Deciding Between a Single-Tank and Twin Tank Water Softener

Posted on February 8, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes time to purchase a new water softener, you will be faced with an endless selection of sizes, features, upgrades, and additions. Before diving into the market, it helps to review some common water conditioning terminology for help understanding the difference between the water softener systems you wish to compare. A good starting point is water softener size and capacity. Basically, you will need to decide whether or not your property requires a single or twin-tank system.

Continue reading to learn the difference between each type of water softening system, and use your new-found knowledge to make an educated decision for your water conditioning needs.

Water Softener Repair and Service 317-784-1870

Water Softener Size

The most important part of choosing a water softener for your home or building is to match the proper size to the property’s hard water removal needs. In order to do this accurately, it helps to discuss hard water management with a licensed, Indianapolis master plumber who specializes in soft water services. Otherwise, you will need to teach yourself how to calculate the proper size water softener.

Water softener capacity is measured in “grain removal” and in the United States, the average gallon of water has 10 grains of hardness in it. To calculate how much “grains” your establishment uses, you need to know that the average person uses around 80 gallons of water each day. You can get a more detailed explanation of estimating water softener capacity by reading, “How to Calculate Water Softener Size.”

The basic formula is as follows:

(Gallons Per Day x Number of Occupants) x Grains Per Gallon = Total Grains Used Each Day

Single-Tank Water Softening System

A single tank water softener system consists of a single cabinet that holds both the brine tank and the resin tank. This compact design allows it to fit into small spaces, making them perfect for apartments and single-family homes. These water softeners are also referred to as, “on-demand” systems, which monitors your water consumption by the gallon. Once capacity is achieved, the system will regenerate during off-times, such as the middle of the night or early morning. This process provides soft water at all times. For properties with fewer than five occupants, single-tank systems are an efficient choice.

Twin-Tank Water Softening System

A twin-tank water softener system is better suited for properties with more occupants. It consists of two resin tanks, rather than just one found in single-tank systems, as well as a brine tank. One resin tank provides soft water all day long, while the other tank regenerates. Although the duel-tank design takes up more floor space, it is an efficient choice for large families. They are generally more expensive than single-tank systems since they are larger and come with a backup tank.

Where to Get Water Softener Help

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for affordable water softener service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for residential and commercial properties, and specialize in water softener installation and repair for all make and model units. We also carry a full line of quality Clack™ water softeners for sale at contractor prices! Request a free estimate, today.

The Top 3 Advantages of Owning a Water Softener

Posted on April 18, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Softener Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

Whether you own commercial or residential property, one of the most valuable investments you can make in life is a water conditioning system. A water softener is an ion exchange plumbing appliance that plays a critical role in various aspects of your home’s structural integrity and plumbing performance, as well as, your personal comfort and safety. Without a water conditioner, you are at risk of being subjected to several undesirable effects of hard water.

Hard water is groundwater, well water, or municipal water that contains high traces of hard minerals, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, as well as various other contaminants. It causes lime scale buildup in plumbing pipes, appliances, and around plumbing fixtures. But that’s not all; it can also have negative or damaging effects on skin, hair, laundry,
coffee, tea, lemonade, cooking, and more.

Water softeners use an ion exchange resin process that converts hard water into soft water. Resin beads inside the water softener tank are negatively charged, so when contaminated water passes through the resin, it attracts and retains all the positively-charged hard ions. The leftover water is conditioned with a soft mineral ion, such as sodium or potassium (salt pellets), turning it into soft water.

Here are 3 Top Benefits of Water Conditioning:

❸ Better Quality Drinking Water

Hard water is not something you want to drink. Although it won’t incur any serious harm, it can contain a long list of possible contaminants that can make a person sick or cause adverse health effects. It can also affect calcium and magnesium levels for those who monitor their daily intake. For these individuals, it would be recommended to install a water purification system along with a water softener for best results.

❸ Improved Cleanliness

Hard water does not lather well; nor does it clean well. This is because the hard mineral ions in hard water make it adhere less to soap. This results in poor shampooing and conditioning, which can lead to lifeless, residue-filled hair. It also results in poor dish washing, laundry, mopping, window cleaning, and general cleaning. Another common consequence of hard water is the appearance of white spots on dishes and greenish-blue scum around faucets and drains.

❸ Asset Protection

Hard water can do a lot a damage to your home’s plumbing system and water-based appliances, including water heaters, drains, plumbing pipes, dishwashers, washing machines, and more. It can also add a lot more wear and tear to these systems. Not only can lime scale buildup clog pipes and reduce their performance, hard water can lead to costly plumbing repairs and replacements.

Softening your water will help protect your plumbing and appliances, thus increasing their lifespan and efficiency. As a result of this protection, you earn a 4th bonus to owning a water softener: monthly savings on utility and energy usage! This means you can literally save money by investing in a quality water softener!

Indianapolis Water Softener Installation

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water softener services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for residential and commercial properties, and specialize in water softener installation and repair for all make and model units. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today.

How Do I Know if I Have a Hard Water Problem?

Posted on September 11, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Are you concerned that your home’s water is not as pure and soft as it could be? Perhaps your current water softener needs replaced, and you have not noticed the signs suggesting a hard water problem yet. If you are ready to evaluate your water, start by looking for hard water evidence around the home. Continue reading to learn the common signs of hard water and the best solutions to the problem.

Indianapolis Plumbers 317-784-1870

Hard water is water that contains high traces of hard mineral ions. The most common hard minerals include iron, calcium, and magnesium. But aside from hardness, there are several more contaminants found in hard water than just these three. These contaminants can alter the way your water looks, tastes, and feels. It is in your best interest to quickly identify a hard water problem and implement the proper strategies to correct the mineral imbalance.

Signs of Hard Water:

✦ White Film on Surfaces or Dishes
✦ Cloudy Glass
✦ White Spots on Glass
✦ Greasy, Dull Hair
✦ Itchy, Dry Skin
✦ Dingy/Smelly Laundry
✦ Stiff Laundry
✦ Slowed or Lack of Hot Water
✦ Lack of Soap Suds
✦ Metallic Smell in Tap Water
✦ White Crust around Plumbing Fixtures
✦ Increase in Water Consumption
✦ Increased Energy and Utility Bills

Effects of Hard Water

Hard water can also negatively affect your water-related appliances and systems, such as your water heater, boiler, washing machine, plumbing pipes, and more. The accumulation of sediment causes the internal workings of these systems to corrode overtime, leading to poor performance, safety issues, and costly repairs. For these reasons and more, it is vital to maintain a functioning water softener. Water softeners are the best method of removing hard mineral ions from a home’s water. If you do not have one already, this is your answer to your hard water problem. Be sure to contact a licensed plumber for help with water softener advice, selection, installation, and service.

Indianapolis Water Softener Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need a reliable Indianapolis water softener service you can afford. Our licensed plumbers always show up on time and ready to work! Owner, Mark Weilhammer and his team retain decades of experience in the plumbing industry. We offer a wide range of water softener and plumbing repair for both commercial and residential properties. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today!

Top 3 Reasons to Buy a Water Softener

Posted on May 5, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Softener Repair 317-784-1870

Hard water contains hard mineral content, such as magnesium, iron, and calcium. Most likely, you have experienced the effects of hard water at some point in time. Hard water not only tastes funny, it causes problems with plumbing, appliances, dishware, skin, hair, nails, and more. These effected areas are all part of the topmost reasons why you should invest in a water conditioning system, whether homeowner or tenant.

For those who rent a home or apartment, there are portable water softener options available on the market. This way, tenants will own their water softener, and have the ability to use it for future relocations. As for property owners, purchasing and installing a high-quality water softener is one of the wisest investments you can make. Continue reading to learn the top three reasons why you want to make this decision as soon as possible!

Reduce Monthly Utility Costs

Installing a water softener is a lucrative investment, even though the initial costs are high. This is because soft water is easier to transfer, heat, and use altogether. So your water heater does not have to use as much energy to heat up water, and you do not have to run the faucet for several minutes to reach your desired temperature. And reduced energy consumption saves money on monthly energy and water bills. Overtime, these energy efficient savings outweigh the initial cost of buying a water conditioner.

Protect Your Plumbing and Appliances

Hard water can negatively affect other important systems in your home. It can cause mineral buildup inside plumbing pipes, causing them to clog and corrode overtime. This also causes inconsistent or weak water flow, which can lead to increased energy consumption, higher monthly utility costs, and more. Hard water can also do the same to your appliances, such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. Not only can this cause your systems to work harder and use more energy, it can lead to costly repairs and replacements. Soft water prevents these kinds of damages, saving you money and increasing the life of your appliances.

Improved Home Comfort

Hard water causes discomfort in many ways. Overtime, a buildup of limescale and calcium accumulates around plumbing fixtures, resulting in a hard, white crust. Not only is this unsightly, it reduces water flow and makes bathing less enjoyable. The minerals in hard water leave behind white film on shower doors, white spots on dishes, and even make dishware appear cloudy. All of these hard water effects reduce your quality of home living. But it gets worse. Hard water can also irritate skin, hair, and nails. Skin can feel sticky after a shower, or become dry, itchy, and flakey. Residue can build up in hair, causing it to feel greasy or dingy. And nails will turn brittle. These are all signs that your water is too high in hard mineral content.

Indianapolis Water Softener Installation

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for water softener installation and service in Indianapolis, and its surrounding areas. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbing contractors, are happy to discuss your soft water needs any time. We offer a wide range of services for all make and model water softeners, including installation, repair, replacement, maintenance, and more. We even offer water softener sales! Call us at 317-784-1870 if you are looking for economically-priced, quality water softeners in Indianapolis, IN today.