First shave since the new water softener was installed yesterday. The plumber said that it could take a few days for all the hard water to get out of the hot water tank, but already there is a night and day difference. The lather was so much easier to form and felt softer and slicker. I’m excited to see the difference as the hard water works its way out of the system, and suggest everyone try a soft water shave.
There should be a valve to bypass the softener (for maintenance, etc.). I don’t know what yours might look like, but mine is directly in front of the softener tank. It might be labeled on/off, but you can also do “in between”, so a bit of untreated water bypasses the softener.
Allowing a little bit of hardness to bypass makes the water less slimy feeling, while still being good and soft. Fully soft water is a bit undesirable, just like hard water. It can be corrosive over time, plus you use more salt with the softener on “full blast”.
It takes some time to find a good setting. It’s just a trial and error type of thing.
12/21/2023
First shave since the new water softener was installed yesterday. The plumber said that it could take a few days for all the hard water to get out of the hot water tank, but already there is a night and day difference. The lather was so much easier to form and felt softer and slicker. I’m excited to see the difference as the hard water works its way out of the system, and suggest everyone try a soft water shave.
Oh man, congrats on the water softener. We have one and I agree, it’s amazing.
I actually don’t like fully-soft water, and I’ve adjusted the bypass valve to allow some unsoftened water through.
Interesting. Can you tell me more? I admit my water feels a bit…slick, for lack of a better word.
There should be a valve to bypass the softener (for maintenance, etc.). I don’t know what yours might look like, but mine is directly in front of the softener tank. It might be labeled on/off, but you can also do “in between”, so a bit of untreated water bypasses the softener.
Allowing a little bit of hardness to bypass makes the water less slimy feeling, while still being good and soft. Fully soft water is a bit undesirable, just like hard water. It can be corrosive over time, plus you use more salt with the softener on “full blast”.
It takes some time to find a good setting. It’s just a trial and error type of thing.
Here’s some info: https://www.madsewer.org/news-resources/blog/soften-water-with-less-salt-using-blending-valves/
Nice. Water softener is a great addition. It seems to make rinsing so much better and I agree the lather works up way easier. Congratulations!