Water Softener benefits

Question

What does a water softener do and what benefits does it have? -Marianne Mineo, France

Jonathan Clay · Accepted Answer

Re: What does a water softener do and what benefits does it have?
A water softener is an agent that is used to soften water by removing minerals that cause hard water. Water softening is an important process, because when water is hard, it can clog pipes and soap will dissolve in it less easily. Water softening can prevent these negative effects. Furthermore, hard water causes a higher risk of lime scale deposits in household water systems. Due to this lime scale build-up, pipes are blocked and the efficiency of hot boilers and tanks is reduced. This increases the cost of domestic water heating by about 15 to 20 percent. Another negative effect of lime scale is that it has damaging effects on household machinery, such as laundry machines. Water softening can extend the life span of these machines, as well as pipelines. It also improves the functioning and extends the life of solar heating systems, air conditioning units and many other water-based applications.

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