaving mineral deposits inside your pipes. Fortunately, there are solutions available if you don’t want hard water in your home. The best by far is to install a water softener in your home. This will remove most of the minerals from your home’s water, softening it and making it much more manageable. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can install a water softener for your home as well as test your water to see how hard it is if you don’t want to test it yourself.

For more information about testing your home for hard water or if you’re interested in a water softener, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Pompano Beach today.

Filed Under: Blog

What is hard water?

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing technician standing beside a blue company van in Pompano Beach.Millions of households across the globe deal with the problem of hard water. Simply put, it’s water with a lot of dissolved minerals, most commonly magnesium and calcium. Water seeping through soil and rocks can carry these minerals. While most people can safely drink hard water, it can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing, appliances, and even your personal hygiene routine. Maintaining a pleasant and functional home requires an understanding of hard water and its impacts.

Where Does Hard Water Come From?

The natural environment is the source of hard water. In the beginning, when rain pours, it is not hard. Nonetheless, it dissolves minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate as it passes over rocks. The minerals found in the soil and bedrock, as well as the local geology, determine the degree to which water is hard. Some areas have harder water than others. It is more common to find hard water in areas where the amount of limestone or gypsum is significant.

Common Signs of Hard Water

There are a few telltale symptoms that might help you determine if your home has hard water. One of the most obvious signs is scale buildup, which appears as white, chalky deposits on fixtures like faucets and showerheads. These deposits are the mineral deposits that are left behind when water evaporates. Another telltale sign is the buildup of soap scum on surfaces such as sinks, shower doors, and tiles, which is a result of the chemical reaction between soap and hard water. Hard water also leaves mineral residues that make your laundry look dull or gray instead of clean and vibrant. Another issue with hard water is the ugly streaks or spots it leaves on glassware and dishes after cleaning. Furthermore, mineral deposits can build up in fixtures and pipelines over time, causing water pressure and flow to decrease.

Effects of Hard Water on Plumbing

The plumbing system is susceptible to a number of problems caused by hard water. Hard water causes mineral deposits to build up inside pipes, which can cause scaling and clogging. The accumulation can narrow the pipe diameter, which in turn reduces water flow and raises the likelihood of clogs. Slowly but surely, this can cause water pressure to drop, or even worse, lead to your pipes bursting or leaking. Water heaters and other plumbing fixtures may become less efficient due to hard water, which in turn increases energy consumption and utility expenses.

Health Implications of Hard Water

Water with high magnesium and calcium concentrations is safe for most people and may even be a dietary source. However, the additional magnesium and calcium can make certain people’s health problems worse, such as kidney stones or high blood pressure. Soap scum and mineral deposits also include microorganisms that might irritate those with weakened immune systems. Even though hard water isn’t a major health risk for most people, it’s still important to keep drinking water clean and treated for optimal health.

Measuring Water Hardness

The amount of magnesium and calcium in water is the standard way to determine its hardness. Milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm) are common units of measurement for this. There is a spectrum of water hardness, from very soft to extremely hard. The categorizations aid in the selection of suitable treatment procedures for hard water management. Homeowners can determine how hard their water is by purchasing a test kit or contacting their local water authority, both of which provide data on the hardness levels in different areas.

Water Hardness Scales and Units

A number of commonly used scales for reporting water hardness are the Clark, German, and French degrees (°f). The Clark scale classifies water hardness as either gentle, moderately hard, hard, or extremely hard. The French degree is comparable to the German degree, but it uses a different unit of measurement for hardness, which is the amount of calcium carbonate per liter of water. Homeowners can better understand water hardness data and select appropriate treatment options when they are familiar with these scales.

Difference Between Hard and Soft Water

When comparing hard and soft water, you’ll see that the former has more dissolved magnesium and calcium, and the latter has less. Treating water to lower its calcium and magnesium concentrations typically produces soft water. The difference between hard and soft water is that the former does not lead to scale buildup and less effective soaps and detergents. Because it is gentler on plumbing and appliances, soft water requires less upkeep and has a longer lifespan for fixtures.

Methods for Treating Hard Water

A number of viable options exist for softening hard water, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. The most popular option is a water softener, which uses ion exchange to make the water less hard by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions for sodium and potassium ions. While descaling compounds are effective at removing existing mineral buildup, they do not inhibit the formation of new deposits. A reverse osmosis system uses a membrane to filter water, eliminating most of the magnesium, calcium, and other impurities. Another alternative is chelating agents, which may not entirely remove water hardness but bind with magnesium and calcium ions to stop them from building deposits. The best approach will depend on how bad the hard water is and your home’s unique requirements.

Types of Water Softeners

Different kinds of water softeners address hard water in different ways. The majority of water softeners work by removing hardness-causing ions like calcium and magnesium from the water and replacing them with softer ions like sodium or potassium. For individuals following low-sodium diets, salt-free softeners are a great option because they employ techniques such as template-assisted crystallization to minimize mineral buildup without adding sodium to the water. Homes with higher water demand are ideal candidates for dual-tank softeners, which feature two tanks to ensure a constant supply of softened water, even during regeneration cycles. Larger families or properties with extensive water consumption can rely on these systems to consistently provide high-quality water without interruptions.

How to Choose the Best Hard Water Treatment

The amount of hardness in the water, the size of your home, and your budget are three major considerations when picking a hard water treatment. Efficiency is also paramount, so be sure to choose a system that can handle your water’s hardness level appropriately. Treatment systems differ in the initial investment, continuing maintenance, and operational expenses, making cost another important factor to think about. Ease of use is also quite important; some systems are very hands-on and require constant attention, while others are far less so. Certain systems require more space than others, so it’s important to also consider their space requirements. You can make sure the system fits comfortably by measuring your home. Advice from a water treatment expert can be invaluable in making the right decision for your home’s unique water quality and treatment requirements.

Hard water treatment is a specialty of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Our trained technicians will assess your home’s water quality and provide dependable solutions.

Filed Under: Blog

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1597 Banks Rd
Margate, FL 33063

Phone: (954) 246-0822

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Faucet Installation
Faucet Repair
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