– MYTH: A WATER SOFTENER IS A WASTE OF MONEY
The cost of a water softener can cause sticker shock. Some people don’t think they need soft water, not for that price. A water softener is helpful like any other appliance in your home. The fact is a water softener is one of the only home appliances that can save you money. Why? A water softener removes hardness (calcium and magnesium) from the water reducing your water heating bills and extending the life of water-using appliances. A water softener also saves money because less detergent is used when washing clothes and needing less soap when bathing. Since hardness is removed from the water, there’s no need to buy harsh chemicals to remove any hardness buildup from your water fixtures.
– MYTH: DRINKING SOFT WATER IS UNHEALTHY AND HAS A LOT OF SALT
Yes, there is a slight increase in sodium using soft water, but more sodium is in a person’s diet than a glass of water. According to the USDA, there is 12 mg of sodium in an 8-ounce glass of water. In comparison, there is roughly 150 mg of sodium in a piece of bread (white or whole-grain). Think about what you eat daily and compare it to a glass of water. Also, when drinking soft water, you’re not drinking ocean water. There is no taste of salt in the water. The only time it’s suggested someone not drink soft water is people who are on sodium-restricted diets.
– MYTH: THE SLIMY FEELING IN THE SHOWER IS GROSS
The “slimy” feeling happens when bathing because the natural moisturizing agents in your body are better able to do their job, and soft water will rinse off the skin better. Hard water will leave soap scum on your skin, making it feel like the soap was rinsed off. The “slimy” feeling in a shower is a good feeling! Your skin won’t dry out as fast when using soft water.
– MYTH: WATER SOFTENERS PURIFY WATER
Water softeners do a great job, and their only job, of removing hardness and iron from water. They are not designed to remove contaminants from the water as a water softener can be marketed. They are not capable of all the marketing claims presented. Let’s repeat. A water softener is only designed to remove hardness and iron from the water. If there are other issues with your home’s water, a local water treatment professional should test your water and recommend proper equipment.
– MYTH: WATER SOFTENERS WASTEWATER AND ELECTRICITY
With Kinetico water softeners, they do not use electricity to operate. They are gear-driven and use the force of water to calculate when to make soft water for the home. Also, Kinetico water softeners are highly efficient in the amount of water they use per regeneration. For example, a Kinetico 2060 uses only 35 gallons of water per regeneration.
– MYTH: I’M ON CITY WATER; I DON’T NEED A WATER SOFTENER
Even when a home uses city water, the water comes from a well, just like a home with a private well. The main difference between city and well water is chlorine is added to the water to disinfect the water. Most homes in the McHenry County, Illinois area have city water hardness of 20-30 grains per gallon of hardness. When a home has soft water, the hardness level is 0-1 grains per gallon. A big difference!
Do your research. Find out what your water test is. Then, contact your local water treatment professional so they can test your water, recommend equipment necessary to improve your home’s water, and your family and home will thank you. A water softener is one of the only appliances within a home that will pay you back over time.
Feel free to contact our staff to discuss any questions you may have about your water at 815-385-3093.
