Softened water has some of its minerals removed, particularly calcium and magnesium. This method of correcting hard water is increasingly gaining popularity for improving water quality and household comfort in Canton, OH. Meanwhile, pet and garden lovers have become accustomed to thinking about the impact of soft water on their furry pets and green plants. In this article, we’ll explore the safety of softened water for pets and plants, dispel myths, and bring potential benefits to the forefront.
Understanding Softened Water
Achieving softened water is essential to ensuring the well-being of homeowners’ households. During the softening cycle, the water goes through the ion exchange process, which replaces the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium, improving its softness. This change contributes to a softer feeling of water that foams easily with soap and leaves nothing but crystal-clear glassware. Consumers can select the right treatment option once they understand the basic principle of soft water treatment, thereby promoting a healthy living environment through water use.
The Pet Perspective: Is Softened Water Safe for Animals?
Animal lovers are worried about their pets living a long, happy, and healthy life. Concerns might arise about how water softening affects pets’ health, especially how they drink water and the well-being of their skin.
Drinking Water Safety
Another issue is anxiety about the sodium content of softened water and its effects on pets’ health. Since the softened water does have an increased sodium content compared to untreated water, veterinarians typically argue that it’s also safe for most pets to drink. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to consult your vet, especially in case your pet is diagnosed with special medical issues such as heart disease or kidney problems. Too much sodium may aggravate such issues.
Skin and Coat Health
The advantage of soft water is that it has a lower mineral content and can be used on animals with sensitive skin or those that suffer from allergies. They will no longer scratch and rub themselves against objects, resulting in a shinier coat. Other customers have said that their pets feel noticeably better and have the added benefit of having a nicer coat and shedding less fur when the water is softened.
Watering Plants With Softened Water: Potential Benefits and Considerations
It may be beneficial to use softened water in gardening and houseplant-keeping, as there are benefits, but also some disadvantages. The lower mineral content can often help the plants, particularly the hard, water-sensitive ones. Still, you should remember several other things before introducing softened water into your gardening processes.
Impact on Soil pH
Over time, the aftereffects of softened water’s higher sodium can gradually change soil pH and make the soil more alkaline. This change in pH level could affect nutrient availability and microbial activities. As such, this may lead to reduced growth and health for the plants. Abnormal pH levels in the soil and the need for additional fertilizers might be a response to the softened water.
Beneficial for Specific Plants
On the other hand, soft water may be suitable for those plant species that are more sensitive to hard minerals. Plants that require acidic environments, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries, may benefit more from adding soft water. This prevents soil alkalinity and mineral precipitation around their roots.
Additional Advantages of Soft Water
Beyond its impact on pets and plants, softened water offers a range of additional benefits for households. This includes:
Extended Appliance Lifespan
Depending on the water hardness, appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines can have reduced mineral buildup. Thus, their lifespan is extended, and energy consumption is improved. This keeps maintenance and repair costs down.
Cleaner Surfaces
There are fewer calcium and magnesium deposits on surfaces after softened water has been used. This applies to sinks, faucets, and shower doors. Thus, cleaning becomes easier. For this reason, fewer cleaning products have to be used.
Softer Skin and Hair
Softened water improves a shower or bath, leaving the skin smoother and the hair shining. It does not have the effect of stripping away natural oils or leaving behind a soapy residue.
Contact Us Today
Are you ready to experience the convenience and benefits of softened water in your home? Look no further than Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing in Canton. We are an industry leader and your dependable advisor for water treatment solutions. Water softeners are our area of expertise, as we offer the best-in-market systems that deliver superior-quality water, protect appliances, and lead to a high-quality lifestyle. With our experience and profound devotion to the customer experience, we’ll find the best solution for your household needs. We also offer electrical installation, repairs, and service. We can install a whole-house generator and service various plumbing fixtures in your home.
Call Beck Electric, Generators & Plumbing today to schedule a consultation.
