Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Water Softening System
Choosing the right water softener is crucial for resolving household water issues like spots and residue. This guide covers key aspects such as capacity, regeneration process, and certification, ensuring you pick a reliable system tailored to your needs. Learn how to measure water hardness and understand the regenerator’s function for optimal water quality and system longevity.
Hard water can cause minor household problems like water spots and soap scum on fixtures. Selecting the ideal water softener can resolve these issues, but knowing what to look for is key before making a purchase.
A water softener functions by removing minerals like calcium and magnesium, replacing them with sodium or salt through ion exchange. It’s wise to choose an NSF-certified product that includes a system indicator for low salt levels, ensuring optimal operation and water quality.
What is the grain capacity of a water softener?
This indicates the maximum grains of hardness the system can handle before needing regeneration.
How to estimate hardness levels
Hardness is measured in grains per gallon (gpg). One grain equals 1/7000 of a pound of rock. Municipal reports often display results in milligrams, liters, or ppm; 1 gpg equals 17.1 mg/L or ppm. Consulting your water provider or using a testing kit helps determine your water’s hardness.
What does regeneration entail?
Over time, the resin beads within the softener become coated with mineral deposits. Regeneration involves flushing out these deposits with salt or sodium, restoring the system’s ability to soften water. Many systems recommend nugget-style salt for effective regeneration.
Is the backwash water harmful?
Not at all. Regeneration water is safe for soil and septic systems and requires minimal electricity—approximately what a digital clock uses.
Hard water softening is beneficial for all hot water applications. However, individuals on low-sodium diets should consult their healthcare providers, as softened water contains sodium, which may impact health when consumed regularly.
