If you are a homeowner frustrated with the accumulation of minerals inside pipe installations or heaters, this article has just the solution for you. Ion exchange devices, known as water softeners, take magnesium, calcium, and other metals out of drinkable water.
Ion exchange resin beads trap the magnesium and other minerals within the best water softener systems, converting them to sodium or potassium. When the beads are loaded with magnesium and calcium, these minerals are excluded from the resin beads using a high concentration of potassium chloride or salt solution.
The final solution that results after going through the beads is a waste. This eventually flows into the environment after going into the drain.
However, to get the right product to best suit your requirements, you must consider a few elements discussed below.
Top 8 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water Softener
Consider several important factors as you compare the various types and models of water softeners in the marketplace for your household. Among these fundamental factors are the device’s size, its ability to manage the water hardness levels, and the product family you opt for.
Equipment’s Size
Knowing the proper dimensions of the softener for your needs is essential if you want to use the right product for a long time. Calculating your house’s typical daily water consumption, which is 75 gallons generally, will help you choose the correct size appliance for your home.
This amount can be calculated by dividing the total number of individuals in your home by the typical daily gallon usage. Then divide that result by the grain per gallon (gpg; a measure of water hardness) level you discovered when testing your water.
For instance, if your home of five individuals uses 75 gallons of fresh water daily on a general basis and your water assessment indicates that your water hardness is eight gpg, your calculation would be as follows: 5 x 75 x 8 = 3000. Thus, it would be best to find water softeners with a regular processing capacity of a minimum of 3000 gpg.
It’s Ability to Treat the Water Level in Your Residence
The best water softener systems must guard your home against rust stains and hard water. Your home’s water will constantly have a specific proportion of hardness, varying from mild amounts to possibly dangerous levels, irrespective of where you reside and the source of the water supply.
Knowing your water’s hardness level before choosing a softener is crucial since every model handles a particular range of hardness. Make doubly sure it can handle the side effects of your specific hard water system.
Check out this hard water map to obtain a fair overview of how hard the water level is where you live.
Choosing the Ideal Softener System Provider
The company of the water softener is a further crucial aspect that you should consider.
Choose a well-known model to guarantee that your expenditure on a softener is worthwhile. These water softeners enhance the water’s adequacy and effectiveness for utilization.
Additionally, in the event of breakdowns or any issue with the device, reputable brands offer their best possible support.
Water Hardness Level
Before you purchase a water softener, you should know the hardness level of your water.
Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. You can test your water at home using a water hardness test kit. Or you can contact your local water utility to find out the hardness level of your water.
Knowing your water hardness level is essential. It’s because this will help you determine what size and type of water softener you need. If your water is very hard, you will need a more robust water softener than if your water is only moderately hard.
Type of Water Softener
There are two primary types of water softeners: salt-based and salt-free.
Salt-based water softeners use an ion exchange process to remove minerals from the water. Salt-free water softeners use a different process, such as template-assisted crystallization (TAC), to change the minerals’ chemical structure. So they don’t adhere to surfaces.
Salt-based water softeners are more effective at removing minerals from the water. But they require regular maintenance, such as adding salt to the brine tank.
Salt-free water softeners are less effective but require less maintenance. This may be a better option if you are concerned about the environmental impact of using salt.
Flow Rate
The flow rate of a water softener is the rate at which it can treat water. It is usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
When choosing a water softener, you should consider your household’s peak water usage. This is usually in the morning and evening when people are showering and using appliances.
You should choose a water softener that has a flow rate that can keep up with your household’s peak water usage.
Regeneration Cycle
Salt-based water softeners require a regeneration cycle to recharge the resin beads that remove minerals from the water. During the regeneration cycle, the water softener flushes out the mineral-laden brine solution. Then it is replaced with fresh water and salt.
The regeneration cycle can take several hours, during which time the water softener cannot treat water.
When choosing a water softener, you should consider the frequency of the regeneration cycle. Also consider the amount of water and salt it will use.
A water softener that regenerates frequently will use more water and salt, increasing your operating costs.
Size and Installation Space
Water softeners come in different sizes. The size you choose will depend on your household’s water usage and the space you have available for installation. Larger water softeners are more expensive but can treat more water and require less frequent regeneration cycles.
Before purchasing a water softener, you should measure the space where you plan to install it. This ensures that you have enough room for it.
You should also consider the plumbing and electrical requirements for the water softener, as well as any local building codes or regulations.
Wrapping Up
If you live in an area with hard water, you may have noticed that your appliances and plumbing fixtures get stained easily. And your skin feels dry after a shower.
Hard water can also affect the taste of your drinking water, and it can make your clothes fade faster.
To remedy these issues, many homeowners opt to install the best water softener systems. Choosing a water softener can be a daunting task. But considering these eight factors, we’re confident that these will help you make an informed decision!
Looking for more tips for getting the best clean water for your home? Check these out!
- Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Your Household Locality?
- What’s the Best Home Water Filter for 2023?
- 8 Important Things to Pay Attention to If You Get Water for Your Home from a Well
Has this post helped you? Take a second to PIN it!
