If you’re dealing with hard water in your home, a water softener and filtration system can be life-changing. Today we’re answering some of the most commonly asked questions about water softeners and explaining what they are and how they can improve your home, health, and lifestyle.
- What does a water softener do?
- What are the benefits of soft water?
- What size water softener do I need?
- How much does a water softener cost?
- How long does a water softener last?
- When should I replace my water softener?
What exactly does a water softener do?
Water softeners, which are also known as ion exchange units, help reduce minerals from your drinking water, including calcium and magnesium. Hard water goes into the tank and flows through resin beads. Due to the positive and negative charges, the minerals are exchanged for sodium or potassium, and you get soft water.
What are the benefits of a water softener and filtration system?
Soft water has multiple benefits for Fox Cities homeowners, including:
- Faster and easier cleaning — with no soap scum!
- Clothes get cleaner and your clothing lasts longer due to less wear and tear.
- You’ll have clearer, softer skin and shiny, healthier hair.
- Better tasting (and smelling) drinking water.
- Your appliances last longer and perform better.
- You’ll save money on cleaning products, detergents, skincare, and hair care products.
- Minimize the need for bottled water.
This is only the beginning. Overall, a water softener is an investment that will save you money and improve your health in the long run.
What size water softener do I need?
Getting the right size of water softener is important. Determining what size of water softener you need is easy.
- Use a water testing kit to determine your water’s hardness level. A 7 gpg reading is a good sign that you may need a water softener in your house.
- Then, calculate the average number of gallons your household uses in a day (usually around 75).
- After that, multiply the number of people in your house by the average number of gallons and the hardness level in gpg you found when you tested your water. For example, if you have 3 people in your house, use about 60 gallons of water per day, and get a reading of 8 gpg, your equation would be 3 x 60 x 8 = 1,440.
- Then, find a water softener that can process at least that many gpg daily. So, for the purpose of our example, you’d need a water softener that handles at least 1,440 gpg.
If you need help choosing the right water softener for your Fox Cities home, the team at Watters Plumbing is happy to help walk you through it. Just contact us with your questions!
How much does a water softener cost?
The cost of your water softener depends on a lot of different factors. Generally, you can expect to spend somewhere between $300 to $3,000. The type of water softener you get, the quality of the softener, and installation costs can all impact this price. Plus, depending on what type you get, there may be ongoing recurring costs that increase the price of your water softener and filtration system over time.
How long does a water softener last?
A good quality, properly maintained water softener will last you about 10-15 years, so it’s a great long term investment.
Signs it’s time to replace your water softener
If you already have a water softener and you’re having issues or wondering if it’s time to replace it, here are a few of the common water softener problems you may experience.
- The water softener is leaking.
- The water softener is loud or making a weird noise.
- The water softener makes the water brown.
- The water softener produces a salty taste.
- The water softener won’t stop running.
If any of these are happening with your water softener, give Watters Plumbing a call. We’ll help you work through the issue and get you a replacement if need be.
As always, we’re here for all your water softener and filtration needs in the Fox Cities and throughout Northeastern Wisconsin.