Most water supplies to residential buildings and properties usually have hard minerals. Soft water is much more beneficial than hard water in many ways. However, a water softener will aid you in solving the issue, and there are many distinct types that you can pick from. A water softener will help reduce the number of minerals in the water; hence, it will become softened water.

In addition, you must choose a water softener that will meet your needs according to your preference. Which type of water softener is best suited for you? Below we will explore the different kinds of water softeners available today, how they differ and how effective they are in Fairbanks, AK, USA.

What is a Water Softener, and how does it work?

A water softener is a system that eradicates minerals from water to lower the water’s hardness. Depending on your location, the water in your house might be slightly hard or completely hard, for instance, when it is obtained from a well. Hard water usually has a high quantity of calcium and magnesium, which can be dangerous and cause the following problems in your home.

Plumbing fixture issues on items such as showerheads, sinks, faucets and tubs.

Your hair or skin loses moisture when you wash it using hard water.

When clothes are washed using hard water, they wear out quickly and become dingy.

You start experiencing constant problems with your water appliances, including dishwashers, kellles, and washing machines.

What are the different types of water softeners?

You can choose from several water softener systems to meet your needs. They include:

Salt-based water softeners

A common solution in the water softening process, traditional salt-based softeners eliminate minerals that cause hard water through ion exchange. These softeners have resin that draws magnesium and calcium into the water supply and substitutes it with sodium ions.

When resin is used up in the brine tank after the ion-exchange process with the hard water, it can be regenerated using sodium chloride or salt. However, this procedure will require constant maintenance because the regeneration process typically occurs once a week.

Salt-based water softeners can completely eradicate hard water minerals.

However, there are some chemicals and bacteria that salt-based water cannot eliminate. Resin can last for many years. You can replace it even if it’s used, making this water softener cost-effective.

Pros

  • It will eradicate hard water minerals.
  • It has a longer lifespan, and it is cost-effective.

Cons

  • It needs to be checked or maintained on a regular basis.
  • You will regularly have to purchase bags of salt.

 

Salt-free water softeners

This water softener does not require constant observation like salt-based water softeners since no regeneration is needed. They typically do not eradicate hard minerals but neutralize them to avert them from adhering, creating a buildup that leads to hard water.

Salt-free water softeners are pretty costly when you start using them. However, they become more affordable since you will need to add bags of salt during routine checks.

In addition, they require a small space compared to salt-based softeners and undergo a multi-stage filtration process that neutralizes hard water minerals. It eradicates unwanted contamination in the water, such as harmful chemicals and bacteria.

Pros

  • It does not require maintenance.
  • It removes all impurities present in hard water.
  • It does not require salt to be added to your water.

Cons

  • It is costly.
  • It does not wholly eradicate hard water minerals.

Portable water softeners

This softener is flexible, meaning you can carry it wherever you are heading, especially since it is convenient for travelers. It does not need electricity and can last for weeks between regenerations.

In addition, regenerating portable water softeners only requires a small amount of common table salt and does not require any tools to complete the procedure.

However, they lack the same capacity for water levels that you will get from other softeners. Still, it can supply water to one bathroom and drinking water to many individuals. Furthermore, it is more affordable than other water softeners created to provide for an entire household.

Pros

  • They are tiny and compact.
  • Best suited for travel trailers.

Cons

  • It cannot provide water for your entire home.
  • It only uses salt in the softening process.

Showerhead water softeners

Usually, water softeners are expensive since they are designed to supply the entire household with soft water. For most individuals, this is a good investment.

When you get showerhead water softeners, they will be beneficial to you in the following ways:

Your skin and hair will have more moisture and be healthy.

It requires little soap lather to cleanse.

You will eradicate spots of hard water in your bathroom doors and walls

Furthermore, showerhead water softeners are easy to install and fix. They utilize cartridge filters to condition your water and remove harmful minerals. However, the filter requires replacing every sixty days, and you can use vitamin filters that can fortify your house water with additional vitamins.

Pros

  • Showerhead water softeners are very affordable.
  • They are simple to install.

Cons

  • They are only used to provide soft water for your showers.
  • It may contain harmful additives.

Looking for Plumbing Service in DuPage and Will County? Contact us!

Whether you are attempting to avoid stains on your water, rust in your washrooms or tiles, and crave a good feeling while washing your hair or skin using soft water. A water softener will help you get the best solution to the problems you are experiencing while using hard water.

Several water softeners can help you. However, you will require a certified professional to have a water analysis done in your home to aid you in choosing the best water softener you need.

At American Plumbing Pros, we pride ourselves on giving long-lasting solutions to enable your home to be buttoned up and reliable. We install a water softener system and will even assist you in picking up the suitable model that will suit your home. In addition, our technicians have years of experience with the best tools and equipment at their disposal. Call 815-953-7943 to schedule an appointment with us today.