Water Softener FAQ’s

When you use salt in your water softener, the sodium ions in the salt replace the calcium and magnesium ions in the water, resulting in soft water. The amount of sodium that is added to the softened water depends on the hardness of the water and the amount of salt used in the softening process.

However, it’s important to note that the level of sodium in softened water is still considered safe for consumption by most health organizations, and there are other sources of sodium in many people’s diets, such as processed foods. If you have concerns about your sodium intake, you may want to consider using a potassium-based salt or another alternative method of water softening.

We include the important options on our systems that add up in price. For example, we install a commercial grade bypass on our Clack, Fleck, and Autotrol Systems and a stainless steel bypass valve on our Clack WS1, Fleck 5600, 5600SE, 2510, 2510SE, and 9000 Systems.

We also include:

• A brine well inside the brine / salt tank to keep the dirt and sediment from the salt plugging up the air check tube and the softener valve
• A safety float to keep the water level from getting too high and overflowing all over the floor if there is a problem with the system
• A grid plate / salt platform to help keep the salt from hardening up and solidifying

Magnetic water softeners, also known as magnetic descalers or anti-scale systems, are devices that claim to reduce the hardness of water without using salt or chemicals. These systems use magnets to create a magnetic field that alters the physical and chemical properties of the minerals in the water, making them less likely to stick to surfaces and form scale.

However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of magnetic water softeners. Some studies have suggested that these devices may have a small effect on reducing scale build-up, but others have found no significant difference between treated and untreated water. Additionally, many water treatment experts and organizations have expressed skepticism about the claims made by magnetic water softener manufacturers.

Always think about flow rates when choosing a water softener. Think about the number of showerheads and baths you have and the chances of using them all at the same time. For most folks, it is rare that all appliances and showers will be used all at once, so for the average home of less than 2300 square feet, a flow rate of 8 gallons per minute is more than enough.

Every once in a while, we run across a customer that has multiple body shower sprays in a shower stall. The average jet package has 4 to 5 sprayers, including the shower head. You need about 15 GPM to operate properly. In this case, you want to size your softener based on an 18 GPM flow rate. In this application, the Clack WS1 48,000 grain softener is the best choice.

We understand that the math associated with flow rates can make your head spin. If you’re interested in residential water softeners, our experts can help you determine the proper size for your home.

The preferred systems are all metered on demand. Water flow systems regenerate based on gallons used, so if the number of people in your home fluctuates, these systems will keep up with the usage. If you go on vacation, they will not regenerate due to no water being used. We also carry timed systems that regenerate based on days, which are great for well water when trying to remove more than 3 ppm or mg/L of iron. The timed systems help keep the resin bed clean from the iron and keep costs low.

Yes, but potassium will cost a lot more than salt.

We answer service calls within one to two business days. Sometimes, we can even address your request for a water softener repair within the same day!

If you have a problem with your equipment, you can do two things. Call us, and we will walk you through the troubleshooting, which is easy to do. If that does not work, we will send a technician out to try to fix the problem.

If it is before one year of the installation date, then there is no trip charge. But after one year, there will be a charge. If it is a defective part that is under warranty, we will change it out on-site and take the broken part back to ship it to the manufacturer.

The control valves have a five-year warranty, and the tanks have a ten-year warranty.

Nothing, they are both cross-link 10% resins and are very durable and respected in the industry. Not every situation is the same, but the average life of a good resin is ten years or more. We can help you replace the resin beads once they go bad.

A water softener is typically installed near the main water supply line where it enters your home. This can be in a basement, garage, utility room, or other suitable location. When installing a water softening system, it’s important to ensure that it is placed in an area that is protected from freezing temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight. A drain line should also be installed to allow the system to discharge the salt brine solution that is used to regenerate the system.

Installation of a water softener requires some basic plumbing knowledge and skills, and it’s recommended that you consult with a professional plumber or water treatment specialist for assistance. We can help you determine the best location for your salt tank, install the necessary plumbing connections, and ensure that the system is set up correctly for optimal performance.

The lifespan of a water softener depends on several factors, including its quality, usage, maintenance, and the hardness of the water being treated. On average, a well-maintained water softener can last for around 10-15 years or more before needing to be replaced or repaired.

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your water softener. This includes monitoring salt levels, cleaning the brine tank, checking and replacing filters as needed, and scheduling periodic professional inspections and tune-ups. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to decreased performance, increased repair costs, and shortened lifespan.

The regeneration cycle is a key process in the operation of a water softener. During the softening process, a resin bed inside the water softener collects the hard water minerals and exchanges them with sodium ions from the salt used in the system. Over time, the resin bed becomes saturated with these minerals and needs to be regenerated, or “recharged,” in order to continue effectively removing hardness from the water.

The regeneration cycle typically involves several steps, including backwashing, brine refill, and rinsing. During the backwash phase, water is directed through the resin beads in the opposite direction to flush out any accumulated sediment or debris. Next, the brine tank is filled with saltwater, which is then drawn into the resin bed to remove the accumulated minerals. Finally, the system rinses itself with fresh water to wash away any remaining salt or mineral particles.

One gallon of water will dissolve three pounds of salt. So for one pound of salt, at least three gallons of water should be in the brine tank.

The amount of salt placed into the brine storage tank has nothing to do with the amount of salt used during the regeneration cycle. Water will dissolve and absorb salt only until it becomes saturated. A given amount of brine (salt-saturated water) contains a specific amount of salt. Just make sure that there is at least enough salt for a regeneration cycle (8 lbs in the case of our unit).

As long as your water softener is properly maintained, the resin beads should not need to be replaced throughout the lifespan of the system. This means you could enjoy an average of 20+ years without worrying about the resin bed.

The answer varies based on how often your system regenerates, but on average, you can expect to need to add salt to the tank about every eight (8) weeks. Our systems are designed for easy monitoring, ensuring soft water around the clock. If you notice that the level of water in the tank is just above the salt, you will know for sure that it’s time to add more salt.

We offer a salt delivery service to make it easy to care for your system. You can choose to have your coarse or solar salt delivered on a routine basis so that you won’t have to worry about running out when you need it most.

After installing your new unit, you will need to wait for the first regeneration cycle to be completed, which can take about two hours. This process ensures clean, softened water flows throughout your plumbing system and appliances.

The best salt for a water softening system is typically coarse or solar salt. Crystal salt dissolves more slowly, extending the time between salt additions. Solar salt, obtained from evaporated seawater, is an eco-friendly option. Both work well to regenerate the resin tank, ensuring efficient softening and preventing mineral buildup.