House Grail is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Soft water has many benefits over hard water, but the water delivered to most of our homes is full of hard minerals. Water softeners exist to solve this problem, but there are several different types to choose from.
Though all of these types of water softeners will reduce the mineral content in your water to leave you with beneficial softened water, they do so in different ways.
Which device is best suited for your situation? Afterward, you should know exactly which type of softener is going to best meet your needs. Salt-based systems are the traditional type of water softener that most people are accustomed to.
They are meant to supply soft water to a whole house and feature high rates of flow. A resin inside attracts calcium and magnesium from your water and replaces them with sodium ions in a process called ion-exchange. When your resin runs out of positively charged sodium ions to exchange for the hard minerals in your water, you can regenerate the resin using salt.
This requires a bit of regular maintenance on your part since regeneration will need to occur about once a week. These systems completely remove the hard water causing minerals but little else.
Inside, the resin will last for many years. When it runs out, you can replace it for a low cost, enabling these systems to last for a very long time. Instead, they neutralize them to prevent them from sticking together and creating the buildup that leads to hard water. Despite being more compact, many salt-free systems feature a multi-stage filtration process that will do more than just neutralize minerals, removing unwanted impurities from the water like bacteria and chemicals.
Although salt-free softeners are small in stature, they come with different options for multi-filtration water filters. In addition, to softening water, these water systems remove impurities and bacteria. This is why salt-free softeners are known as a water softener alternative since they get the softening job done with additional features. To learn more, check out how water softener vs water conditioner. Electronic descalers are a new type of water softener.
Like salt-free water softeners, these magnetic water softeners use electricity to create a magnetic field that neutralizes hard minerals. The magnetic field keeps these minerals from bonding thus making them insoluble to avoid mineral build-up. Through these systems, you get water softener features but at a much more reasonable price. With magnetic water softeners, the installation is easy too. All you need to do is wrap your pipes around your water supply pipes and the magnetic field will take care of the rest!
Reverse osmosis systems clear any impurity your water may have, including hard minerals, thus making it eligible for water softening. Reverse Osmosis systems have various filter options that can remove dissolved solids, hard minerals, salt, carbon, and chlorine. So, for example, figure that a family of five uses gallons of water per day 5 X Before leasing or buying a water softener, become acquainted with its features and controls.
For example, check out what controls the regeneration cycles, how long each cycle takes, and the amount of water and salt needed for recharging. Be aware that even fully automatic types require occasional refilling with salt. Several different methods are used to control the cycles, but the two main types are:. Water softener timer controls.
Clocks or electronic timers automatically recharge the unit at a preset time and day, based on your average usage. This type may fall short if you have unusually large water usage on a particular day. They also waste sodium and water because they regenerate whether or not recharging is necessary. They usually do this in the early morning hours.
Softener DIR controls. A more sophisticated method, called demand-initiated regeneration DIR , senses when the resin needs recharging, either electronically or with a meter that measures and calculates usage. A demand-initiated regeneration system saves on salt and regeneration water because it does not recharge unless necessary.
In addition, it provides for abnormally large water usage. Should I buy or rent a water softener? In the short run, renting a water softener is often the most attractive option because there are no significant upfront costs.
Here is a video of insider buying tips that can be helpful in gaining an overview of things you should consider when buying a new water softener. Get at least two quotes from different water softener companies. And be sure the quotes are based on exactly the same type of considerations: regeneration cycle, type of controls, level of service, and, of course, warranty on both the control valve and the resin tank.
It is usually best to work with an established company. Find out whether you will need a plumber for installation or whether the work must be done by a special factory service person. And pay attention to the monthly fee for maintaining the softener. Some softener firms provide a service where they regularly exchange exhausted with charged units.
Call Get a 3 month trial. Water Softener Buyers Guide. Things to know before buying a water softener The following are some key things you should know before buying a water softener, and will be covered for you in this guide.
What is a water softener? What is hard water? Is my water hard or soft? How does a water softener work? Other FAQs. Book a free demo to find out more. What are the effects of hard water? Learn more about hard water. Check out water hardness calculator How is water hardness measured? Types of water softener Water softeners typically come in either single cylinder or twin cylinder varieties. How much does a water softener cost? Want to find out more?
FAQs Do I need to arrange a water softener service? Read more about water softener maintenance Can a water softener be moved? Read more about moving with a water softener Can a water softener be used with lead pipes?
Will my water bill be affected by fitting a water softener? Is soft water suitable for drinking? Will soft water affect my central heating system? What kind of water do plants like? Can soft water be used in an aquarium? Softened water may be acceptable. If in doubt, check with your local aquatic supplier. What kind of water should be used in car batteries and steam irons?
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