When you’ve been living with hard water for years, it can be strange to start learning about everything a water softener can do. Here at Indy Soft Water, we often run into a few FAQs. Whether you’re on the fence about a new softener or ready to take the plunge, a quick review of these common concerns can help you understand how soft water works.

What is soft water?

Most tap water is hard—which means it contains high levels of dissolved minerals. Hard water is frustrating for a lot of reasons. The minerals and chlorine can dry out your hair and skin, leave hard scale buildup on your faucets and showerhead, and put unnecessary strain on your water heater. They’re also the reason you get cloudy water spots on your clean dishes. Soft water, on the other hand, doesn’t have those minerals. When you have a water softener, all of your tap water runs through that system first. The softener removes the hard water minerals, so you get water that washes and rinses away better—everywhere in your home.

Doesn’t my city already have soft tap water?

While some cities claim that they pre-soften their water, there’s usually little difference. Water hardness is very difficult to control on a widespread scale. Usage spikes throughout the year may mean you have just moderately hard water one day, and extremely hard water the next. In order to have truly soft water, you’re better off having a personal water softener. Your system will manage the water just for your home, so your water quality stays consistent every day.

Why do people like soft water?

For a lot of homeowners, soft water is the essential opposite of the tap water they’ve been living with for years. Hard water minerals interfere with soap, but soft water lets you lather and rinse everything a lot easier. It’s a game changer for chores. Studies show that soft water is better at washing laundry, dishes, and even your hair and skin. You can use less detergent and still get a good clean!

Will soft water make my skin feel different?

If you only ever shower in hard water, soft water can feel totally new at first. Dry and itchy skin is a common problem with hard water. Switching to soft water allows your body to moisturize naturally, so you can feel softer (without relying on lotion). Some people notice a “slippery” feeling on their skin. This is actually a good thing. It’s how your skin is supposed to feel after rinsing, all because it’s finally free of soap scum.

When will I need to add salt to my softener?

The salt level in your softener should always be above the half-way mark. This ensures that your unit will be able to keep your water soft 24/7. How often you add salt to your softener tank depends on your unit’s efficiency and your usage. The more water you and your family use, the more often you’ll need to fill the unit.

Do water softeners work for well water?

Well water often contains the hard water minerals that softeners work to remove, but sometimes a more advanced system is needed. Depending on your water’s quality, you might need a specialized filtration system to remove the iron and any unpleasant odors from your water.

Is soft water safe for drinking?

Water softeners are primarily installed to help with your utility water. (That’s the water you use to run the dishwasher, do laundry, flush the toilet, and wash your hands.) Soft water is perfectly fine to use for drinking and cooking, but a lot of homeowners prefer to use a separate filtration system to get the best drinking water. There are a lot of different water filtration options available. Finding the right one for you just depends on your current water quality and drinking water concerns. Reverse osmosis systems work to filter chlorine, lead, and other dangerous contaminants from drinking water. Other filters are better at removing microbes. A local water expert can help you find the right filtration system or water softener for your home. Indy Soft Water is proud to serve businesses and families all throughout Indianapolis and the surrounding area. If you have any questions about your water, please feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help!