How to Purchase Water Softeners?
Whether you are buying a water softener for the first time or you need to replace an old one, there are many things to consider before making your purchase. From size to cost, there are a lot of factors that will influence your decision.
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Hard water is a common problem and can cause issues with plumbing, appliances, and other systems. It can lead to low flow rates, increased energy costs, and even ruined equipment. In order to avoid this, you need a water softener that will effectively remove the minerals.
The process by which water is softened involves a chemical reaction called ion exchange. This process uses a bed of spherical resin beads to extract calcium and magnesium from the water. The resin beads are charged with a sodium ion, which is oppositely charged to the mineral ions.
As the hard water passes through the spherical resin beads, the sodium ion grabs a hold of the negatively charged calcium and magnesium ions in the water. These ions then exit the tank and enter your faucets and shower heads, removing the hardness from your home’s water.
There are a few ways to determine how hard your home’s water is, including testing it for free at your local public health office or obtaining a meter from your local water supplier. A meter is also a great way to get an idea of the amount of salt you will need to add to your system.
You should also consider the water hardness in your area, which can vary significantly from region to region. This will help you choose the right water softener for your needs.
Another factor to consider is your water usage. You need to make sure your softener can handle a large volume of water, so you’ll want to choose a unit that has a high grain capacity. An average four-person household should have a softener with a capacity of 33,000 grains per gallon, but you may need a higher capacity for households that have heavy water use or homes with hard water.
If you’re concerned about the amount of sodium that will be absorbed from your softened water, you can opt for a salt-free water softener. These systems don’t use salt to soften your water and instead condition the water to prevent clogs on your taps.
This type of softener is a great option for people who want to save money on the initial investment. However, these systems are not recommended for extremely high or moderately hard water.
The cost of a water softener will vary depending on the features you want, as well as the size of your home. You will want to make sure that the unit you choose has a warranty and is made by a reputable manufacturer.
American-made products are a good choice, especially if you’re in the market for an expensive unit that will last for years to come. Companies like EcoWater based in Minneapolis, Minnesota are known for producing some of the best quality water softeners on the market.