Like any appliance, as a water softener ages, it becomes less effective. Even the best models only last about 10 years depending on its use and upkeep. So, how do you know when your water softener is no longer doing its job and needs to be replaced?
If your water softener is no longer generating soft water, there are many common hard water symptoms that will appear around your home such as:
- Your skin feels dry and itchy and hair becomes dull and flat
- Dishes and glassware are spotty, even after a full dishwashing cycle
- Rust and scale stains appear on tile, tubs and sinks
- White crusty buildup forms on faucets and bathroom fixtures
- Clothes feel scratchy and the color is fading
- Scale builds up inside water-using appliances such as dishwashers or icemakers
- More soap is needed to lather hands and wash dishes
- You experience lower water pressure throughout the house
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