You may not even be aware of it, but you’ve probably experienced its benefits. Water softeners work behind the scenes, creating ideal water conditions. Hard water contains a high mineral content, which is left behind on dishes, conduit pipes, and machines through which the water flows. Soaps and cleaners are less effective when used with hard water. Water softeners solve these problems; however, you might hesitate to use a softener because you’re unsure you need one or you have heard concerns about them. The positive influence of water softeners is not easily dismissed; it’s just as easy to debunk myths about them. Softened water is undrinkable. Questions about sodium content have led to concerns about drinking tap water. Tap water does indeed contain sodium; however, sodium levels are lower in tap water than in soda or milk. Soft water doesn’t taste good. Some people think that softened water tastes salty; however, the opposite is true. Not only does it taste salt-free, but it also often tastes better than hard water because it lacks the heavy mineral content. The softening process removes valuable nutrients. While it’s true that the human body needs essential minerals each day, the primary source for these minerals is food, not water, which contributes an almost negligible amount. Water softeners are costly. The benefits of water softeners are significant – and using one pays you back. It allows appliances (like a water heater or dishwasher) to run more efficiently because counteracting the mineral content in hard water isn’t necessary. You can also use less cleaning solution to effectively clean. Softened water feels funny. You’ve probably encountered that funny, kind of “slippery” feeling you get after using softened water. It feels like you can’t rinse the soap out of your hair and from your skin; however, in actuality, the opposite is happening. Soft water hangs on to elements within soaps that moisturize, and it makes your skin and hair feel softer. The Pipe Works Services website has more information about water softener myths. Pipe Works Services is a well-known, reputable HVAC company serving Morris, Somerset, and Union counties; they are happy to answer your questions. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Pipe Works Services serves Chatham, NJ, and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website.