Did you know that the global water softener industry was worth over $2 million in 2019? This is expected to rise to over $3.5 million in the next three years.
People around the world are realizing the benefits of controlling the hardness in their water. They are also seeing the health benefits and financial savings that soft water can bring.
Are you thinking about buying a water softener, and are wondering if it’s worth the cost?
Here are seven questions you should ask yourself before installing a water softener in your home.
1. Why Should I Consider Purchasing a Water Softener?
The buildup of minerals such as calcium and magnesium can leave stains on your clothes when you launder them. This is a widespread problem in the United States.
Hard water also has a negative effect on the human body. More than simple stains, hard water can cause irritation to a person’s skin. The soapy scum that gathers on the surface of hard water can be difficult to remove. This can lead to irritation and itchiness on your skin and hair.
2. How Do I Know if I Need a Water Softener?
Of course, stains and skin irritation can be caused by a number of impurities in your water. How can you be sure that hard water is causing your issues? There are two basic ways to detect hard water.
The first is to buy a simple small kit from a hardware store and test the water yourself. You will learn if your water is basically hard or soft. From there you can begin to plan remediation.
The second method is to call a professional company and have them test your water. This is more valuable as they can provide a more detailed report on how hard your water is and the minerals that are causing it. After this, you will be in an even better position to decide what system will work best for you.
3. Do Saltless Systems Work?
When deciding what water softening system to have installed you may hear about salt-powered and saltless systems.
Experts disagree about the effectiveness of saltless systems. However, all agree that they are more expensive to run. Salt-powered water softeners use approximately the same electrical power as a household electrical clock. A softener that is powered by electricity uses significantly. more.
4. Will it have a Limited Capacity?
You can picture the scene. You have guests for the weekend. You have been explaining to them the benefits of a water softener and how your whole house water system benefits your family. However, later when your guests go to take a shower, the water pressure is low or there is no water available at all.
Could this really happen if you install a water softener system?
The key is to install the correct size water softener for your needs. A system that provides for two persons will struggle to provide water simultaneously for an additional five guests.
However, conversely, you may not need a system that provides for seven people if you rarely have more than three people depending on the system.
A dual tank system will provide ample water for you and your household and refill a second tank while the first is in use. A system of this size will rarely lack the water you need for you and your guests.
5. How Long Will It Last?
If you measure your needs correctly and purchase the correct size, a water softener system can last for a long time. A professionally fitted system can last for 20 years.
A professional company should also provide a great warranty that will leave you with peace of mind so long as the system is maintained well.
6. What Maintenance is Required?
The most frequently required maintenance is the replacement of the salt. How often should this be done? It depends on the user and its workload. When the salt level reduces to the halfway point of the container, it should be topped up.
It should be noted that a dual-tank system will use salt more sparingly than a single tank. This is because the second tank is filled with soft water and does not diminish the salt so quickly.
It is good to remember that an older system may use more salt than a recently installed system. Be prepared to add salt more frequently when it is older than 10 years.
7. What are the Long-term Benefits of a Water Softener
The short term benefits of soft water are fewer stains on your clothing and less itchy skin and hair. However, there are longer-term financial benefits to consider when selecting water softener systems.
Household appliances such as dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines will last longer. The pipework will not be filled with limescale or other deposits. Hard water is harsher on clothing during washing cycles. Softer water will mean that your clothing will last longer and possibly retain its “new” look for longer.
Buying Water Softener Products and Much More
If you are considering buying water softener technology for your home, you value your health and the longevity of your home and plumbing. It improves the quality and taste of the drinking water in your home and can lead to financial savings.
If you would like to know what water softener technologies could benefit you and your family, then we are here to help.
We leverage our years in the plumbing industry to provide custom solutions to our customers. Why not follow our blog or contact us to find out more.
