"Ended up installing a softener—bit pricey upfront, but saved me from constant replacements down the line..."
Did it really help that much though? I've heard mixed things about softeners—like they can make water feel kinda slippery or taste off. Or is that just internet folklore messing with me again...
I've actually wondered about this myself because I've installed a few softeners for clients and even at my own place. Here's the thing: yes, they do genuinely help with reducing buildup in pipes and appliances—especially noticeable if you've got really hard water. Before installing mine, I was constantly dealing with scale buildup in faucets and showerheads, not to mention replacing heating elements way too often. After the install, that issue pretty much disappeared.
But you're right about the slippery feeling. At first, it threw me off big time. It felt like soap wasn't rinsing off completely—kind of weird sensation when you're used to hard water. Turns out that's actually normal; it's just your skin adjusting to the lack of minerals in the water. Took me about a month before it stopped feeling strange.
As for taste... well, that's a bit subjective. Personally, I didn't notice much difference drinking-wise because we have a separate drinking filter anyway (reverse osmosis under the sink). But I have had clients mention that softened water tastes slightly different—sometimes described as "flat" or "off." If taste is a concern, you can always bypass the softener for your kitchen cold tap or add an additional filter just for drinking water.
"Ended up installing a softener—bit pricey upfront, but saved me from constant replacements down the line..."
I'd agree with this overall though. The upfront cost isn't cheap (especially if you go with a high-quality unit), but it does pay itself back over time in reduced maintenance costs and fewer headaches dealing with plumbing issues.
One tip I'd suggest if you're on the fence: try visiting someone who has one installed already and see how their water feels firsthand. It's probably better than relying solely on internet folklore (which can be all over the place...).
I'm still debating a softener myself—mostly worried about the taste issue you mentioned.
"softened water tastes slightly different—sometimes described as 'flat' or 'off.'"
Did you notice any difference in cooking, like pasta or coffee? That's my main hesitation right now...
I had the same worry about taste when I first installed mine. Honestly, drinking water straight from the tap did feel a bit off at first—kinda like something subtle was missing. But weirdly enough, coffee actually tasted smoother to me, less bitter somehow. Pasta and rice didn't seem any different at all. If you're really picky, you could always put in a separate filter tap just for drinking water...that's what we ended up doing, and it's been great.
Interesting you mention coffee tasting smoother—I didn't notice much difference there. Did you find any changes in tea flavor? My tenants swear it tastes better now, but I'm not convinced yet...
