The new fad of manufacturers is to have us install water softeners on our water inlets from the house.
So, yes it protects household appliances but us, in all this? Is drinking softened water good for our health?
◘ Is it really essential?
To be able to answer these questions, you must already understand how a water softener works and what it acts on.
◘ What is it?
A water softener is a device that is connected to the hot water supply, before the water heater of the house and which, most often, uses the principle of ion exchange. That is, it replaces the calcium and magnesium in the water with sodium.
◘ Positives
It is true that this protects the devices from scale and corrosion due to limestone. But, there are plenty of natural and less expensive methods to limit the appearance of scale on our household appliances.
1. Softened water heats up faster , this allows you to save on the energy consumed by your washing machines and other appliances.
2. There is also a certain saving on the quantities of products detergent to use because the foaming power of the latter is multiplied by the absence of limestone.
3. Hair and skin are often better , they are less dry and irritated because it is true that hard water is not suitable for the pH of the epidermis. (Here again, we know how to deal with this kind of disappointment)
◘ Negatives
1. Health. The ion exchange process makes the water undrinkable. Sodium (component of salt) is toxic to the body at high doses. Newborns, pregnant women and the elderly should not drink this sodium-enriched water.
2. Cost &Maintenance. It is a rather expensive device (from 500€ to more than 5000€) which requires rigorous maintenance.
◘ Good to know
In reality, a water softener only protects the heating resistance of your appliances. If you don't have one, be aware that the production of limestone increases in water above 60°C. It is therefore easy to adapt your usage habits by setting the temperature of our devices below this limit.
Finally, don't forget that calcium and magnesium are essential and beneficial trace elements for our body.
If you ever live in a collective dwelling equipped with this device, the legislation provides that each dwelling is equipped with an unsoftened water supply, so check that you are well equipped.
A water softener is very expensive to buy, not to mention the mandatory regular maintenance if you want to guarantee it an optimum lifespan. (from 500€ up to more than 5000€) It is therefore not the kind of purchase that one makes lightly. Think carefully and make sure that the water in your area actually requires such treatment. You will find this information in your town hall or by looking for water hardness maps.
In addition, there are plenty of natural and inexpensive methods to get rid of scale encrusted on your appliances.
Have you had a water softener installed in your home? Come and tell us if you are satisfied with it in the comments.
