How Does a Water Softener Work?
A water softener removes the calcium and magnesium ions that make water hard by replacing them with salt/sodium via ion exchange. Look for a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)-certified water softener with a system monitor. This will indicate when salt is low and ensure you maintain optimum levels for soft water.
Water Softener FAQ
What does the grain capacity of a water softener mean?
The rated capacity of a softener is the maximum number of grains of water hardness the unit can remove prior to regeneration.
How is the hardness of water measured?
The hardness of water is measured in grains per gallon (gpg). One grain of hardness is equal to 1/7,000 pound of rock. Your municipal water supply may measure water hardness in milligrams (mg), liters (L) or parts per million (ppm). One gpg is equal to 17.1 mg/L or 17.1 ppm.
How do I determine my water’s hardness?
You can call your municipality if you use city water or purchase a water test kit.
How big of a water softener do I need?
To determine the appropriate water softener size for your home, multiply the number of people in your home by the gallons of water they use each day (80 gallons per person is the average). Multiply that number by the grains of hardness in your water to figure out how many grains need to be removed each day. Then, shop for a water softener equipped to handle the load.
Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact grain capacity needed for your situation, but here are general guidelines for choosing a water softener:
- Households with three people or fewer typically need a softener with a grain capacity of around 20,000 units.
- Households with four or more people typically need a softener with a grain capacity of 30,000 units or more.
What’s regeneration?
Over time, the resin bed inside the water softener becomes coated with hardness particles. When this happens, the softener goes into its regeneration cycle. During regeneration, the salt in the tank is mixed with incoming water to rid the resin bed of these hardness particles. After regeneration, the unit is ready to provide a steady stream of soft water to your home again.
What type of water softener salt should I use?
A clean pellet or nugget-style water softener salt is recommended. Other types of salt are available for specialized applications.
Does the recharge water from the softener harm my septic system?
No, water softener recharge water won’t affect septic system operation or drain field soil percolation.
How much water does each recharge use?
It uses about as much water as it takes to wash a load of laundry.
How much electricity does a water softener use?
It uses about as much as a digital alarm clock.
What are the benefits of water softeners for hair and skin?
Using a water softener with the correct grain capacity can noticeably benefit your hair, skin and nails. Soap and shampoo can react with the excess minerals in hard water, which can prevent them from lathering as intended. This means they can leave a soapy film on your body, making you feel less clean and also stripping your skin and hair of moisture.
How much is a water softener?
Water softeners are available within a wide price range — from $25 to $3,000, depending on your needs. Before you begin browsing, it’s helpful to assess your finances and determine a budget. This will allow you get the best softener at a price you can afford.
Types of Water Softeners
Here’s a brief overview of the most common types of softeners available, so you can determine how to choose a water softener for your needs.
Ion-Exchange Water Softeners
Ion-exchange water softeners work by replacing minerals that contribute to water hardness — such as magnesium and calcium — with sodium. These minerals naturally have a positive electrical charge. When they come into contact with special resin beads contained in the pressurized tank that have a negative charge, excess magnesium and calcium stay behind, while sodium is added to the water. Once all the resin beads are completely covered with minerals, the cartridge needs to be replaced.
When compared to other types of water softeners, ion-exchange softeners are an economical choice, and they don’t take up much space. However, they do require regular cartridge replacement according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Plus, they add trace amounts of sodium, which may not be tolerable for individuals who need to limit their sodium intake for medical reasons.
All hot water should be softened. Most people leave cold taps hard to reduce salt intake in drinking water and cooking. If you’re on a restricted sodium diet, check with your physician before installing a water softener in your home.
Dual-Tank Water Softeners
A dual-tank water softener is a device that has two resin tanks, so one tank is always available while the other is regenerating. This means that softer water is available 24 hours a day. For large households that use a lot of water or even smaller households in which residents use water around the clock — for example, if some members work normal business hours while others work the night shift — a dual-tank softener is an ideal choice. These models are more expensive than single-tank units and are larger, so they take up more room. Both ion-exchange and salt-free water softeners are available in single- and double-tank models.
Salt Water Softeners vs. Salt-Free Water Softeners
Salt-free water softeners, or devices that don’t use sodium, are technically classified as water conditioners. These use potassium chloride instead of sodium. Potassium chloride triggers a chemical reaction with the magnesium and potassium found in hard water, which causes it to crystalize, preventing it from building up or scaling on surfaces or plumbing pipe. So, in actuality, the hard water minerals are removed. Salt-free water conditioners have the drawback of costing more than ion-exchange varieties and come in the form of reverse osmosis systems and magnetic water softeners.
Do I Need a Water Softener, Water Filter or Water Conditioner?
Water filters, water softeners and water conditioners solve different problems. Decide which one you need for your home according to the problem you need to solve:
- Drinking-water filters treat bad taste, contaminants and odor.
- Whole house water filters remedy chlorine, sediment and odor.
- Water softeners help with hard water, scale buildup and water spots.
- Specialized solutions from a professional may be necessary if you need water testing, expert advice or advanced water treatment products.
For more help, see The Best Water Filters for Your Home.
How to Install a Water Softener
Here are three things to keep in mind when installing a water softener:
- You’ll need two 1-inch National Pipe Thread Tapered (NPT) female connectors and enough tubing to connect from the water softener to your existing plumbing. You may have copper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), steel or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plumbing. Each of these plumbing types may require different materials and tools for installation.
- A drain is necessary for the regeneration or recharge process. About 10 feet of drain tubing is supplied, but if your drain is farther than 10 feet away, you’ll need to purchase enough 1/2-inch tubing to reach your drain. The drain shouldn’t be more than 30 feet away from the softener. The drain line shouldn’t be elevated more than 8 feet above the floor.
- The power cord (transformer) needs to be plugged into a 110-volt continuous live outlet. The unit comes with a 10-foot power cord.