Nashville Hard Water Solutions
Do you have hard water? It’s a not uncommon problem in Nashville and the rest of Middle Tennessee—in fact it has reportedly been a big issue in Wilson County—yet it’s a problem that can often be addressed by installing a water softener.
For the uninitiated, following are some of the ways that hard water can affect your plumbing, your appliances, and your physical well-being.
Hard Water vs. Soft Water
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), “hardness is caused by compounds of calcium and magnesium, and other metals. General guidelines for classification of waters are: 0 to 60 milligrams per liter (mg/L) as calcium carbonate is classified as soft; 61 to 120 mg/L as moderately hard; 121 to 180 mg/L as hard; and more than 180 mg/L as very hard.”
While the hardness of water varies from source to source, moderately hard waters are common in many rivers in Tennessee, notes the USGS.
Hard Water Plumbing Issues:
- Pipe scaling in your plumbing system, which can restrict water flow and lead to clogs
- Mineral buildup and degradation of plumbing fixtures
- Mineral buildup in hot water heaters, which can impede heat transfer to the water, resulting in larger energy bills
- Unpleasant tasting, smelly water
- Greater soap usage
- Water stains on dishes and glassware
- Chronically dry skin and hair
Nashville Water Softener Installation
Types of Water Softener Systems
Salt Based Water Softening System
If you have hard water, a water softening system is a solution worth considering. A salt-based water softener exchanges calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions or removes the minerals, and that alleviates the harms that hard water inflicts on plumbing, appliances, and the human body.
The install cost of a water softener can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars but is well worth it. Water softeners also require maintenance, which can be DIY or handled by a vendor. Because most water softeners are salt-based, salt typically needs to be purchased for the unit. However, these costs are often offset by reduced soap usage and fewer plumbing repairs.
Salt Free Water Softener System
You may also want to consider a salt-free water softener, which has many of the same benefits of a salt- based water softener, but spares pipes and appliances (not to mention your body) from ingesting additional salt. A salt-free softener is also more environmentally-sound in the sense that salt isn’t discharged into your plumbing system and the sewer. Salt-free systems also require less maintenance and typically don’t require electricity, keeping your costs down.
Hardwater Descaling System
You may also want to consider a salt-free descaling system, it has some of the benefits of a salt- based water softener. A salt-free descaling system treats the hardwater by changing its composition so that it will not bind to surfaces also will prolong the life of your plumbing fixtures and appliances. Descaling will only treat the hardwater and will not remove limescale like true water softeners.
Water Filtration System Nashville
Hard water aside, you may want to consider a water filtration system, which can remove metals and toxins from water, as well as chlorine. To help determine which water filtration system is right for your home and your family, our expert technicians can visit your home and assess your water. A water test might even highlight problems with your water that you weren’t aware of.
If you have any questions about water softeners or water filtration systems—or to make an appointment with one of our experienced technicians—call us at (615) 581-1641. We will help you decide which system is best for your home.