The water in your home may be crystal clear, but it may not be suitable for consumption. After all, it may contain a variety of substances that make it unsuitable for use at home. All groundwater sources supply hard water and this is more so with well water, which needs to be softened before it can be used for bathing, cooking, drinking, washing utensils, or doing the laundry. What makes water hard is the presence of minerals, mainly magnesium and calcium salts.
In this guide, you’ll learn what to look for in a softener and if you’re ready to buy, check out these water softeners for well water.
How to Know Your Water is Hard
i) Get Your Water Tested in a Lab
The surest way of knowing whether or not your water is hard is to take a sample to a lab for testing. This will not only tell you whether or not the water is hard but also the severity of the problem.
ii) Use Regular Soap
The ingredients used to make normal bathing and laundry soaps are known to react with the calcium and magnesium salts in hard water to form a cloudy or white precipitate. The amount of precipitate formed is an indication of the level of hardness of the water supplied to your home.
iii) Buy a Water Hardness Testing Kit
There are many test kits on the market that can help you determine the exact level of hardness in your water. You can order the kit online and do the test yourself.
iv) Check the US Water Hardness Scale
Groundwater quality in the entire United States has already been analyzed and mapped. You can check the water hardness scale on the map of the United States to learn more about the quality of water from your shallow or deep wells.
Guide to Choosing a Water Softener
There are many types of water softeners on the market and they are all different. Depending on your water consumption and quality needs, be sure to consider the following factors when searching for a water softener:
1. Daily Water Consumption
The total amount of water used in your home on a daily basis is an important factor of consideration when searching for a water softener. This is crucial because water softening systems have a limited capacity, so you need to install a system that can comfortably accommodate your water consumption needs. Be sure to hire a competent plumbing technician who is aware of local laws to install the water softener in your home. Ideally, you should compile a list of water softeners from different brands, which can supply the amount of softened water your home needs.
2. Price
Obviously, you have limited resources, so you want a system that is going to give you value for money. After compiling your shortlist, you can begin the process of narrowing down the search by comparing prices. You can get value for money by spending more money on a trusted brand of the water softener. Take note that cheap can be expensive in the long run if the system has a shorter lifespan or is costly to maintain.
It is recommended you read reviews and check how different firms have been rated by both experts and consumers. This will provide you with information about the reputation of different brands.
You will be happy to know that there are some companies that offer water softening systems for rent. This means that you can rent a system to ensure you have access to clean and soft water to use at home as you plan on buying a new system. As you use the rented water softener, you can decide whether or not it’s worth it.
Aside from the prices quoted by different vendors for the water softeners you’ve shortlisted, be sure to also pay attention to the installation costs. After all, some vendors usually charge a separate fee for the installation service while others offer free installation.
3. Pick the Right System for Your Needs
Ultimately, you’ll have to pick a water softener from the list of systems you shortlisted. After considering the three factors listed above, you will be in a better position to choose a suitable device for your needs. A typical water softening system for the average American home costs between $500 to $2,500. This means that your spending power will dictate your decision. Fortunately, there is plenty of competition in the industry, so there are some great water softener systems for every budget.
As you search for the right water softener, please note that the water filtration system is an investment that will undoubtedly increase the market value for your property. This means that you can recoup the full investment if you decide to sell.
Benefits of Having a Water Softener in Your Home
Hard water is associated with limescale, something that increases the maintenance cost of appliances and can shorten their lifespan. After installing a suitable water softener, you can be assured of having an easy time doing the laundry. Your glassware and silverware will also regain their original shine. Your hair and skin will also be smoother and softer. With all these benefits, you can now understand why it's crucial you install a water softener system in your home. Be sure to exercise patience as you search for the right water softener.
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