Most households have hard water, which includes minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Sadly, hard water can bring about various issues, including blockages in the pipes, dry skin, and buildup in your appliances. An ideal solution to this concern is to invest in a water softener. Generally, a water softener aids with the removal of minerals that build up on appliances, discolor your clothes, cause dry skin, damage the plumbing system, and generate clogs.
If it's your first time looking for a water softener, you must understand that there are many options you can choose from, but finding the best one can be a challenge. Therefore, to have a head start, make it a priority to check out the cost for water softener installation and read this article to learn how to choose the best type of water softener for your home.
1. Determine The Water Consumption In Your Household
One of the initial considerations when selecting a water softener is the usual water consumption in your home. It depends on the number of people in the household who uses the water system daily. Therefore, if you have a large family, you may need a water softener with ample resin capacity.
An average person utilizes around 75 gallons of water a day. However, if your family members take long showers or do laundry regularly, the daily water consumption can be higher. If you're living in an area with hard water or your household consumes a large amount of water, invest in a water softener with higher capacity.
Moreover, don't forget about the grain capacity, which refers to the number of grains of minerals it can eliminate before regenerating. If you want an efficient system, it should regenerate once every three to ten days.
2. Decide On The Location And Available Space
The next consideration is assessing the available area and the type of water softener to purchase. In most households, an average-sized water softener—comprising iron and brine tank—usually works best. But, if you choose a dual-tank system, ensure there is enough room for it.
The suitable area for a water softener is ideally on a level surface, close to the point of entry of the water supply into your home. Ample space is essential to accommodate the equipment, and the power source and drain should be nearby.
Some ideal locations for the water softener include the basement, utility room, garage, or crawl space. Most homeowners prefer to have one installed in the basement. If you have a full basement, the space is usually enough to accommodate a water softener of any size.
The other spaces may be able to accommodate a water softener system, but the size of the system you'll invest in is a consideration. Measure the available space so the water softener you'll invest in fits properly.
3. Understand The Regeneration Process
A water softener has another feature worth knowing, and it is how it regenerates. If you have a model that functions on timer regeneration, you can configure it to regenerate at a regular schedule—ideally every four days—regardless of water usage. As for an on-demand regeneration, it regenerates depending on the amount of water used and ensures efficient utilization of salt.
A water softener can be configured to regenerate during the night since the water is not being used. You also have the option to program it as needed, depending on the consumption of your household. Choose a model that alerts you when to replenish the salt if convenience is what you're after.
4. Be Familiar With Additional Features
Today, water softeners on the market have various features you should keep in mind. Aside from its main function of softening the water, some models can eliminate other contaminants, such as chlorine or sediment. This applies to high-capacity models.
Other additional features make it hassle-free to maintain your water softener. Some of these include high-flow valves, salt indicators, water flow indicators, and touch screens. Also, consider installing a water filtration system to ensure the best quality for your household.
Final Thoughts
A water softener may be a worthwhile investment if you have hard water at home. Aside from improving the water quality, it also helps prolong the lifespan of your plumbing system. However, buying one for the first time can be challenging due to the abundant choices available on the market. The tips discussed above will serve as your guide in finding the right water softener that can best cater to the needs of your home.
