Hard Water

Hard water is more than an unpleasant nuisance; it can stain sinks, reduce the cleaningpower of detergent, cause buildup in faucets and pipes, and shorten the life of a water heater. Though several types of salt-free water softeners are available, a salt-based (ion exchange) softener is still the most popular choice. (See the Water Softener Systems Buying Guide for more information on choosing a water softener.)