What Water Softener to Buy
First, you’ll need to determine your water’s hardness. This can be done by contacting your local water utility or checking out the annual report that many cities post online. This information can be used to calculate the number of gallons of water your system needs to keep the water soft enough for your household. You can do this by simply multiplying the hardness of your water in grains per gallon by how much you use it in a week.
You can then use that number to select the water softener that’s right for you. The best thing to do is to choose a system that is large enough for your water usage but still fits within your budget. Your water enters the water softener’s tank and flows through thousands of resin beads that swap the hard water minerals for the tiny sodium ions they’re holding. This process is known as ion exchange, and it’s the key to producing soft water.
After it passes through the resin bed, the water is sent to the inlet pipes for distribution throughout your home. The softened water is then piped through your faucets and shower heads, making it possible to use more soap while achieving a better lather than ever before.
How Do I Know What Water Softener to Buy?
It’s also worth noting that water with a low level of hardness is healthier for you than hard water, which has high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals can be corrosive to your pipes and appliances, and they can contribute to elevated lead and copper levels in the water you drink.
When you get a water softener installed in your home, it’s important to keep it properly maintained. This is because the ion exchange process uses water and salt to clean your system, and you should regularly check it for signs of wear or tear. A water softener’s lifespan can be extended by replacing the brine salt with potassium chloride, which is available at most stores that sell softener salt. This is a much more environmentally friendly way to keep your system operating.
A standard water softener system typically runs about $1,500. This amount will vary depending on how much you need it to keep your water soft, how big the unit is and where you live. You can save even more money by investing in a system that is designed to reduce hard water deposits and scale buildup, such as Kinetico’s systems. These units are third-party certified by the Water Quality Association and include industry-leading warranties.
They are also a more energy-efficient option, since they use kinetic energy rather than an electric motor. This means that they’re more reliable and easier to maintain than some other types of softeners, as well as being less likely to break down during power outages. You can also find a variety of other benefits from a water softener, including better laundry results and healthier skin and hair. You might even experience an improvement in the taste and smell of your water.
