I moved to a home with a well 2 1/2 years ago, my first home with a well, so managing it is all new to me.
I have colleagues and neighbors who have warned that if the pH of the well water is low (acidic) and you have copper pipes, you could develop pinhole leaks, and recommend a water softener/conditioner system to soften the water and balance the pH.
We use a filter for drinking water, and the house has a screen type of filter for large particulates.
I have mostly plastic pipes, so I don't have to worry about pinhole leaks. However, since we bought the house (it is now 10 years old), we have had to replace both sink faucets in the second upstairs bathroom. On the most recent one, the plumber said there were signs of erosion, some greenish deposits, and suggested we get his company to give an estimate for a softener/conditioner system.
I got the estimate, and the plumber who gave the estimate tested the water, and said that the pH was a little low (slightly acidic). He did say that this could lead to future failure of faucets and the water heater, as well as stains/deposits in sinks and toilets. We have had no stains or deposits ever.
The estimate is $3000 (!!).
I'm not sure what to do (invest in this softener/conditioner system, or not and hope for the best). In the meantime I will get at least one more estimate.
If I have to replace a faucet once every few years, it will be a long time before I spend the same as for this conditioner system. Also, the house is
10 years old, so even if I get such a system, it will not reverse 10 years of acidic water running through the fixtures. I may have fixtures fail anyway.
We're thinking of downsizing once our youngest starts college in 7 1/2 years, so I'd hate to make such a large investment. On the other hand, if I'm on the verge of multiple fixtures failing, that isn't good either.
Any advice?