3 Things To Know About Water Softeners

27 November 2019
 Categories: , Blog

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It may sound odd to describe water as being hard. All this means, however, is that hard water has a higher than normal amount of magnesium and calcium. You can know you have hard water if there are mineral deposits left behind in the dish rack or there is a film on the inside of glassware. Because of the problems it causes, most homeowners don't want hard water. When you wash clothes with hard water, it causes clothes to wear out more quickly. Hard water also clogs pipes and causes mineral buildup on plumbing fixtures.

Water softener installation is one of the best ways to combat hard water. Here are three things to know about water softeners.

1. Know About the Different Types of Water Softeners

When it comes to water softener installation, the first thing you will need to do is figure out what kind best suits your needs. Here are the four main types of water softeners:

  • Salt free - this type of water softener uses a filter, which means there is no need for salt or chemicals.
  • Ion exchange - the ions in the water get exchanged with sodium or potassium ions.
  • Magnetic - this water softener uses a magnetic field to alter the minerals in the water.
  • Reverse osmosis - impurities are removed through a semi-permeable membrane.

Each of these types of water softeners has its advantages and disadvantages. While salt free water softeners are popular, they are not recommended if the water is really hard. Ion-exchange water softeners aren't recommended for drinking water.

2. Know How Much Water Softener Installation Costs

The price to install a water softener varies according to what type it is. The nationwide average is anywhere from $800 to $2,000. Other factors that determine the price include the size of the home and how complex the unit is to install.

One more factor that determines the cost of water softener installation is the water hardness level. The number of grains of calcium in one gallon of water determines the hardness level. For example, very hard water has more than 10.5 grains per gallon (GPG).

3. Know the Benefits of Installing a Water Softener

The primary purpose of a water softener is to decrease the hardness of your water. When you have softer water, some of the benefits include:

  • Cleaner hair
  • Softer skin
  • Softer clothes
  • Cleaner dishes
  • Less time cleaning

Because mineral buildups wreak havoc on your plumbing system, softer water also means lower repair bills and longer-lasting pipes. Talk to an appliance vendor in your area to learn more about water softener installation