Final answer:
Water softeners can help reduce limescale buildup, improve soap effectiveness and extend appliance lifespan.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water softeners are used to remove calcium, magnesium, and other metal cations from hard water. They can help reduce the buildup of limescale in pipes and appliances, improve the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, and extend the lifespan of water-using appliances. However, water softeners do not remove all impurities from the water.