If you live in Montgomery County, specifically around Gaithersburg and Potomac, you might have noticed some tell-tale signs: white crusty buildup on your faucets, spots on your glass shower doors, and dry, itchy skin after a shower. These are classic symptoms of hard water.
While WSSC Water provides excellent quality drinking water, tests from the Potomac River source often show water hardness levels ranging from “moderately hard” to “hard” (around 7-9 grains per gallon or 120-140 mg/L). This begs the question: Is installing a whole-house water softener really worth the investment?
The Hidden Costs of Hard Water
Hard water contains high levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium. It isn’t dangerous to drink, but it is brutal on your home’s plumbing infrastructure. Here is where it costs you money:
- Appliance Lifespan: Scale buildup coats the heating elements in your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine. This forces them to work harder and burn out 30-50% faster than in soft water homes.
- Energy Bills: A mere 1/8 inch of scale buildup in your water heater can reduce its efficiency by up to 20%. You are paying more to heat the rock (scale) before you heat the water.
- Cleaning Products: Hard water prevents soap from lathering. You likely use twice as much shampoo, laundry detergent, and dish soap to get things clean.
Benefits of Installing a Water Softener
For many of our customers in North Potomac and Kentlands, the difference after installation is night and day.
1. Protect Your Plumbing Investment
Soft water prevents scale from clogging your pipes and valves. If you have a tankless water heater, a softener is almost mandatory to validate the warranty and prevent heat exchanger failure.
2. Better Skin and Hair
Hard water leaves a soap film on your skin that can cause dryness and irritation. Soft water rinses completely clean, leaving skin softer and hair more manageable. It’s a huge plus for families with eczema or sensitive skin.
3. Sparking Clean Surfaces
Say goodbye to scrubbing stubborn lime scale off your shower doors and chrome fixtures. Soft water eliminates the mineral deposits that cause spotting.
The Verdict: Is it Worth It?
If you plan to stay in your home for more than a few years, YES. The savings on appliance replacements and energy bills often pay for the system over time. However, it does require a small amount of maintenance (refilling salt).
At Quince Orchard Plumbing, we don’t believe in “one size fits all.” We can test your water hardness on-site and recommend a system that fits your household size and budget.
Check out our Water Heater Services page to see how we protect your hot water systems.
Service Area: Serving Gaithersburg (20878), Rockville, Germantown, North Potomac, Darnestown, Montgomery Village, Potomac, Derwood, Kentlands, and Washington Grove.