The highly concentrated calcium and magnesium ions present in hard water precipitate and scale surfaces of appliances. This scaling of surfaces damages appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and water heaters, and causes blockages in shower heads and pipes. Softening water reduces the degree of the metal ions, preventing the scaling process and ensuring durability of these appliances. Soft water also helps reduce time cleaning scum from appliances and replacement costs of damaged appliances.
Soft water doesn't require the use of a lot of detergents or soap when cleaning clothes or while bathing. The presence of calcium and magnesium ions in hard water reduces the ability of soap to act on dirt and other impurities, increasing the amount of soap you use. Untreated water often discolors clothes and dishes, and leaves your hair and skin feeling dry.
The process of water softening helps remove tastes and odors present in hard water by removing iron and manganese ions. It also reduces the degree of solids present in the water.
During the application of the liming process to soften water, high pH levels result in the release of chlorine residues that are used in disinfecting the water. The process of recarbonation for stabilization of the water in the lime-softening process reduces the ability of the water to corrode the system of water distribution.
The process of water softening -- especially the ion exchange process -- increases the amount of sodium in water. This presents a health hazard for consumers of soft water, especially people on a low-sodium diet. Additionally, high sodium levels make soft water unsuitable for watering plants. The water softening process removes calcium, which is useful for healthy growth of teeth and bones and magnesium.
The regeneration process of a water-softening system adds an average of 50 gallons of water to your waste disposal system. This creates the risk of overloading or damaging your system, especially if operating a small septic tank. In addition, when the water-softening system releases salt brine into a disposal system, it reduces the prospect of recycling the water and increases costs of treating the waste water.
High pH levels produced during the liming process result in the production of hypochlorite, which is not as efficient as other chlorine disinfectants. High pH also results in the production of trihalomethane in the water, which is harmful to consumers. If the process of recarbonation is not effectively carried out, the water can corrode the distribution system.
The process of softening water is expensive in terms of purchase of the water-softening unit, installation and maintenance of the system. Cost of the hardware may range from $500 to $1,500.
Soft water has the ability to easily dissolve materials, including metals, at a faster rate than hard water. This means soft water can dissolve lead and copper present in taps and pipes, making water unsuitable for use in cooking or drinking.