At this point you've used your local conditions and your water usage to figure out how much softening is required per day. Water softeners are usually sized so that they regenerate about once per week. Why once per week? A once-a-week regeneration strikes a good balance between keeping the resin bed fresh and not exerting excessive wear and tear on the valve.
A water softener valve contains moving parts but these parts only move when the softener is regenerating. Regenerating once-a-week also keeps the water consumption low; a water softener uses about 50 gallons when it regenerates. If we take the Daily Softening Requirement of grains per day and multiple this by 7 days, we need a softener that can soften 21, grains of total hardness in order to regenerate once per week.
So what size of water softener offers 21, grains of total softening capacity? This is where widespread incorrect information found on the internet and elsewhere can hide the real answer. At first glance it would appear that the 24, grain system would be ideal using our example above, where we're looking for 21, grains of total softening capacity.
Unfortunately the resellers of the 24, grain system fail to reveal that it takes 27 pounds of salt to fully regenerate this system to the 24, grain level. A more accurate description of the "24," system is "0. This is the amount of resin this system contains. They also waste sodium and water because they regenerate whether or not recharging is necessary. They usually do this in the early morning hours. Softener DIR controls. A more sophisticated method, called demand-initiated regeneration DIR , senses when the resin needs recharging, either electronically or with a meter that measures and calculates usage.
A demand-initiated regeneration system saves on salt and regeneration water because it does not recharge unless necessary.
In addition, it provides for abnormally large water usage. Should I buy or rent a water softener? In the short run, renting a water softener is often the most attractive option because there are no significant upfront costs.
Here is a video of insider buying tips that can be helpful in gaining an overview of things you should consider when buying a new water softener. Get at least two quotes from different water softener companies. And be sure the quotes are based on exactly the same type of considerations: regeneration cycle, type of controls, level of service, and, of course, warranty on both the control valve and the resin tank.
It is usually best to work with an established company. Find out whether you will need a plumber for installation or whether the work must be done by a special factory service person. And pay attention to the monthly fee for maintaining the softener. Some softener firms provide a service where they regularly exchange exhausted with charged units.
This type of service is a good bet if you live in an area where waste water from sewers is recycled for municipal watering because sodium may be considered a pollutant. Also look for certification. NSF International is an independent testing organization that tests and certifies water-treatment products. Call for free estimates from local water treatment pros now: Don Vandervort writes or edits every article at HomeTips.
HomeTips articles may contain links to Amazon. In This Article:. Tagged buying guide hard water water softener. Often you will see this number in conjunction with a model number. This is important to know because you need to make sure you purchase a system that has enough softening capacity for your entire home. Use the water softener sizing chart below to determine the rough capacity of water softener you need.
As you can see in the water softener buying guide below, budget, functionality and features vary considerably across the spectrum of water softeners. Besides softening capacity, options such as energy efficiency, iron removal, salt usage and even contaminant filtration capabilities found in whole home hybrid water treatment units come into play when deciding which system is right for you.
At a glance, It may seem like a lot of technical info, but if you get to know some basic water softening terminology , narrowing down your water softener choices becomes much easier.
Advantages of home water softening Prevents build-up of minerals scale on the inside of pipes, fixtures, and hot water heaters. Lengthens the life of some appliances. Reduces or prevents mineral spots on glassware. Prevents or reduces soap films and detergent curds in sinks, bathtubs, and washing machines.
Disadvantages of home water softening Can corrode your pipes. The corroded metal from the pipes can end up in your water. This can contribute to elevated lead and copper levels in drinking water. Potential health effects from additional sodium. Regular testing of the water and maintenance of the softener is necessary to make sure the softener is working properly.
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