How to Choose a Water Softener

Опубликовал Admin

19-08-2021, 21:20

Choosing a water softener can be overwhelming, but there are many tips to help you decide! Choose the size of your water softener based on your family size and home size. Make sure to research your municipality's regulations about water softening systems before buying. Compare prices, look up reviews, and consider renting a system as an option. Alternatively, buy a salt-free water conditioner, a water softening shower head, or use aluminum sulfate to treat small amounts of water.

Establishing Your Needs

Determine what size you need. If you are looking for a full-home solution, take the size of your family and property into account. For instance, if you have a family of three people or less, and have only one or two bathrooms in your home, a small to midsize water softener will be adequate. If you're a family of four or more people, and you have more than three bathrooms, you will need a mid to large sized softener.
Research local regulations. Contact your local municipal representative for information about water softening measures. Some municipalities do not allow the use of water softening systems because of their use of salt and resins. Before deciding on a water softener, find out what your restrictions are and consider alternatives if needed.
Decide whether or not you'll be selling your home in the near future. Think about whether or not you intend to sell your home in the foreseeable future before choosing a water softener. If you have hard water, a whole-home water softening system can go a long way to making your house more attractive in the real estate market. Take into account the hassle and cost of replacing or repairing household parts and appliances damaged by hard water (e.g. pipes, water heater).

Getting the Best Value

Compare prices. Call local companies to get quotes for water softening systems for your home. Make sure to inquire if the quotes prices include taxes or surcharges. Note that whole-house systems generally cost a minimum of $1,000 and upwards.
Ask about installation fees. Professional installation, at an additional cost, is required for water softening systems. If systems are not installed by qualified installers, their warranties may be voided. Be sure to inquire about installation fees, which can add to the total price of a system considerably.
Research credible companies. When looking for a water softening system, resist any companies that employ a high pressure sales approach. Be sure that the company is reputable, has good reviews (online or from other people in your neighborhood), and uses installers that are certified by the Water Quality Association. In addition, make sure that the company offers a money-back guarantee on their systems.
Look into renting a water softener. If buying a water softener is too big of a decision for you, contact companies to inquire about the possibility of renting one of their systems. Renting may be a more cost effective solution, at least temporarily, and it will allow you to test a system to see if it is right for you. It will also give you the benefit of soft water and less damage to your appliances, home, and hair and skin.

Trying Alternatives

Buy a salt-free water conditioner. If your municipality does not allow the use of water softening systems, or if you are simply considering other options, buy a salt-free water conditioner, often mistakenly referred to as a water softener. These scale-control devices can reduce scaling in pipes but they are not proven to remove calcium. Salt-free conditioners require much less maintenance than regular water softeners, cost less to run, and often yield a better return on investment.
Buy a water softening shower head. To soften water in your shower directly, buy a water softening shower head online or in hardware stores. These shower heads use replaceable filters to soften water as soon as you install them, and cost very little in comparison to larger water softeners. Read reviews online and be sure to choose a model that comes with a warranty.
Treat small amounts of water with aluminum sulfate. Aluminum sulfate can cause the minerals in hard water to clump and settle. To prepare soft water to wash with, add one tablespoon (0.5 oz.) of aluminum sulfate to a small bucket of water. Once the minerals have settled to the bottom, skim water off of the top with a small cup or bowl. Use it to wash your face, take a sponge bath, or rinse your hair.