Q: Can hard water cause hair loss?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s unlikely that hard water on its own could cause substantial hair loss or damage, though it&rsquo;s true that bathing in hard water can cause your scalp to feel itchy or flaky and might dull your hair&rsquo;s natural shine. Using high-quality shampoo and conditioner or buying a whole-home water softener can decrease these issues.</p></div>

Q: Is it OK to oversize a water softener?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s not a good idea to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-water-softener-do-i-need.htm">oversize your water softener</a>. Doing so will mean the tank doesn&rsquo;t get full, which can lead to channeling. This leads to a large portion of the resin beads not being utilized and the beads at the bottom of the tank being overused. Over time, this will reduce the efficiency of your system, not to mention that the upfront cost of an oversized softener is unnecessarily high. If you have a timed regeneration cycle rather than a demand-based one, you&rsquo;ll also spend far more on replacing salt than you need to.</p></div>

Question 1

How do I get utilities set up on a property?

Accepted Answer

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To get utilities set up on a property, you first have to contact the local department of planning to determine whether your property is able to connect to public utilities. From there, you can work with a structural engineer and/or a building contractor to design the layout of utility lines on the property. The pros will need this information as they begin securing building permits before they can start adding lines.

If your property isn’t able to connect to public utilities, you’ll need to consider working with pros to develop a comfortable off-grid home that will meet your needs.

Question 2

What is better: a water purifier or a water softener?

Accepted Answer

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Water purifiers and water softeners serve different purposes, so the best one will depend on your particular needs. Water purifiers remove contaminants from water (such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals), leaving you with ultra-clean and safe water. However, water softeners remove minerals from your water so that the water doesn’t leave stains around your house or cause plumbing problems.

Question 3

Can hard water cause hair loss?

Accepted Answer

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It’s unlikely that hard water on its own could cause substantial hair loss or damage, though it’s true that bathing in hard water can cause your scalp to feel itchy or flaky and might dull your hair’s natural shine. Using high-quality shampoo and conditioner or buying a whole-home water softener can decrease these issues.

Question 4

Do you need a permit or license to install a water softener?

Accepted Answer

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Whether you need a permit or license for a water softener installation depends on your location, as requirements vary significantly. Some municipalities require the installer to hold a plumbing license, some mandate a permit and an inspection, and others require both. In some areas, no special permit or license is needed at all.

To determine the rules in your area, you can contact your local building department or consult a local water softener installer or plumber. Often, only certified professionals are authorized to pull the necessary permits, and they will typically handle the entire permitting process for you. Regardless of local laws, it is always recommended to hire a licensed professional to ensure the system is sized and installed correctly. You can use Angi’s state licensing tool to check an installer’s license status.