A water softener can make your household plumbing last longer and help prevent costly repairs. To choose the right model:
- Calculate how much water your family uses daily.
- Multiply that number by the average hardness level per person in your area.
- Decide whether you want a metered or timed regeneration system.
Metered systems regenerate based on water usage, while timed systems use preset schedules.
What Kind of Water Do You Want to Soften?
The best water softeners Hedgesville WV for your needs will be determined mainly by your area’s hardness and household size. The first step is to find out how hard your water is, which you can do using a DIY test with soap and a clear glass bottle. Once you know your hardness level, multiply it by the number of gallons your household uses daily to determine the right water softener capacity for your needs. It is important to correctly estimate the ability of a water softener, as an undersized unit may need to perform better, and an oversized one will waste energy and sodium. It is also essential to understand that while softened water is safe to drink, it does contain an elevated amount of sodium due to the ion exchange process. Knowing if someone in your household has a salt-limiting diet or heart condition is important, as high sodium intake can lead to health concerns.
How Much Water Do You Need to Soften?
The right water softener for your home will depend on the hardness of your water and the size of your household. You want a softener with the right capacity to work efficiently without lowering your water pressure or wearing out quickly. A traditional ion exchange water softener contains resin beads that trap mineral hardness minerals before they enter your home’s plumbing system. The dots must be regenerated regularly using salt and your household’s water supply. To figure out how much of your household’s water needs a softener can handle, look at previous water bills that list total consumption over some time (usually a month). Multiply the number of people in your household by the average daily water use per person to estimate how many grains your home consumes per week.
How Hard Is Your Water?
The level of hardness in your water varies by region. Your city or town’s water supplier should send you an annual report detailing what’s in your municipal water supply, including the hardness level. To find out how hard the drinking water in your home is, you can also buy a home water testing kit. Typically, hardness is measured in grains per gallon (mpg), parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). Gpg and ppm are both units of measurement for the concentration of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium carbonate, in your water. Knowing your hardness level is a key first step to choosing the right water softener for your home. A local, experienced water expert can help you conduct a thorough in-home water test and understand the results to decide on the best water softener for your family’s needs.
How Much Money Do You Want to Spend?
Depending on the type and size of water softener you select, pricing can vary. A four-person household typically needs a water softener that can treat up to 24,000 grains of hardness daily. You can review your home’s water consumption via a previous water bill or contact a local water treatment specialist for more accurate estimates. Those on well systems will also want to purchase a good test kit or consult with their local water authority for information about the current state of their well. Remember that the initial cost of a water softener is often offset by the savings on the products and labor required to address hard water problems. You can install a separate water-using appliance for additional softening and water-purifying benefits, such as under-the-sink water filtration or reverse osmosis. This option can reduce your overall costs by removing the need to pay for soaps, detergents, and electricity to run appliances and heating systems.
