Home/House Questions

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
H

Hellooo

Guest
#1
We have an auto repair thread, so why not?

I am learning exactly how CLUELESS I am about maintaining/repairing a home, and I know there are a few people on here who do contract/repair/plumbing/electric things so hopefully you can share your experiences.


OK, my first question
Is a water softener necessary? I've seen strong opinions online for and against, pro salt softeners, anti salt softeners but still pro softeners, I'm not sure if I should install one.
 
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
413
0
#2
We have an auto repair thread, so why not?

I am learning exactly how CLUELESS I am about maintaining/repairing a home, and I know there are a few people on here who do contract/repair/plumbing/electric things so hopefully you can share your experiences.


OK, my first question
Is a water softener necessary? I've seen strong opinions online for and against, pro salt softeners, anti salt softeners but still pro softeners, I'm not sure if I should install one.
They are mainly to reduce the amount of lime and calcium deposits. I find "softened" water to feel very greasy, and it seems difficult to get soap thoroughly rinsed off yourself in the shower.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
41,243
16,252
113
69
Tennessee
#3
Only if your clothes don't come out clean in the wash or there is a residue after you shower, otherwise probably not. Google the effects of using hard water and see if any apply to your situation. I have just listed a couple.
 
H

Hellooo

Guest
#4
Thanks! I've decided to forgo the water softener. (Phew, saves $)
 
G

Galatea

Guest
#5
It depends on the water quality. If you have an artesian well, you might need a softener. If your water is from a municipal source, a water softener is not necessary. I know people who have well water and they have to wash their clothes twice due to the minerals in the water.
 

zeroturbulence

Senior Member
Aug 2, 2009
24,574
4,262
113
#6
Isn't water always soft, unless its ice? :rolleyes:

c5d61f3f436c0eb2129300ae282068e3.jpg
 

NotmebutHim

Senior Member
May 17, 2015
2,917
1,589
113
47
#7
I've heard that a water softener (under certain circumstances) can shorten the life of your water heater. You'll need to consult a plumber to find out your options and the pros/cons of using a WS.

By the way, I live in an area with hard water, but I'm used to it.

:D
 

violakat

Senior Member
Apr 23, 2014
1,236
21
38
#8
Depends on the area when it comes to municipal. Even then, some still have masses amounts of water. Midland, TX, as I remember from a kid, left rings around the tub, usually the with in one setting.

It depends on the water quality. If you have an artesian well, you might need a softener. If your water is from a municipal source, a water softener is not necessary. I know people who have well water and they have to wash their clothes twice due to the minerals in the water.
 

violakat

Senior Member
Apr 23, 2014
1,236
21
38
#9
Softeners are more then likely not needed, however, a filtration system would be highly suggested, as the city can only do so much cleaning. Not to mention, how old some pipes are. Also, would suggest investing in a tool that measures how many parts of minerals and other invisible stuff is in the water.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
24,799
8,103
113
#10
I drink spring water. Every week or two I fill up four gallon jugs down at the spring. :D
But yeah, you probably don't need a water softener.

The way you started this thread reminds me of something Mark Lowry said about owning his own home for the first time.
"When you rent, you have a maintenance man. When you buy a house, you ARE the maintenance man."
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
24,555
13,320
113
#11
...OK, my first question
Is a water softener necessary? I've seen strong opinions online for and against, pro salt softeners, anti salt softeners but still pro softeners, I'm not sure if I should install one.
A water softener is a good idea if your water is "hard" - high in suspended minerals. These minerals can build up in your water heater or dishwasher and drastically shorten its life. Softeners do cost a fair bit, and they need maintenance... and salt, which chemically binds the minerals and removes some of them from the water. I'd encourage you to ask your neighbours and a couple of local plumbers to see what is best in your area. :)

By the way, merely having municipally-supplied water does not mean you won't need a softener; most municipalities don't treat for hardness because it is costly when scaled up (pun intended) and isn't a health/safety concern.

One last comment: beware of technologies which claim to soften water or remove minerals without salt; I can't speak to all of them, but there are some scams out there.
 
H

Hellooo

Guest
#12
The way you started this thread reminds me of something Mark Lowry said about owning his own home for the first time.
"When you rent, you have a maintenance man. When you buy a house, you ARE the maintenance man."
That's spot on.
 

zeroturbulence

Senior Member
Aug 2, 2009
24,574
4,262
113
#13
If you want to know how to install a ceiling fan, just ask away.. :rolleyes:
 
G

GaryA

Guest
#14
I find "softened" water to feel very greasy, and it seems difficult to get soap thoroughly rinsed off yourself in the shower.
It sounds like you are talking about water that is too soft.

:)
 

zeroturbulence

Senior Member
Aug 2, 2009
24,574
4,262
113
#15
I just felt my water and it was a little hard so I closed the faucet just a little and now its softer. :)
 

violakat

Senior Member
Apr 23, 2014
1,236
21
38
#16
Don't forget the use of charcoal as a Water Filtration.
A water softener is a good idea if your water is "hard" - high in suspended minerals. These minerals can build up in your water heater or dishwasher and drastically shorten its life. Softeners do cost a fair bit, and they need maintenance... and salt, which chemically binds the minerals and removes some of them from the water. I'd encourage you to ask your neighbours and a couple of local plumbers to see what is best in your area. :)

By the way, merely having municipally-supplied water does not mean you won't need a softener; most municipalities don't treat for hardness because it is costly when scaled up (pun intended) and isn't a health/safety concern.

One last comment: beware of technologies which claim to soften water or remove minerals without salt; I can't speak to all of them, but there are some scams out there.
 

zeroturbulence

Senior Member
Aug 2, 2009
24,574
4,262
113
#18
Don't forget the use of charcoal as a Water Filtration.
Oooh cool! I still have some leftover from last year's barbecue. I'll just use that! :D Filtered water always tastes better!
 
H

Hellooo

Guest
#19
So what you're saying is replace ice cubes with charcoal nuggets in my glass of water?
 
H

Hellooo

Guest
#20
OK so no softener, but I'll do some reading on filtration..I was going to get a brita or something similar just on the faucets bc the tap tastes VILE in this city.