Water Softening System Purchase Tips

A water softening system is a home appliance that is employed to remove minerals from hard water. Hard water is an issue, which creates clogs and buildup in pipes and leaves a slimy-felling residue. If you are experiencing these issues, a water softener is probably your best weapon in fighting back. Figuring out which type of softener to purchase can be difficult, so it's very important to obtain as much information as possible prior to making a purchase decision. In this article, we will offer up a few tips to help you find the system that is best suited for your needs.

Daily Water Needs

You'll need to determine your average daily water needs prior to purchase. This can be accomplished by multiplying the number of people living at your house by the estimated average gallon amount used by each person per day. In most cases this number will be right around 75 gallons.

Regeneration

Choose a water softening system based on how regeneration is controlled. Regeneration is the process by which minerals and calcium are removed from the water. A variety of systems on the market are timer controlled, meaning they regenerate automatically regardless of whether the water is actually being used or not. Because of this, many people are beginning to switch over to demand-initiated systems that regenerate only when told to. This helps to ensure that the water being used has actually been treated.

Product Certification

Inspect your options for product certification. There is a corporation that certifies and tests water treatment products called NSF International. Water Quality Association does similar testing and applies their gold seal of approval to products that meet their standards. While offering some peace of mind, it's important to note that neither of these companies guarantee product performance, but rather state that the product in question has passed water softening industry guidelines.

Company and Installation

To be sure that your product functions properly, it's recommended that users have a professional perform the installation. If you've used a plumber in the past, get in touch with them to find out whether they offer this type of service. If you're in need of a plumber, there are a variety of options available, all of which can be found via a quick internet search or skim through the local yellow pages.

You'll want to hire a company that is reputable and experienced. You may even be able to employ the service of the company who sold you the product in the first place. Many of these companies will offer their customers warranties. Ask whether your product and the work being performed comes with one. Shop around and obtain a series of quotes to compare. Make sure these quotes account for regeneration cycles, the tank and the control valve. Once you've chosen a reputable service, schedule an appointment and watch as they perform the installation. Be sure to ask any questions you might have regarding the unit and have the technician show you how the system works.