FAQs About Water Softeners & Water Treatment

There are a few common questions asked regarding water softeners that could make the decision a bit easier for you:

1. What is the most concerning aspect about hard water coming into the home?
   The biggest concern about hard water is that it can cause the scaling of your pipes and fixtures. When heated water runs through, the dissolved minerals crystallize again into scale form. The scales then transfer into all your water-using appliances such as your dishwasher, washing machine, water heater, and similar.
2. What are the other risks of hard water?
   In addition to scaling, hard water can cause soap scum in the shower and bathtub. The residue left on your skin can also cause skin irritations and dryness.
3. Are there any other benefits to installing a water softener?

Yes! For starters, your detergents will be able to produce more soap and subsequently, will clean your garments easier. The water softener can also reduce the spotting left on your glassware.

4. Is there ever an instance where water softeners are not a good idea in the home?
   The only situation where a water softener is not the best option is when family members must follow a low sodium diet as sodium is used to regenerate the water that goes through the water softener system.
5. How much sodium can I expect to be added to my water?
   Very hard water will usually have 20 to 40 grains of sodium per gallon of water added. This means that you will gain an extra 150 to 300 mg per quart of water.
6. Is the salt water from my water softener bad for a septic tank system?
   Not at all. In fact, it can be quite beneficial. The presence of sodium can enhance the bacterial environment for better waste product breakdown.
7. What is the reason for my water smelling like chlorine?
   Chlorine is used to treat drinking water, but if the chlorine levels are too high, you will probably be able to smell it and taste it. If you leave it unattended, it can negatively impact on your health in the form of bladder cancer, heart disease, eczema, and asthma.
8. What type of salt will the water softener use?
   We highly recommend using very pure salt. The salt content should be up to 99.5%. As an alternative, you can opt for potassium chloride.
9. Why does my water still produce iron staining while I am using a water softener?
   There are various reasons this could be happening:
• Your system could be out of salt,
• You could be using the water during the times that the water is regenerating, and/or
• Your resin tank could be too small for the iron content in your water.
10. If I have very hard water, will you be able to tell me what type of water softener I need?
    It is hard to simply suggest a water softener. The water supply must be accurately tested before any recommendations can be made.

Learn more about the value of installing water softeners in the home. Contact us via email or telephone today!