Tectonics Water Softener – Beware Of Spare Parts Availability

If you have an old Tectonics water softener, you might have some problems finding parts for it.

Manufactured in Ohio, this water softener is a good example of original water treatment technology. The Tectonics water softener uses the standard method of treating hard water; that is, it softens water by replacing calcium ions with sodium ions.

In case you’re wondering if you need a water softener, it’s important to understand the problems caused by hard water. You could test the hardness of your water to be sure, but there are some tell-tale signs that should not be ignored. Because hard water is caused by excess amounts of calcium in the water, evidence of calcium is a sign that you need a water softener.

Calcium deposits a chalky white film on any surfaces touched by the water. If you notice such a film, it is evidence that some of your household appliances might be prone to damage from mineral deposits.

Issues such as dry skin and hair, dull laundry and soap scum are annoyances but the problems that are visible to the naked eye aren’t the worst of the problems that hard water can cause. The same film that you see is accumulating unseen inside pipes and appliances, forming a hard shell that is similar in consistency to an eggshell. This actually makes sense because after all, eggshells are made mostly of calcium.

The calcium buildup can become thick enough over time that it actually starts to restrict the flow of water and can even completely clog pipes if left untreated. The same thing can happen inside any household appliances that work by using water.

How many appliances does your household have that use water? Think about it for a moment. There’s the coffee maker, the washing machine, and many households also have a dishwasher. Calcium buildup inside these appliances is clearly going to cause problems. Softened water will prevent this buildup from happening.

The hot water heater is one vital water-based appliance that is often overlooked. Always filled with water and forever working to heat the water, a hot water heater is the one appliance that suffers most from hard water. The mineral deposits coat the inside of the tank and also coat the heating element. When the element is covered by this hard calcium shell, it has trouble putting a sufficient amount of heat into the water because the shell acts as an insulator. This of course makes the heater work overtime trying to keep the water hot, resulting in a shorter life span for the appliance.

When you compare the cost of buying a water softener to the cost of replacing your hot water heater every few years, it’s easy to see which option is more cost effective.

Whether you have a Tectonics water softener or opt for a more modern style of water treatment system, the end result is the same: softer water that tastes better, washes things cleaner and protects your expensive appliances from damage.