3 Important Considerations to Make When Buying a Water Softener
When it comes time to purchase a water softener for your home, there are steps you need to go through to determine if you need a water softener and what kind of water softener you need.
#1: Find Out If You Actually Have Hard Water
Water softeners are designed to be used in households that have hard water. Don't just assume that you have hard water; take a test and determine if you have hard water. There are testing kits you can purchase that will allow you to test the hardness of your water on your own, or you can hire a professional to test your water and let you know if you have hard water.
If you don't have hard water, you don't need to purchase a water softener. If you don't have hard water, all you may need is a water filter, not a water softener, to change or improve the taste of your water.
#2: Determine the Capacity of Water You Need to be Softened
Second, you need to determine the capacity of water that needs to be softened every day. This number will depend upon how many people live in your household and your daily or monthly water consumption. In general, if you have hard water, it is best to install a system that will remove the minerals from all the water that goes into your home, as hard water can impact all your faucets and water-based appliances. You want the water softener you purchase to be able to handle the level of daily water usage in your home.
If you purchase a system that is designed to handle a smaller amount of water, you will overstress the system, resulting in a shorter lifespan for the water softener. A water softener that is too small may also not be able to effectively filter all the water you use in your home. A plumber or appliance installer can help you figure out what capacity you need.
#3: A Salt or Salt-Free System
There are various types of water filters that you can install in your home. One of the most popular types of water filters uses salt to help remove the minerals from the water. A salt-based water filter will add a little salt to your water. Before choosing to use a salt-based water filter, make sure no one on your home is on a low sodium diet, as the extra salt in their water may be detrimental to their health. A salt-based water filter may also not be the best choice if you have a septic tank.
Learn more about your options by contacting water softener installation services.