Tag: reasons

Three Reasons Homeowners Should Invest in a Water Softener

How Water Softeners Benefit Homeowners

Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause issues for the home and homeowners, such as build-up on and inside plumbing fixtures, impede the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, lead to dry skin and hair, and leave a chalky residue when dishes are washed or clothes are laundered.

A water softener is a device that helps reduce the effects of hard water by removing minerals from the water supply. It passes the water through a bed of tiny beads that act as a filter, trapping calcium and magnesium particles and allowing other minerals to pass through. The device then replenishes itself with salt so that it can continue to remove impurities. By using a water softener, the effects of hard water can be significantly reduced. Below is a discussion of three reasons homes and their inhabitants can benefit from a water softener.

It Makes Cleaning Easier and More Effective

cleaningThe thing about hard water and cleaning is that the minerals react with soap in unpleasant ways. Calcium in hard water is responsible for the soap scum on sinks and tubs. A few of the everyday inconveniences that come with hard water include:

  • Spotted or cloudy-looking glasses and dishes after washing
  • Faded clothes
  • Scale buildup on plumbing fixtures and surfaces 

Soft water does not cause these issues and makes creating a lather easier with soap and other cleansers. It will leave glasses and dishes squeaky clean, and clothes will be less likely to fade and will last longer. In addition, there will be less soap scum and buildup to clean from the plumbing fixtures. 

It’s Better for the Plumbing System

Scale buildup from hard water happens on more than just the plumbing fixtures. A big part of the problem with hard water is scale buildup within the pipes and appliances it enters. This can narrow the pipes, making them more prone to clogging, and can build up in appliances like the water heater, reducing their energy efficiency and raising energy bills. Additionally, this can lead to shorter lifespans for the plumbing, fixtures, and appliances. The benefits of a water softener concerning the plumbing include:

  • Consistent Water Pressure: Water lines free from hard water buildup mean homeowners don’t have to worry about poor water pressure from this issue.
  • Fewer Clogs: A lack of scale buildup means the water flows better, and the pipes are less likely to clog.
  • Better Efficiency:  Water heaters will function better and more efficiently, saving homeowners from high water heating costs. 
  • Longer Lifespans: Without the hard water buildup and issues it can cause for the plumbing and appliances like the water heater, they can function better and last longer.

It Leaves Hair and Skin More Hydrated

healthHard water contains high levels of minerals that can also leave residue and deposits on hair and skin. This can strip away natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness. Hair may become frizzy and brittle, while the skin may become flaky and itchy. In contrast, soft water eliminates these harsh minerals, making hair and skin feel softer and more hydrated. 

With a water softener, people can enjoy the benefits of healthier-looking hair and skin with added moisture and fewer dry patches. Additionally, less residue left on the skin means it’s easier to remove dirt and makeup for a smoother complexion overall. Soft water can also be gentler on soaps and shampoos, allowing for a more moisturizing cleanse. With these benefits, it’s easy to see why investing in a water softener is the key to improved skin and hair health.

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing has nearly 30 years of experience serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, emergency services, and prompt arrivals. Call them today for water softener installation or repair in West Salem, WI.  

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The Most Likely Reasons Your Faucet is Leaking

Fix Leaks Right Away 

A leaking or dripping faucet can have several consequences in terms of cost and environmental damage. Firstly, constantly running water can cause an increase in monthly water bills due to wasted resources. It adds up over time, leading to thousands of gallons of water being wasted each year. Finally, a leaking faucet can also damage a home due to continued exposure to moisture and dampness, resulting in water damage, mold, and mildew growth. 

It’s essential to regularly check for any leaking or dripping faucets and get them repaired by a plumber promptly. The good news is that it’s easy to fix a leaky faucet. Especially when knowing what the problem is. This blog post will share three of the most common causes of a leaking or dripping tap.

O-Rings Have Worn Out

o ringA faucet leaking from the handle most likely has a worn-out O-ring. The O-ring is a ring-shaped mechanical gasket designed to form a seal between two connecting parts and is usually found in a cartridge faucet. This kind of faucet has two handles on either side of a spout, with each handle housing a valve that controls the flow of hot and cold water. 

As homeowners repeatedly turn these valves on and off over time, the O-ring that seals the joint between the valve and the pipe can wear down or loosen and eventually causes a leak. If the O-ring is the cause of the faucet leak, replacing the O-ring should be able to fix the problem handily.

Washers Have Corroded or Worn Out

The handle isn’t the only place where water can leak out of a faucet. Leaks can also occur at the spout, where water drips even though the handle has been shut completely. One possible reason for this kind of leak is a worn-out or corroded washer. The washer is part of the assembly that connects the faucet to the spout, and friction can cause it to wear out. 

Over time, washers in faucets can also become worn out or corroded due to the constant water flow and the varying water temperatures, resulting in leaks. It’s also possible that the leak was caused by an ill-fitting washer or by using the wrong kind. Either way, the washer can be replaced to remedy the leak. 

Valve Seats Have Corroded 

valveAnother possible cause of a faucet leaking or dripping from the spout is a corroded valve seat. The valve seat is crucial as it regulates water flow through the pipes. It‘s a circular disk with an opening in its center that allows water to pass through when open and shuts off the water flow when closed. The valve seat rests next to the washer, so when trying to figure out the cause of a leak coming from the faucet’s spout, it is essential to distinguish between the washer and the valve seat. 

Corrosion typically occurs when oxygen, minerals, and water come into contact with the metal of the valve seat, causing a chemical reaction that wears away the surface of the valve seat. This can create tiny pits and jagged edges that ruin the water-tight seal and cause leaks when water flows through them. 

About Maxwell-White Plumbing

Maxwell-White Plumbing is a family-owned company serving West Salem, WI, and the surrounding areas since 1994. They provide straightforward pricing, 24-hour service availability, and financing. Call them today for faucet repair or replacement in West Salem, WI.

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