Last Updated on April 21, 2022 by TODD FRANZEN
What is soft water? Soft water, in the most basic terms, is water that has been treated with a water softener. Softeners work by removing minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water.
These minerals are often the culprits behind hard water problems like scale build-up, spotty dishes, crusty faucets, and faded clothes. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it might be time to consider a water softener for your home!
What is hard water and soft water?
Water hardness is caused by compounds of calcium, magnesium, or both. These minerals are dissolved into water as it filters through deposits of limestone, dolomite, and gypsum.
When water contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium, it is referred to as “hard water.” Hard water is not necessarily harmful to your health, but it can cause a number of problems.
For instance, hard water can make it difficult to lather soap and shampoo, and it can also leave behind deposits that can clog pipes and reduce the efficiency of water heaters.
In addition, hard water can cause spotted glassware and dull laundry. Fortunately, there is a solution to these problems: water softeners. Water softeners work by exchanging the minerals in hard water for sodium or potassium ions. This process is known as ion exchange.
As a result of the ion exchange process, water softeners are able to remove hardness minerals from the water, making it “soft.” Soft water is not only more effective at lathering soap and shampoo, but it can also extend the life of your pipes and appliances!
What does a water softener do?
A water softener is a device that is used to treat hard water. Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium.
These minerals can cause a number of problems, such as water spots on dishes and water stains in bathtubs. A water softener works by removing these minerals from the water, making it softer and easier to use.
There are a number of different types of water softeners, but the most common type uses ion exchange to remove minerals from the water. This type of water softener is typically installed at the point where water enters the home, such as at the main water line.
Water softeners can be an important part of keeping a home clean and free of mineral build-up. As well as improving the taste and smell.
What size water softener do I need?
If you’re considering installing a water softener in your home, one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is what size water softener do I need?
The answer will depend on a number of factors, including the hardness of your water, the size of your household, and your water usage.
Hardness is measured in grains per gallon (GPG). The higher the GPG, the harder your water. You can find out the hardness of your water by contacting your local water utility or by having your water tested by a professional.
Click Here to check your Municipal Water through EWG’s tap water database.
What size water softener for family of 4?
The size of the water softener you need depends on the hardness of your water, as well as the number of people in your household. If you have a small household with relatively soft water, you might only need a water softener that can handle 10-15 gallons per day.
However, if you have a large household or hard water, you might need a water softener that can handle up to 50 gallons per day. In general, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get a water softener that is too big rather than too small.
If you’re not sure what size water softener you need, you can always consult with a local professional. They will be able to help you choose the right size water softener for your home.
What are the benefits of a water softener?
Water softener benefits are many, but the two most important are that water softeners save you money and they protect your plumbing and appliances. They do this by reducing the amount of soap you need to use. And by extending the life of your water-using appliances.
Something to think about is the out-of-pocket costs of an appliance can cost upwards of a few thousand dollars with labor.
Soft water can help reduce the amount of money you spend on repairs and replacements.
Your clothing will wash better and last longer. You can also feel better knowing that you are doing something to conserve water. Less water, less soap!
Are there any potential drawbacks to installing a water softener in my home?
One potential drawback of installing a water softener is that it can add sodium to your water. This is not a problem for most people, but if you are on a low-sodium diet, you might want to consider another type of water softener.
The cost of a system varies depending on many factors. The hardness of your water, the size of your house, and the type of system you choose are just a few. In general, though, you can expect to spend between $300 and $3000 or more if you require commercial volume on a water softener.
Another drawback is it removes the good minerals! This is not a problem if you are on city water but if you have a well, you might want to consider a different type of system.
Installing a water softener is a big decision. There are many things to consider before making your purchase. But if you take the time to do your research, you’ll be sure to find the perfect water softener for your home.
Water softeners tips
Test your water hardness
While there are some potential drawbacks to installing a water softener, the benefits far outweigh the negatives. Soft water can save you money, extend the life of your appliances, and protect your plumbing. If you have hard water, installing a water softener is an excellent way to improve the quality of your water.
Before you purchase a water softener, it’s important to test the hardness of your water. This will help you determine the size and type of water softener you need. You can test the hardness of your water yourself or contact a professional to do it for you.
Choose the right size
The size of the water softener you need depends on the hardness of your water and the number of people in your household. If you have a small household with relatively soft water, you might only need a water softener that can handle 15 gallons per day. However, if you have a large household or hard water, you might need a water softener that can handle up to 50 gallons per day.
In general, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get a water softener that is oversized rather than undersized.
Research, Research, Research
There are a number of quality manufacturers out there. Chances are you’ll recognize their names. Do your research and read reviews before making your purchase.
You can also consult with a local professional to get their opinion on which water softener is right for you.
Don’t forget about maintenance
Once you’ve installed your water softener, it’s important to maintain it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves adding salt to the system on a regular basis.
If you don’t maintain your water system, it won’t be able to function properly and will eventually break down.
Read reviews
customer and impartial reviews are the best way to get an idea of what a product is really like. Look for reviews that are specific to the water softener you’re considering. This will give you a better idea of what other people who have actually used the product think about it.
With that said, also read the critical reviews. You’re looking for anything that sticks out like warranty work, and defects, not just the ones that say it looks smaller in the photo.
Labor, installation, and everything else
When you’re getting quotes, be sure to ask about the cost of installation and extra parts, as well as the cost of the water softener itself.
Finally, be sure to ask about any other fees that might be associated with the purchase and installation of the water softener. These can include permits, inspection fees, refill estimates, and more.
Water softeners typically use about 50 pounds of salt per year, in the brine tank during the regeneration process. That waste gets flushed down the drain with the wastewater. This is also a great time to replace the pre-filter as recommended by the manufacturer.
So…
Now that you know what to look for in a water softener, it’s time to start shopping around! Be sure to compare prices and features before making your final decision. Soft water is an excellent way to improve the quality of your water and save money in the long run. Thanks for reading!
I hope this blog post was helpful in answering some of your questions about soft water!
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