Does Having a water Softener Help to Prevent water Leaks From Occurring?

What about a DeCalcifier?

Not Necessarily

Just because the salesman tried impressing with a great and highly practiced sales routing doesn't mean that it is factual.

I have been unable to come up with any evidence that Soft Water Helps to Prevent Holes and Breaks in Copper Water Piping.

Soft water systems have changed over the years and most soft water systems in use today do not dump the salt in the water supply that older systems did. Soft water removes the solids in the water supply so it stands to reason that soft water would be better for your piping than hard water, wouldn’t it?

Soft Water Probably Doesn’t Make Much of a Difference

On galvanized steel water systems the slat would certainly contribute to the destruction of the potable water piping system I the home. Most systems are copper and the salt doesn’t seem to contribute.

One Study Does Indicate That Soft Water Contributes to Pipe Destruction

This study found pin holes leaks causes by the combination of soft water and low ph levels in the water. Essentially the water turns acidic and eats up the piping. I have not seen this here in Southern California.

The evidence really points to the fact the soft water will not either hurt or help your copper water piping system. We do know that it will decrease dish spotting and allow for the use of less soap in the laundry.

What Does a Decalcifier Do?

These are ingenious devices that add a harmless chemical to the potable water system, usually just the hot water, to suspend the solids in the water. These were invented a long time ago to deal with the hard mineral deposits in ice machines. If you have ever had a soda you have had these safe chemicals.

A decalcifier (lime treatment) prevents the minerals from sticking to each other. When water heats up the minerals in the water become sticky and bind to each other. You can see this around your faucets and on your dishes when you remove them from the dishwasher. Once these minerals are suspended in the water (not able to stick together) they pass right the faucets and drains without causing any problems. These are recommended for most of Southern California on systems not equipped with soft water.
There is no evidence to suggest that these prevent pin holes in the copper water piping or cause any damage whatsoever.

If You Have A Hot Water Circulating System

You should hvae either a decalcifier or a soft water set up. This will help to elimnate any buildup in the pipes leading to pin holes and leaks.

Read this on water leaks in potable water systems