If you’ve invested in a water softener, you know it’s great for household uses, such as doing laundry and taking showers. But did you know that softened water isn’t that great for watering your lawn, garden, or landscape plants?
Learn why adding a dedicated water line for your outdoor water system can be beneficial to both your wallet and your landscape.
What Is Softened Water?
For those not familiar with water softeners, you’re probably wondering what the water softener uses are and what they do exactly.
Water softeners are designed to remove hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium and replace them with sodium or potassium through “ion exchange.” The water softening process is used to help prevent scale buildup inside pipes and appliances throughout the house, but it also changes the water composition.
Why Plants Prefer Untreated Water
1. Reduces Sodium Exposure
Since most water softeners use sodium during the softening process, sodium can gather in soil, making it more difficult for plants and grass to absorb water and other nutrients.
Long-term exposure to softened water can negatively affect:
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Flower beds
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Vegetable gardens
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Shrubs and trees
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Sensitive landscape plants
2. Preserves Beneficial Minerals
When water is softened, minerals that plants use as nutrients, like calcium and magnesium, are removed. By supplying untreated water for your garden water sprinkler or lawn irrigation system, your landscape will thank you for the nutrients.
3. Improves Overall Soil Health
Not only do plants and grass rely on natural minerals, but healthy soil also relies on that balance of nutrients and minerals. Using untreated water can help maintain healthier soil conditions and assist with stronger root development.
Ways to Save Money on Water Softener Uses
Reduce Salt Consumption
Did you know that outdoor watering systems can use thousands of gallons of water each month, especially during the summer?
If you add a dedicated irrigation line bypass, you can reduce the wear of your water system, which means:
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Less frequent regeneration cycles
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Decreased salt usage
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Lower operating costs
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Less additional wear on the equipment
Extend the Life of Your Water Softener
Less water flowing through the softener also helps extend the lifespan of:
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Resin beds
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Valves
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Control heads
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Overall softener system
Better Water Efficiency
With a dedicated outdoor waterline, you’re providing stronger flow rates and more consistent water delivery for:
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Sprinkler systems
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Drip irrigation
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Garden hoses
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Outdoor faucets
Schedule an Irrigation Consultation
If you’re ready to start saving your outdoor plants and reduce unnecessary wear on your water softener, That Plumber is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation about your garden water sprinkler or lawn irrigation system to determine if a bypass line for outdoor water use is right for you.