Most people know that water softeners make it easier to keep water spots and scum off of dishes, plumbing fixtures and silverware, but did you know that a water softener can also save you money? While it may cost a bit up-front, the four following money-saving benefits make up for the initial cost.
Reduces the Amount of Laundry Soap You Buy
Laundry detergent is fairly expensive, especially if you have hard water and need to use a lot of it. Hard water contains minerals that inhibit the ability of detergents to clean properly. This means that you will need to use larger amounts of detergent in order to try and get your laundry sufficiently clean. Installing a water softener allows you to use less laundry detergent and experience a significant savings advantage over time.
Soft water also eliminates the need to use expensive products like Oxy Clean, Calgon and Clorox to try and keep your whites from turning gray and dingy. Soft water will also eliminate, or virtually eliminate, the need for fabric softeners and your towels, sheets and other clothing be soft and fresh smelling.
Eliminates Damage to Plumbing
Want your plumbing system to last as long as possible? Installing a water softener may be the best way to extend its life. Mineral deposits from hard water can collect in your pipes, appliances, faucets and fixtures. It also leaves unsightly and hard to clean build up and rings in sinks, toilets and on faucets.  Soft water eliminates these problems and helps ensure that your plumbing lasts as long as possible. Healthy, non-clogged plumbing pipes and appliances are less likely to require expensive repairs and replacement.
It is estimated that 17-20% of the cost of a home is for the plumbing system, that’s a lot of money invested, and soft water protects this investment and significantly extend its life.
Reduces the Amount of Soap and Lotion You Use
Soaps, shampoos and lotions may not seem very expensive, but their costs can add up to surprising amounts over time. Soft water makes it possible to use less of these items so that you don’t need to purchase them as frequently.
University studies have shown a 50-80% reduction in soap usage with soft water vs. hard water. As an example, the Maytag Answer Book  recommends using 3tsp of detergent with soft water and in hard water 10-12tsp. In extremely hard water they say “it’s very difficult to achieve acceptable dishwashing results” no matter how much detergent is used.
In an attempt to get their dishes clean and spot free in hard water most people add additional products like Jet Dry or Lemi -shine. In soft water these products are not needed at all, adding to the cost savings and protects the environment at the same time.
Extends the Life of Your Clothing
The minerals found in hard water can be rough on your clothing and cause them to look dull and dingy. Water softeners are gentler on fabric and can help you save money by extending the life of your clothing. According to a Purdue University study “the life of clothing and household textiles was prolonged up to 15% when washed in soft water.”
