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Installing a water softener can significantly benefit your home in many ways. However, you should explore commonly asked questions, like “What does a water softener do?” Or how to maintain it before installing a water softener in your home.
We’ve compiled answers to the fundamental questions, covering everything from necessity to usage for your convenience.
Do I Need a Water Softener?
There are no severe health problems associated with drinking hard water. But using it to wash your hair and skin can make them more dry. Aside from that, hard water might harm water pipes and appliances that carry water and have an odd flavor or odor. To guarantee that your appliances function correctly and to enhance the taste, fragrance, or appearance of your water, you may require a water softener if the hardness of your water is higher than 7 grains per gallon or 120 mg/L.
Since there are many advantages to having a water softener at home, you should consider using the best water softener system for your household’s water if it is excessively harsh.
What Does a Water Softener Do?
If you’re wondering, “How Does a Water Softener Work?“? Here’s the answer you’ve been looking for: The mineral or resin in the mineral tank is designed to eliminate “hard” calcium and lime particles using a simple ion exchange process. The dissolved particles of the entering water have one electrical charge, while the resin beads inside the softener tank have an opposing electrical charge.
The dissolved particles suspended in the water will adhere to the resin beads upon contact because of this electrical charge difference, clearing the water of these particles and leaving it “soft” after the unit has finished operating. The amount of these hardness particles the resin can contain is limited, which explains why softeners come in various sizes and the need for regeneration or brining.
What Size Water Softener Should I Go For?
The capacity or size of the water softener reflects its maximum capacity before needing regeneration. This capacity also influences the salt required to ensure uninterrupted water softening.
Here are the following factors that determine the precise size and capacity of the water softener required in your home:
- Water’s hardness
- Amount of water your municipal or healthy supply can supply
- Average amount of water used in your home
- Total flow rate
While choosing the best water softener for your house isn’t difficult, you must be mindful and pay close attention to picking the right size. Installing the correct size guarantees the highest efficiency and the best possible water quality.
How Long Does a Water Softener Last?
A high-quality water softener should last up to 20 years if properly maintained. However, longevity can be impacted by a few things, like how frequently it is used and the quality of your water. For instance, your water softening system might need to be updated sooner if your house has excellent or challenging water.
How Should You Maintain Your Water Softener?
You’ll need to do routine maintenance, which is necessary for even the best water softener to keep performing well. To increase equipment longevity and lower future repairs for plumbing, get the equipment inspected annually by a local water specialist. They will test the water as part of this check. It makes it easier to find more pollutants that could affect how things work. If your salt levels are consistently checked, you’ll hardly ever have an issue with a water softener.
Adjust the softener and install it to work with the essential water outlets to match the water supply’s hardness. Moreover, don’t use the softener for a few weeks following the copper plumbing installation. Remember, you should work with a water softener professional to ensure your device works as usual.
So, whether you’re wondering “what size water softener I need” or even which water softener I should use, our team at 1ST Call Plumbing, Heating & Air can help guide you to ensure all your questions are answered. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve gained expertise in providing you with the best water softener system installed in your home. Reach out to us with any further questions you may have!
