A water softener is vital for the efficacy and longevity of your shower head.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. How hard water affects your shower head
2. Cleaning your shower head, tub, and shower
3. Water softener cost and installation
Continue reading below to learn more. Or, If you’re looking for immediate advice about a water softener for your shower head, contact the experts at WaterSmart.
Water Softener for Shower Head
1. How hard water affects your shower head
Hard water contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium. These are minerals that cause limescale residue on bathroom fixtures like your shower head.
This buildup can significantly reduce the flow of water into your shower, and you’ll often notice a film that covers your shower, tub, and even your curtain.
Consider the image below. If your shower head looks like this, then you’re dealing with hard water. Your shower head will be prone to clogs and breakages on top of the staining.
Install a water softener for shower head maintenance and longevity.
Below, we’ll discuss how to clean the shower head.
Hard water also impacts your hair and skin, Dr. Susan Massick, a board-certified dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told GQ Magazine:
“Frequent and continuous use of hard water in the shower leads to dryness and disruption of the normal skin barrier function,” says Massick. “It leaves your skin and scalp feeling dry, and often itchy or irritated.”
That’s because hard water inhibits the application, lather, and rinsing of soap and shampoo. A water softener for shower head maintenance is important for your bathroom and also for your health.
2. Cleaning your shower head, tub, and shower
Before we get to water softener installation, let’s discuss how to clean the shower head.
If you’re able to remove the shower head, do so and let it soak in a large bowl filled with white vinegar. If it dangles all the way down to the tub floor, you can fill it with some water and vinegar and scrub the tub and shower area at the same time.
After a few hours, take an old toothbrush and scrub the shower head nozzles, then re-attach the shower head and run some water through it to clear out the vinegar and any lingering buildup.
A clean shower head is nicer to look at and gives you the best possible experience.
If it can’t be removed, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and wrap it around the shower head. Secure the bag around the head with a rubber band, tape, or a twist tie.
Again, leave the bag around the shower head for a few hours, then scrub and turn on the water for a few minutes to clear the vinegar out of the shower head.
The same vinegar can be used to scrub down the tub and shower.
3. Water softener cost and installation
A water softener can help your shower head. Water softener installation is the best way to ensure these issues don’t arise once more.
While there are mini water softeners that attach to shower heads, a whole-home water softener is much better. It not only helps the shower head itself but also all the pipes and fixtures in the bathroom and the rest of your home.
On average, a water softener costs anywhere from $600 to $3,000 or more depending on the quality and size of the softener. Keep in mind that this does not include installation.
Remember: the cheapest water softener isn't always your best bet. You want a quality water softener that is going to be able to soften your water over a long period of time.
Additionally, the more water you use, the larger the capacity of water softener you’ll need.
To help you determine what size of water softener you would need for your home, check out this previous blog post, "What Size Water Softener?”
The Tahoe Series water softener is super simple to use and comes with a 7-year warranty.
If up-front costs are prohibitive when it comes to investing in the best water softener for your home, water softener financing option allows you to purchase your water softener at 12 equal payments with zero interest.
Water softener installation cost will vary depending on the type of water softener you choose and how easily it connects to your water supply. The simpler the installation, the less a plumber will charge.
WaterSmart’s Canadian-made water softener selection begins as low as $1295 (plus HST) with installation included.
Need a Water Softener for Shower Head Longevity? We Can Help!
WaterSmart has been serving the Waterloo region including, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, and surrounding areas since 1994.
We are committed to helping you improve the quality of your home's water.
We live and work in the Kitchener-Waterloo region so we understand the hard water challenges of this area.
We know how to install and program your water softener for shower head efficiency and are familiar with the types of water softener repairs that you might need.
WaterSmart partnered with Financeit to help your next big purchase be more affordable.
Contact WaterSmart today to talk to one of our water systems experts.
“I am very happy with my softener. They had the best price for a highly efficient water softener. I can’t explain how happy I am with their customer service. I highly recommend them if you are looking for a good softener for a reasonable price and warranty.”
