Why is there an increase need for installing the best water softener at home? For water to be considered safe for use at home, it has to meet certain qualities.
While your water might look clean and may seem odor-free, it does not mean that it is pure. You may still be experiencing hard water. Hard water is caused by too much concentration of calcium or magnesium, at least 60mg, in your water.
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While the presence of calcium and magnesium in your water is not bad, it could become a problem when it is found in large quantities as you would find in hard water.
Using such water can result in certain problems including skin and scalp irritations; damages to your pipes and other appliances the water comes in contact with; and tough stains on surfaces.
What is a Water Softener System?
This is a device that removes the heavy minerals from the water, making it soft and good for use. They come in different shapes and sizes but they all perform the same task, removing heavy minerals from your water.
A water softener is often part of a water filtration system, otherwise, it can be gotten alone. Having a water softener would help get rid of your hard water problems and make your water safe for use again.
How to Know You Have Hard Water
Knowing if you have hard water would prompt you to take steps to find solutions to the problem. Some of the signs you would notice include;
- Chalk-like residue on utensils after running water on them
- Clogged faucets
- Irregular water flow
- Soap and shampoo no longer foam like before
- Clothes become stiff and begin to fade
- Odor in the water
- Plumbing requires more maintenance
To fix the problem of hard water, you need a water softener.
Best Water Softener Systems for 2024
There are so many water softeners out there today that you might be confused about which one to buy. Each one claims to be the best with some special features that others do not have.
To make things easier for you, we have prepared a short list of some of the best home water softeners you should buy.
1. Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener
With a flow rate of 12 Gallons per minute (GPM), peaking at 28GPM, and a weekly grain capacity of 48,000 gallons, this is one of the best water softeners you would find today.
It has a dimension of 27 x 17 x 62 inches and weighs 20.7 pounds. It uses a meter based regeneration system that measures water and regenerates it when it is needed. It includes a 48-hour internal power backup, so even if the electricity is down for two days, you can be sure you would use soft water.
This system makes your water soft by using the ion exchange process, removing calcium and magnesium from your water, with the help of salt without you tasting it in the processed water.
2. Watts Premier 7100638 OFPSYS Whole House OneFlow Plus
This is another very good water softener with great qualities. It has a dimension of 19.3 x 9.2 x 9.2 inches, weighing just 15 pounds and you have the option to mount it on the wall using wall brackets in the packaging and it is meant to be used indoors.
It works through a process called template assisted crystallization (TAC) which attacks these hard minerals and turns them into harmless microscopic particles that are passed to the drain.
This system functions without electricity and requires very little maintenance. It has a max hardness of 75 grains per gallon and helps to balance your water pH levels.
3. iSpring ED2000 Alternative Water Softener
This might look small, weighing just 2 pounds with a size of 7 x 3.5 x 2 inches, but it has a system that packs a lot of power.
It functions by breaking down existing particles so that they can be dissolved and preventing the buildup of newer particles, keeping your water as soft as possible.
It is capable of handling 10-19 GPG and does not alter the chemistry of your water.
4. Aquios FS-234 Jumbo Water Softener
One of the good things about this water softener is that it is salt-free, making it a great option for those who are sensitive to salt.
Instead, it uses an additive known as Siliphos which would help reduce the build-up of scale in your water so that you no longer have to deal with hard water.
It is rated at 60,000 gallons and is good for homes that make use of a lot of water. It also has a water filtration system that removes impurities and chemicals from your water.
5. Whirlpool WHELJ1 Grain Softener
This system makes use of salt to remove hard minerals from water, without affecting the taste or balance of the water. It only regenerates water when you need it, helping you save water and salt.
It would inform you of when it is running low on salt so you can fill it up. It has a capacity of 30,000 gallons, making it best for a small household.
Water Softener Frequently Asked Questions
What does a water softener do?
Home water softener systems are appliances that remove calcium, magnesium and other hard minerals from drinking water. Usually, resin beads inside the softeners trap the calcium and magnesium and exchange them for sodium or potassium.
What is the downside of a water softener?
The main disadvantages to softening water are the potential health risks for individuals that might be on low-sodium diets or those who may have similar nutrient deficiencies.
These systems reduce the concentration of calcium and magnesium in water which should always be considered before use.
Who should not drink softened water?
Anyone on a medically prescribed low-sodium diet should avoid softened water. Softened water should also not be used in the reconstitution of infant formula powders as softened water will likely affect its fine nutritional balance.
How long does a water softener last?
Water softeners have a typical lifespan of about 10 to 15 years on average. If well maintained, they can last even longer.
Is there an alternative to a water softener?
The most common alternative to a water softener is a water conditioner. Water conditioners also reduce the damage hard water can cause throughout your home.
However, most recommend rather using a water softener as these systems actually remove the hardened particles from your water and are generally more effective.
Get the Best Water Softener for Your Home
Before deciding which to get, make sure to check which features are important to you and would match to your home's needs. There you have it, 5 of the best water softener on the market.
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