Water Treatment Insights & Solutions

Tips for Choosing the Right Water Softener:

1. Test Your Water Hardness:

  • The first step in choosing a water softener is to test your water for hardness, usually measured in grains per gallon (GPG). The higher the GPG, the more powerful a water softener you'll need. A softener is generally recommended for levels above 7 GPG.

2. Consider Water Usage:

  • Calculate the average daily water usage for your household. Multiply the number of people in your home by the average daily water use (typically 75 gallons per person). This helps determine the right capacity for your water softener, ensuring it can handle your household’s needs without overworking.

3. Type of Water Softener:

  • Salt-Based Ion Exchange Systems are the most common and effective for hard water. However, if you prefer to reduce sodium intake, a salt-free system (descaler) might be a better option, though these systems don’t actually remove hardness but instead neutralize it.

4. Size of the Softener:

  • Choose a softener that can handle your water needs. Typical units range from 24,000 to 64,000 grains, depending on the hardness of the water and the size of your household. A larger system is needed for more extreme hardness or bigger homes.

5. Efficiency Ratings:

  • Look for water softeners that are NSF/ANSI 44 certified, ensuring they meet standards for performance and efficiency. Efficient models will reduce both water and salt usage, saving you money in the long run.

A happy family smiling.

Maintenance Tips for Your Water Softener:

1. Regularly Check Salt Levels:

  • Ensure your brine tank has the appropriate salt level, typically keeping it half-full. Check it monthly and replenish as needed with the correct type of salt (either sodium chloride or potassium chloride).

2. Use High-Quality Salt:

  • Avoid using rock salt, as it contains more impurities. Opt for evaporated salt pellets for optimal performance and minimal buildup in your system.

3. Clean the Brine Tank:

  • Once or twice a year, clean out the brine tank to prevent salt bridging and buildup. This involves draining the tank, removing excess salt, and cleaning it with soap and water.

4. Schedule Professional Servicing:

  • A professional should check your system annually for any worn-out parts or adjustments needed to keep it working efficiently. They can also ensure the resin beads in the tank are functioning well for ion exchange.

5. Check for Salt Bridges:

  • Sometimes, salt forms a hard crust (known as a salt bridge) at the top of the brine tank, preventing the softener from regenerating. Break this up carefully if it forms, or use a broom handle to stir the salt occasionally.

6. Monitor Water Softness:

  • If you notice your water becoming hard again, it might be a sign that your system needs resin bead replacement or that it’s not regenerating properly. A professional service can help diagnose the issue.

A water Tech working on a water softener.

 FAQs

  • A water softener removes hard minerals like calcium and magnesium through a process called ion exchange. The hard minerals are replaced with sodium or potassium ions, which prevent scale buildup in plumbing, appliances, and fixtures.

  • You need a water softener if you experience common symptoms of hard water, such as soap scum buildup, scale deposits on faucets or appliances, or dry skin and hair. Hard water is often measured by its calcium carbonate concentration, with anything over 7 grains per gallon (GPG) considered hard.

  • A water softener requires regular salt refills to ensure it continues to function properly. Depending on your water usage and hardness level, you'll need to check the salt levels monthly. Annual system checks are also recommended to maintain efficiency​.

  • You can use sodium chloride or potassium chloride. Both work well for softening water, but potassium chloride is often chosen by those who want to minimize sodium intake in their water​.

  • With proper maintenance, a water softener can last between 10 to 20 years. The lifespan depends on water quality, system usage, and how well the unit is maintained​.

  • Reverse osmosis effectively removes contaminants like lead, arsenic, chlorine, fluoride, nitrates, and total dissolved solids (TDS), as well as bacteria and viruses, making your drinking water much safer.

  • Reverse osmosis systems do use water to clean themselves, but the amount is minimal—similar to a few extra toilet flushes per day, and generally won’t impact your water bill noticeably.

  • Yes, reverse osmosis units can be plumbed to your fridge or ice maker, but the pressure from the RO system may be lower than the incoming water line, so it's important to consult a specialist​.

  • Standard reverse osmosis systems do not require electricity, as they run on water pressure alone. However, optional components like pressure-boost pumps or UV lamps would require electricity​.

  • With regular maintenance, a reverse osmosis unit can last virtually forever. Membranes typically last between 3 to 5 years depending on the water quality being treated​.

  • Oxidation filtration is a water treatment process that oxidizes contaminants like iron, sulfur, and manganese, turning them into solid particles that are then filtered out. This improves water quality by eliminating odors and reducing staining on plumbing and fixtures.

  • This system is highly effective at removing iron, sulfur, and manganese, which cause water discoloration, metallic tastes, and foul odors like rotten eggs.

  • Yes, oxidation filtration ensures your water is free of the contaminants that can affect its taste and safety. It's particularly effective in addressing aesthetic issues like odor and staining.

  • Yes, oxidation filtration systems require regular checks to ensure the filters are working properly and to remove the oxidized particles that accumulate over time.