Everything You Need to Know About Water Softeners (2024)

Updated on:
February 7, 2024

One of the most common water quality problems a homeowner encounters on a daily is hard water — not only does it destroy appliances, it also leaves unsughtly scale across bathrooms and kitchens and dries out hair and skin.

Most households rely on hard water for showering, cleaning, and cooking. This is why water softeners are popular among homeowners. A water softener saves you from replacing water heaters and scaly faucet heads, and a lot of time cleaning up soapy residue. Investing in a water softener saves you time, energy, and money, and protects your home and your property. 

If you’re ready to learn more about water softeners and how they can improve your life, here are some resources I’ve put together.


Water Softener Reviews

If you’re grappling with the daily nuisances of hard water, it’s time to dive into the world of water softener reviews. Discover the secrets behind these home water wizards and determine whether they’re the solution you’ve been searching for:

Water Softener Comparisons

When it comes to tackling the challenges of hard water, embarking on water softener comparisons could be your key to unlocking a world of difference. From unraveling the science behind these devices to assessing their practicality in your daily life, we’ve got you covered. Say farewell to hard water woes as we guide you through the essential comparisons you need to make.

If you have a curiosity to expand your knowledge of the vocabulary frequently employed in the drinking water industry, we invite you to explore our glossary page. It serves as a valuable resource, offering an extensive compilation of terms commonly utilized within the drinking water sector.

By perusing this comprehensive list, you can gain a clear understanding of the terminology associated with water treatment and distribution. Whether you are a seasoned professional or simply intrigued by the intricacies of this field, our glossary page will prove invaluable in enhancing your comprehension of the subject matter.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

4 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Michael Macey

I have just moved to a hard water area in France from Scotland which has some of the softest water on the planet. Can you please advise on a whole house system that can soften the water but also allow for good quality drinking water. Also how much water do the salt based softeners use to regenerate as this area often has water use resin the summer

James Layton

Michael,
I have been to Scotland and experienced the super-soft water. In general, a sediment filter followed by an activated carbon filter and then a water softener will be a good start. I don’t know if you can obtain a water analysis from the government. It would tell you if there any substances to be concerned about. You may want to add a reverse osmosis system for drinking water.

Andi

Thanks for the helpful information on water softeners. There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet and am getting confused. I read a consumer reports article about magnetic water softening. The article said it was not known if they work. I have never heard about magnets and water softening. Is it a viable option to water softeners?

James Layton

Hi Andi, I did not know there was still information on magnetic water softeners on the internet. About 25 years ago they were being sold “everywhere”. There were many wild claims about what magnetically treated water would do for corrosion prevention, health, and other things. Turns out after independent testing coupled with many real-word experiences, magnetic water softening disappeared from the market. You are probably seeing old web pages that are still hanging around out there. The idea was based on a theory that the magnet changed the water hardness minerals so did not form scale and crust on fixtures, in water heaters, etc. The conclusion was they were simply not nearly as effective as a regular salt-based water softener.