ᐅ Is Water Softening Beneficial?

My daughter is currently renovating the house of my late parents. After reinstalling the water supply, wastewater system, and heating, the question of water softening has come up. The water hardness is 21.4 °dH (degrees German hardness). The pipes are plastic composite pipes. Based on experiences with friends and at work, softened water is often not drinkable on its own anymore. It tastes soapy and unpleasant. However, this would not be a problem for us. We would install a hard water line for the kitchen tap. For the dishwasher, of course, we would use softened water.

However, there are reports of other problems. Some users mention yellow deposits with certain systems, such as those from Grünbeck. Brass fixtures—which are commonly used for taps—may also be affected. The question is whether the disadvantages outweigh the advantages or vice versa. On one hand, there are costs for purchase, maintenance, and consumption (water and salt), possibly corroded fittings, and maybe other issues.

On the other hand, softened water means fewer deposits in storage tanks, pipes, and appliances, as well as easier cleaning.

We all have issues with customer service. If such a system is installed, it should ideally be maintenance-free or easy to maintain by oneself.

To be honest and leaving aside the usual sales pitches: is water softening really worthwhile or not? Would you install it in your own home? What are your experiences? If yes, which brand is affordable and as maintenance-free as possible? Installation is not an issue.