While summer is a great time to hang out and enjoy the warmer weather outside, the extra water use due to the summer heat can naturally put a strain on your water softener. Water hardness is determined by the amount of minerals that the water contains. Common signs of increasing water hardness include spotty dishes and calcium deposits around your faucets.

As you use more water for various activities in the summer and your general water usage goes up, you’ll see a natural increase in water hardness and your water softener will innately have to work harder. 

Harder Water in the Summer

Water hardness changes throughout the year, just as the seasons come and go. Summer and fall typically see the peak of water hardness because cities change their water source during those seasons. During these months, when the water levels of lakes and rivers are lower, cities switch over to well water as their primary source. As the average amount of rainfall changes over seasons, so does the number of minerals in groundwater and other sources. The hotter months bring less rain, flushing out minerals.

Since water pumped from wells typically has a higher hardness level, the hardness of the water pumped into your house also increases in the summer. Even though water goes through a process at your local treatment center, the hardness level can still fluctuate. You physically spot signs of increasing water hardness on dishes and other objects. You might also experience dryer hair and skin and notice that your clothes feel stiff and discolored. 

Increased Water Usage in the Summer

Another factor that can cause your water softener to work harder during the summer is the amount of water you use. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average family’s water usage can be up to 1,000 gallons a day. Their water softener is definitely going to be working hard!

The amount of water that typical households can use may come as a surprise, but various factors contribute to the significant increase in summertime water usage. School is out during the summer, increasing the number of people at home. Whether you have a child in grade school or a kid home from college, there will be more showers, more meals made at home and more laundry that needs to be washed during this period.

On top of what’s going on inside your house, numerous outdoor activities require water as well. Typical chores like watering your lawn and washing your car or fun events like relaxing in the pool and playing with the sprinkler all take up copious amounts of water. As the amount of water you use increases, the harder your water softener will have to work to keep up with the demand.

City Water vs. Well Water

The source of your water plays a significant role in its hardness level.

If your water comes from a well, that means all of the water you use for washing and drinking comes from a private well on your property. Wells access an underground aquifer and pump the water to your house. As well water comes from a natural source, the hardness levels ebb and flow with nature. You’ll likely see a more significant number of minerals present in your water if you have a well, even after it passes through your home’s water filtration system.

Cities and municipalities are also responsible for maintaining healthy and reliable water supplies. This system entails sending water through a purification process and pumping the water to your house. Water purification can include the use of fluoride and chlorine to rid the water of pollutants from lakes and rivers. Surprisingly, city water can even see fluctuations in hardness level depending on the season. 

Both city water and well water can entail high levels of hardness, based on the environment that surrounds the water.

Getting Your Water Softener Ready for the Summer

Water softeners are no different from other systems and appliances that require routine maintenance. It’s best to start preparing for maintenance in the spring to ensure that your water softener can handle the load that the summer months will bring. There are several steps you can take to create a solid summer water softener regimen. 

Regular tasks that you should do for your water softener include adding salt and cleaning out the brine tank. How often you have to complete these tasks depends on your water usage and your water softener’s model. You should also schedule a yearly assessment with a water softener technician. Investing in professional water service will help your water softener run at maximum efficiency all year long and alert you to any necessary maintenance demands.

Professional water softener care can benefit you in various ways.

Cleaning and Upkeep

You can expect a water softener technician to perform the necessary cleaning and upkeep that your system requires. Cleaning includes clearing salt bridging, cleaning out your brine tank and sanitizing the water softener system. While you can complete these tasks on your own, a professional brings valuable experience that makes your investment worth it.

Setting Optimization

Due to the nature of fluctuating water hardness levels, your system will need adjustments to best suit the current water conditions. A water softener technician can help you make the most out of your system by keeping your water as soft as possible while reducing home energy expenses.

Water Assessment

A water assessment is necessary to properly calibrate your water softener system. A professional will be able to determine the chemical composition of your water, the effectiveness of your softener and whether you should pursue other measures to assist your system.

Maintenance

Maintenance is another important task that a water service professional can handle so you don’t have to. With the assistance of a technician, you can significantly increase the lifespan of your water softener system and minimize the number of costly repairs you’ll need.

Choose Automatic Salt Delivery From Culligan Water of Mechanicsburg

You can count on your local Culligan Water expert to provide you with water softener maintenance, salt or repair. With more than 80 years of experience, we offer you the guidance and professional expertise you need. Take the hassle out of your water softener needs with our automatic salt delivery service. We live and work in the Mechanicsburg area, so we understand your water needs and will work with you to find the best option to improve your water quality.

Want more information about our salt services? Ask your local Culligan Man by calling 717-697-0657 or filling out our contact form today.