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How Water Softeners Can Extend the Life of an Older House

November 14, 2023

Maintaining Your Historical Home

Pittsburgh and surrounding areas such as Shadyside, Dormont, Carnegie, Crafton, and more are filled with beautiful historic homes. While these historic homes have interesting backstories and plenty of character, they also often have older plumbing systems that can be destroyed by hard water.

Preserving the history of these homes throughout the Pittsburgh area is critical, and part of preserving the home is preserving the plumbing and appliances. Hard water can make that difficult, but with Aqua Solutions, we can make it happen!

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water with a high mineral content, specifically high levels of calcium and magnesium. This can occur when water passes through deposits of limestone and chalk, picking up these minerals along the way. While hard water is not harmful to our health, it can cause damage to plumbing and appliances over time.

Hard water damages plumbing and appliances by leaving behind a buildup of minerals, also known as limescale. Limescale can clog pipes, reduce water flow, and cause appliances to run less efficiently or break down completely. This is where a water softener comes in.

Hard water can also affect your skin and hair, leaving behind a residue that can dry out your skin and cause damage to your hair.

Signs You Have Hard Water in Your Home

If you're unsure whether your home in Pittsburgh has hard water, there are a few telltale signs to look out for. These include:

Soap scum buildup on sinks, bathtubs, and showers
Spots or streaks on dishes and glasses after washing
Clothes feeling stiff and dull after washing
Reduced water flow from faucets and showerheads
Higher energy bills due to appliances working harder
Shorter appliance lifespans for appliances that use water, such as dishwashers and washing machines

How Do Water Softeners Work?

These handy devices remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water supply, leaving you with clean and soft water. But how exactly do they work?

Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove the minerals that cause hardness in water. The resin beads inside the softener tank attract and hold onto the calcium and magnesium ions, exchanging them for sodium ions. This results in softened water that is gentler on your pipes, appliances, and skin.

But what does this have to do with extending the life of historic homes? Well, hard water can wreak havoc on old plumbing systems. The minerals in hard water build up over time, causing clogs and corrosion that can lead to costly repairs. By installing a water softener, you can prevent this damage and potentially save yourself thousands of dollars in the long run.

Not only can water softeners extend the life of your pipes and plumbing, but they can also benefit other aspects of your historic home. For example, hard water can leave unsightly mineral deposits on fixtures, faucets, and appliances. Softened water eliminates these build-ups, keeping your home looking its best.

So, if you're in the Pittsburgh area and own a historical home, consider investing in a water softener installation. Not only will it provide you with clean and soft water, but it can also help preserve the integrity of your home for years to come.

Do Water Softeners Affect the Taste of My Water?

This is a common concern for many homeowners, especially those who rely on well water. While water softeners do remove minerals that can affect the taste of your water, they replace them with sodium ions. Some people may notice a slight difference in taste, but it is generally not significant.

However, if you are concerned about the added sodium in your water, there are alternative water softener options available. You can opt for a reverse osmosis system that removes minerals without adding sodium.

What is a Reverse Osmosis System?

A reverse osmosis system is a multi-stage filtration process that removes impurities and minerals from your water. This type of system works by pushing water through a semipermeable membrane, leaving behind contaminants and minerals. It is highly effective in removing even the smallest particles and can improve the taste and quality of your water. Reverse osmosis systems do not use salt, making them a great alternative for those concerned about sodium intake.

How Much Will a Water Softener Cost?

The cost of a water softener installation in Pittsburgh can vary depending on the size of your home, the hardness of your water, and the type of system you choose. However, in general, investing in a water softener is well worth it when considering the potential damage and costs associated with hard water.

How Do I Know Which Water Softener is Best for My Home?

At Aqua Solutions, our team of experts will assess your home's water quality and discuss your specific needs to determine the best water softener for you. We offer a variety of options, including traditional salt-based systems and reverse osmosis systems.

Can I Install a Water Softener Myself?

While some people may choose to install their water softener themselves, it's always best to leave it to the professionals. Our team has the knowledge and experience to ensure your water softener is installed correctly and functions properly.

Installing installation on your own can result in costly mistakes or damage to your plumbing and appliances. Trust us to handle the installation for you so you can enjoy all the benefits of soft water without any worry.

How Does the Water Softener Installation Process Work?

Once you have consulted with our team and chosen the right water softener for your home, we will schedule a convenient time for installation. Our trained technicians will arrive at your home and install the system efficiently and effectively. They will also provide any necessary instructions on how to use and maintain your new water softener.

Choose Aqua Solutions for Your Water Softener Installation in Pittsburgh

Preserve the history and integrity of your historical home in Pittsburgh by investing in a water softener installation. At Aqua Solutions, we have been providing high-quality water treatment solutions for over 30 years.

Let us help you protect your plumbing, appliances, and skin with our reliable and efficient water softeners. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services!

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Author: Gary Monks

Gary Monks has led Aqua Solutions since 1997, earning recognition as a water treatment expert with 25 years of experience. Renowned in Butler, he has won the Best Water Treatment award for three years and actively supports the community, including local sports and radio engagements.

How Water Quality Impacts the Taste of Your Food and Drinks

January 31, 2025

If you love hot drinks like tea or coffee or enjoy cooking, you're likely always looking to improve the quality and health of the daily foods and beverages you and your family consume. Why Water Filtration is Important for Your Home Water quality is crucial in many ways. High-quality water can elevate the tastes and textures of your favorite foods and beverages, making them safer and healthier for your family. By installing a water filtration system, you can: Keep Your Family Safe and Healthy The most important benefit of home water filtration installation is that it helps you achieve clean, contaminant-free water. Water filtration enables you to reduce your risk of waterborne illness, giving you peace of mind that your food and drinks are healthy and safe. Enhance The Taste of Food and Drinks In addition to increasing the safety of your food and drinks, high-quality water makes your favorite beverages and foods' natural flavors shine. Poor-quality water can introduce unwanted flavors, such as metallic tastes or chlorine, that can ruin the taste and quality of your foods and drinks. Impure water can also smell bad, making the aroma of food or drinks unpleasant. Additionally, water high in chemicals or impurities can make your taste buds less sensitive, reducing the flavor you experience in food and beverages. Get Better Cooking and Baking Results Water is an essential ingredient in many recipes. Higher-quality water can improve cooking and baking results. Water that is free from impurities and chemicals can help you achieve better texture and consistency, properly hydrate other ingredients, and achieve a better rise or fluffiness in your baked goods. How Water Filtration Works and Options for Your Home Water filtration removes contaminants, impurities, and unwanted elements from your water supply, ensuring that the water you and your family use is clean, safe, and better-tasting. Filtration systems achieve this through various processes, such as physical filtration to block particles, chemical treatment to neutralize harmful substances, and biological filtration to remove bacteria and microorganisms. The result is water that meets health standards and improves overall quality of life. When it comes to home water filtration, there are several options to suit your specific needs that we specialize in here at Aqua Solutions: UV Filtration Ultraviolet (UV) light filtration is a highly effective and chemical-free method for disinfecting drinking water. It exposes microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa to a germicidal wavelength of UV light. This exposure damages their DNA, rendering them inactive and unable to reproduce. UV filtration is an excellent solution for homeowners who want to ensure their water is free from harmful pathogens. It provides peace of mind and safer drinking water for your household. Reverse Osmosis Reverse osmosis (RO) is a powerful water filtration system that delivers exceptionally pure water by removing a wide range of contaminants. This system typically includes a small retaining tank, often installed in the basement, to store purified water for easy access. RO systems use a combination of sediment filters and advanced filter technologies, including carbon filters, to improve the taste and smell of water. These systems effectively eliminate heavy metals, pesticides, and dissolved solids, making them a top choice for homeowners seeking high-quality drinking water. Standard Filters Standard filters are a versatile and commonly used option for improving water quality. They come in two primary designs: cartridge devices and loose media tank-style systems. Sediment filters, a type of standard filter, are specifically designed to remove grit, particulates, and debris from the water. Additionally, standard filters can address unpleasant odors, discoloration, bad taste, and iron content. They provide a simple, affordable way to enhance your water's clarity and quality. Water Softeners Water softeners are designed to combat the challenges of hard water, which is caused by high levels of minerals like magnesium and calcium. These systems use a mineral tank filled with resonated media, such as resin or plastic beads, to filter out these hard particles. The media has a negative electrical charge, which attracts the positively charged minerals in the water. Water softeners are available in two main types: ion exchange systems, which replace hard minerals with sodium ions, and dual-tank systems, which feature two resin tanks for continuous operation. By softening the water, these systems prevent scale buildup, improve appliance efficiency, and enhance the feel of water for daily use. Ready to Enhance Your Home's Water? Call Aqua Solutions Today! Aqua Solutions is your top choice for home water filtration installation in Butler and beyond. Call today to learn which water filtration system works best for your home and get cleaner, healthier water!