Problems With Water Softener Systems

Heavy Metal Leaching

• Because the chemical properties of soft water are different from those of hard water, the water itself is more likely to draw in other particles around it. In pipes, this means that water draws in metallic elements from the pipes, which ordinarily isn't a problem, but the softened water can also leach out heavy metals that can accumulate in the body and have a toxic effect on humans.

Efficiency Problems

• Water softeners come in many different sizes based on the amount of water that flows through the plumbing system, creating problems when homeowners choose the wrong size for their homes. An exchange system too large for the home causes efficiency problems, wasting energy in the process of softening the water. Systems too small can't soften water effectively.

Sodium in Ion Exchangers

• The sodium ions that the exchangers place in the water stay there. The total sodium that the systems add to water is minimal, not enough to appreciably raise sodium levels in most applications, but for people who are extremely sensitive to sodium because of diet, condition or medication, there is some danger. These people need to avoid softened water and foods made with softened water.

Gardening Problems

• While the sodium in softened water is occasionally dangerous to humans, it is always unhealthy for plants. You cannot use softened water for any type of gardening or watering. The sodium will either kill the plants or weaken them. It also seeps into the soil and stays there, causing problems for future plants.