Water softeners remove minerals from the water that cause wear and tear on appliances. These minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, can also irritate the skin. Though skin damage from water softeners is rare, it can sometimes happen, especially when systems are failing due to old age. When water softeners break down, they don’t perform as expected. This is the reason it’s imperative that you replace your equipment once it reaches the end of its lifespan. The following are some ways a bad water softener can cause skin damage.
Fails to Remove Minerals That Can Irritate Skin
When water softeners are going bad, they’re not as effective at removing the high traces of minerals from the water that can cause skin irritation. These minerals bind to the fatty acids in shampoo and skin care products, and this leaves a residue on the skin. This residue causes skin irritation that can lead to other problems. These problems include acne, inflammation, and skin rashes. If problems persist long enough, there is the potential for scarring, especially in cases where acne is severe.
The minerals in hard water can also dry out the skin and give it a scaly appearance. Dryness occurs because the minerals draw out the oil from the skin. Scarring can result when the skin repeatedly cracks and bleeds from being dry.
Exacerbates Skin Conditions
Minerals in the water can further exacerbate skin conditions. Conditions that are known to be negatively impacted when there are high concentrations of minerals in the water are eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Can Cause Skin Conditions to Develop
Some who have never had skin conditions can develop them because of being exposed to hard water for a prolonged period. This is true for those who have a history of skin conditions in the family.
No Longer Regulates Salt Concentrations
A water softener that is functioning properly will regulate the salt content in the water. Unless the water softener is free of salts, it exchanges the magnesium and calcium ions with sodium ions. As the system ages, the balance is disrupted, and this can impact the amount of salt in the water. Sometimes, the salt concentration can be higher than it should be, and this can cause the skin to dry out and itch. High salt concentration can be especially problematic for individuals who have skin conditions because it can cause further irritation.
The average lifespan of a water softener is 10 to 15 years. If your water softener in your Austin, TX home is nearing the end of its lifespan, contact Parobek Water Solutions to have it replaced. Our goal is to ensure our clients have quality water for drinking and bathing, so we will work hard to find a solution that’s right for you.