What is Water Softener Regeneration and How Does it Work?

Posted on March 13, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Do you have hard water in your home? If so, you may be looking for ways to soften it. One of the most popular solutions is a water softener system. This system uses resin beads and salt to remove minerals from the water, making it softer and better for drinking, cleaning, and other tasks. A key part of this process is something called water softener regeneration, which helps keep the resin beads clean so they can continue working effectively.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what water softener regeneration is and how it works.

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The Process of Water Softener Regeneration

Water softener regeneration is a process that helps keep water softening systems running efficiently. During the water softening process, resin beads inside the tank become filled with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals are what make water hard and must be removed to achieve softer water. The resin beads absorb these particles, so they don’t enter your home’s water supply. However, over time the beads can become saturated and stop working effectively. This is where regeneration comes in.

During regeneration, salt brine is added to the tank which helps clean the resin beads and remove any trapped particles that are making water hard. The salt brine attracts the mineral ions which stick to it and then flush out of the system. This flushing helps restore the resin beads so they can start softening water again. The water softener regeneration process usually takes several hours and is usually performed at night when water usage is low.

Water softener regeneration is an important part of keeping your water softening system running properly. If you have hard water, it’s a good idea to invest in a quality water softening system that includes regular regeneration cycles to keep your water supply clean and free from mineral buildup. With proper maintenance, these systems can last for years and help you enjoy softer, better-tasting water every day.

The Importance of Routine Water Softener Service

Quality water softener service and maintenance is essential for any home with hard water. Not only does regular water softener service improve the water quality, providing water that is better tasting and healthier to drink, but it also plays a role in preserving plumbing fixtures and appliances, reducing limescale buildup and extending their lifespan.

Professional water softener maintenance ensures that the water softener functions properly, protects against hard water problems, and keeps your home running smoothly. Investing in water softener services will lead to improved water quality and long-term savings on utilities and repair costs.

Investing in the services of a qualified water softener repair technician guarantees that your soft water system provides clean, safe, and crystal-clear water for years to come. Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for trusted water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Ensure Your Water Softener System is Working Properly

Posted on February 20, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Are you wondering if your water softener system is working properly? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss how to ensure that your water softener system is running smoothly and efficiently. We’ll cover topics such as water softener inspection, service, and repair. So, no matter what issue you may be having with your water softening system, you can rest assured knowing that we have the answers for you!

Scroll down to learn more about how to keep your water softening system running optimally!

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Routine Water Softener Service is Essential

One of the most important steps you can take to ensure your water softener is running properly is to have it inspected regularly. A water softener inspection should be conducted every two years or more frequently if you notice any signs of wear and tear. During an inspection, a technician will check for any signs of damage, leaks, clogs, or other issues that may be hindering the system’s performance. They will also look for any potential upgrades that could improve efficiency and reduce energy costs.

Do You Need Water Softener Repair?

If you need to repair or replace any components within your water softening system, then professional service is recommended. It’s important not to try and repair complex components without professional help as this could cause further damage down the line. If you need to replace any components, use genuine replacement parts for a better fit and improved performance.

How’s Your Salt?

For regular maintenance, it’s important to make sure that the water softener has sufficient salt levels. Salt is used to regenerate the resin beads in your water softening system, removing hard minerals from the water supply. Without sufficient levels of salt, mineral deposits can remain in your water which can cause discoloration and other problems. Make sure to check the level on a monthly basis or as necessary and top up if needed.

Strange Noises?

Finally, if you notice any unusual noises coming from your water softener system, then this may be an indication of a more serious issue such as a clog or broken part. If this is the case, then it’s important to call a professional immediately.

Support an Efficient Water Softening System

Following these steps can help ensure that your water softener system is running properly and efficiently. Regular inspection and maintenance will ensure that you get the most out of your water softener system and avoid any costly repairs or replacement down the line.

If you have any questions or would like more information on how to maintain your water softening system, don’t hesitate any longer! Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. At our plumbing company, we serve both residential and commercial clients with top-notch service.

The Ultimate Guide to Water Softener Replacement

Posted on February 14, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Are you looking for a reliable guide to water softener replacement? If so, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide an in-depth look into replacing a water softener and what it entails. We will cover everything from how to select the right size of water softener unit, how much it costs, and what type of service is needed.

By the end of this blog, you’ll be well-equipped with all the knowledge and resources necessary for replacing your current water softener system. Let’s get started!

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Signs You Need a New Water Softener

Water softeners provide an important role in making water with high mineral content safe for use and preventing unpleasant water issues. If you’re noticing water spots on dishes, dry itchy skin, and a water scale buildup around plumbing fixtures in your home, it might be time to think about water softener replacement. Water softener problems, like long regeneration times, high water bills, or funny tasting water, are additional signs that suggest you need to replace your water softener.

While some homeowners can troubleshoot or clean these systems themselves, most find it easier and more efficient to bring in a professional water softening company with the experience and know-how to get the job done right. They can provide inspections, repairs, parts replacements, full unit installation, and even water softeners for sale. So, is it time to replace your water softener?

Key Factors to Consider Before You Replace a Water Softener:

Water Softener Size

When it comes to replacing a water softener, there are several things you should consider. First and foremost, you need to select the right size of water softener unit that meets your specific needs. Different sizes of water softeners will typically offer varying levels of capacity and features. Generally speaking, the larger the unit is, the more expensive it will be. You’ll also want to ensure that the unit you buy is compatible with your existing plumbing and water supply.

Water Softener Prices

Once you’ve decided on the size and type of water softener replacement system, you’ll need to consider the cost. Depending on the brand, model, and features of the water softener unit, prices can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. In addition, you may also need to factor in additional costs for installation, maintenance, and other services.

Water Softener Installation

In order to ensure that your water softener replacement is done properly and safely, it’s important to hire a professional water softening service in Indianapolis. Licensed water softener technicians will not only be able to assess the condition of your current system, but they will also be able to troubleshoot any issues and replace the unit if necessary. Before hiring a water softener company, make sure to ask for proof of insurance and any other certifications.

We hope this guide has been helpful in providing you with all the information needed when it comes to replacing a water softener. With this knowledge in hand, you can now confidently shop for the right water softener replacement system that meets all of your needs and budget. Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial customers, and service all make and model saltfree water softeners.

Will a Water Softener Make Hard Water Taste Better?

Posted on September 26, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

If you are somebody who regularly uses your tap water to make beverages like lemonade, coffee, tea, and protein smoothies, it is worth your while to invest in a hard water treatment plan. Hard water does not taste good. People describe the taste of hard water with words like rusty, metallic, grainy, sour, musty, and stale. Whether you like to think so or not, these flavor profiles are evident in the foods and beverages you consume. Fortunately, there is a way to make your hard water taste better and that is through water softening.

Water softeners are the most effective strategy of hard water removal because they eliminate the hard mineral ions inside water that cause poor taste and poor quality. Not only will hard water make your beverages and soups taste bad, but it will also damage your plumbing fixtures and plumbed appliances.

Continue reading to learn more about hard water, including how to get rid of hard water, the benefits of a water softener, and where to get soft water assistance in Indianapolis.

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The Bitter Facts About Hard Water

Hard water tastes funny because high traces of mineral salts have a distinctive flavor that’s highly distinguishable from filtered water. The taste is similar to a rusty or iron-like essence. It leaves a bitter and lingering flavor in your mouth. Although there are not any severe or serious health implications drinking hard water, it can affect or stained teeth; as well as make your food and coffee taste funny as well.

Hard water can be found all over the country, in almost 80% of residential households and commercial properties. It all depends on the type of land, district, and region. Hard water is much different than the bottled water you buy at the store. Hard water is hard because it contains high traces of mineral salts, such as calcium and magnesium, which changes its composition. When water is filtered and purified, and then bottled, it is no longer hard. This is because those mineral calcium ions and magnesium ions are removed.

An interesting fact is that rainwater is pure water. It is not hard at all until he hits the ground. Once it hits the ground, it permeates the surface and continues to seep beneath the soil, bedrock, and more. When the rainwater soaks and infiltrates into the ground, and dissipates through all of these layers of rock, sand, and soil, it begins to pick up and accumulate these mineral salts. This is what makes water hard.

Hard Water Removal and Treatment

A quality water softener is the most effective method of hard water removal and prevention. It is vital to remove high levels of calcium and magnesium deposits from a property’s water supply because hard water can cause significant damages to several components of a plumbing system and plumbed appliances, like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. These damages can quickly lead to costly and invasive repairs that may not be covered under your insurance policy.

The best approach to eliminating hard water is to install a quality make and model water softener in your home or business. Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for trusted and affordable water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Is Your Water Softener the Correct Size for Your Home?

Posted on September 20, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to home water conditioning, it is important to know how to size a water softener correctly. This way, you are sure to purchase the appropriate and most effective water purification system for your household. There are a few different ways to measure or size-up a water conditioning system. One full-proof way to determine which system to buy for your property is to consult a professional in the industry. They retain the experience and knowledge to set you in the right direction.

In the meantime, it is always a good idea to catch up on simple tips and general advice for water softener systems. With that said, continue reading to learn how to size a water softener for your home and how to be sure it is the right system for your water conditioning needs.

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Water Softener Sizing Directions

The best place to start, when it comes to learning how to size a water softener, is by learning how the entire system all works. Basically, water softeners swap hard minerals for soft ones in a property’s water supply. Hard minerals include calcium, magnesium, and other metal ions and compounds, while soft minerals include sodium and potassium. Within a water softener, there are several tiny chemical magnets called ion exchange resin. These magnets are the agents that facilitate the mineral exchanges within the system. The more chemical magnets a water softener has, the higher its capacity will be.

Understanding Water Softener Capacity

Capacity is a common term measuring the number of gallons a system can purify before needing more salt or a new cartridge; depending on the type of system it is. Capacity is measured in “grains” or its rate or grain removal; and one grain per gallon is equal to 17.1 parts per million. On average, the water in the U.S. contains nearly ten grains of hardness per gallon and the average person uses 80 gallons of water per day.

Hard Water Testing

By using a water hardness testing kit, you can quickly determine the level of hardness in your home’s water supply. In order to calculate the amount of water you need to purify, multiply the number of people living within the home by the number 80; and then multiply that number by the number of grains per gallon (10) to get the total number of grains used per day in a home.

Here is an example of the formula for a family of five:

Number of People: 5
Gallons of Water Used per Person: 80
Gallons of Water Used Per Day: 5 x 80 = 400
Average Grains of Hardness: 10
Total Grains Used per Day: 400 x 10 = 4,000

Answer: Using this example, a 40,000 grain capacity water softener would likely be recommended for the average family of five.

Would you like to upgrade or replace your water softener? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Common Problems With Water Softeners and What to Do About Them

Posted on June 21, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Any property that uses water, whether residential or commercial, will benefit from having a quality water softener. But like any plumbed appliance, malfunctions and breakdowns are a possibility. As for water softeners, they tend to present the same types of issues, especially among low-rated models. If you suspect that your water softening system is not performing at its best, you could be right. After all, the signs are usually easy to spot, so long as you know what you are looking for.

Continue below to learn some of the most common types of problems with water softeners, and more importantly, what you can do about them.

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Common Water Softener Problems

Water softener performance is an important element in your overall quality of life. A defective or damaged unit will cost you money and cause you to suffer the effects of hard water. As soon as you see signs of poor water quality or a change in your water softener’s performance, act quickly by contacting a local and trusted water softener repair in Indianapolis. They can implement a comprehensive inspection and generate a diagnosis in no time at all.

While you wait for your licensed and insured water softener professional to arrive, peruse these common water softener problems to see if any fit the mark for your home or business:

Salty-Tasting Water

Does your tap water taste a bit on the salted side? If you can detect notes of salt in your tap water, it could be due to a clogged drain hose. Salty water can also be caused by incomplete water softener regeneration cycles.

Brown Water

If you notice that your tap water is dark or discolored, namely brown, the problem may be a result of high levels of dirt and sediment that has contaminated the water lines. It could also be caused by rusting components or metal within the tank itself.

Salt Bridges

Salt bridging in water softeners is a common issue tackled by property owners all across the nation. Hard mineral ions like salt, calcium, and magnesium, produce scale, which builds up inside the tank overtime. This formation can cause obstructions that make it difficult for the water softener to perform as it should.

Not Using Salt

When you look inside your water softener brine tank, does it look like the salt hasn’t been used at all? If your salt pellet levels are not lowering as they should, it could be a sign that there’s a problem with the system’s resin beads, which by the way, could stem from salt bridging, mentioned before.

Not Regenerating

If your water softener is not completing its regeneration cycles, the problem likely has to do with the regeneration timer. If the timer is not making any beeps or sounds when you try to test it, it may be damaged.

Operation Errors

If your water softener requires you to manually program and input data, then the likelihood of experiencing an operational error is high. Even modern water softeners that are designed with innovative structuring and technical configurations are prone to errors and malfunctions. Refer to the owners’ manual for factory reset instructions.

Strange Sounds

Your water softener should not make a lot of noise. If you are hearing strange sounds coming from the unit itself or the surrounding plumbing, it could be indicative of worn-out components. This might include timers, water lines, valves, or even the motor.

All these common water softener problems can be solved by a licensed water softening plumber! Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for Indianapolis Indiana plumbing services for water softeners and more. We serve residential and commercial customers all throughout Central Indiana.

Here are the Answers to the Most Common Questions Plumbers Get

Posted on May 27, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbers have heard and seen it all, from haunted plumbing pipes to a dead rat in the drain, and everything in between. But there are some questions that tend to take the lead in terms of frequency. If you have questions about your plumbing situation, it is likely that one of these answers will help you. Scroll below to review the answers to the most common questions plumbers get.

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Plumbing Questions and Answers

Is This a Plumbing Emergency?

When a client first calls, they often ask if their plumbing issue is something that needs immediate attention or if it can wait. Plumbing emergencies are often easy to spot, as they tend to pose a long list of potential damages and hazards. Some common tell-tale plumbing emergencies include a burst pipe, flooding, major water leak that cannot be controlled by turning off the main water supply, or gas leak. But plumbing emergencies can also come in not-so-obvious forms. For instance, if your home only has one toilet and that toilet breaks down, repairing it would be an emergency need, otherwise, you will have to use the bathroom somewhere else or get a hotel.

Examples of non-emergencies include clogged drains, no hot water, clogged toilet, overflowing toilet, dripping faucet, broken fixtures, and small water leaks.

Is This Plumbing Repair Covered Under Insurance?

Another initial question plumbing customers tend to ask has to do with insurance coverage. Each homeowners’ insurance policy is different, and therefore, contains varying degrees of coverage depending on the type of plumbing repair or need. It is important to check with your insurance carrier to verify which types of repairs are covered and which must be paid out of pocket.

Do I Need to Replace My Water Heater? My Water Softener?

When people start to experience problems with their water heaters or water softeners, the first question that often arises is whether or not they will have to replace them. Water heaters are designed to last anywhere from 8 to 10 years; so, if your unit is near or approaching that range, it would be wise to start thinking about an upgrade. Water softeners last a bit longer, ranging between an 8 to 15 year lifespan. So, if your water softener has not been replaced in a decade, an upgrade to a modern model would be wise.

Aside from age, water heaters and water softeners can experience damage that requires them to be replaced prematurely. Common irreparable damages include fires, burning, or smoke production, as well as gas leaks, major water leaks, tank ruptures, and electrical damage. If your water heater has shown signs of these types of damages or issues, contact an emergency plumber in Indianapolis, right away.

Why Does My Water Take So Long to Heat Up?

Hot showers and baths are an essential part of a satisfying quality of life. So, when they start to show signs of problems, many people start calling their plumbers. One of the most common questions is, “why does it take so long for my water to heat up?” The answer is the water, either the location, size, or efficiency.

If your water heater is too far away from your point of demand, in this case your shower or bathtub, the water can take longer to heat up compared to the kitchen sink faucet. The solution here would be to install a secondary, perhaps tankless or electric, water heater closer to the location of your shower or bath.

If your water heater is too small for the size and occupancy of your home, you can certainly expect the water to take longer to heat up to the temperature you’ve demanded. If you have recently taken in new guests or tenants, you might experience this issue. If you just moved in, you need to upgrade to a higher capacity water heater.

If your water heater is experiencing malfunctions, it may not perform as well as it should. It could cause your water to heat up slower than before.

Can I Improve the Water Pressure?

Everyone asks the plumber about water pressure. Low water pressure is not desirable, so customers always want to know how they can increase or improve the water pressure in their home. One place to focus your attention on when it comes to low water pressure is the faucets themselves. You may have low flow volume restrictors that limit the pressure delivered in the showerhead or faucet. Corroded or leaky plumbing pipes are the next two common culprits behind low or lowered water pressure.

What’s Causing These White Spots All Over My Glassware and Shower Stall?

Cloudy, spotty glassware and shower stall doors are not fun to look at. That is why so many plumbing customers ask their plumbers why this is happening. The answer is hard water. Hard water contains dissolved minerals that leave behind scale and scum. To treat a hard water problem, install or upgrade your water softener. You may also consider a reverse osmosis system.

Do you have additional plumbing questions and concerns that you want immediate answers to? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

How to Tell if Your Home Could Use a Water Softener

Posted on February 11, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Take a look around your property. Whether it is a commercial building or a private residence, there will be signs suggesting you could use a water softener if you don’t already have one, or a new one if your current one is experiencing an onset of aging or defects. The reality is that all properties could benefit from a water conditioning system, but some properties desperately need one if they are exhibiting signs of poor water quality, or hard water.

Continue below to learn why water softeners are so beneficial, including how to tell if your home could use one, whether as a replacement or new install.

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The Benefits of Water Softeners

Hard water is not something you want lurking through your plumbing pipes and water lines within your home. It contains dissolved minerals and metals that cause many damaging effects around the house and in your life, all of which can also cause you to spend more money than you should. When it comes to identifying a need for a water softener, simply do an inspection of your house, clothes, dishes, hair, energy bills, and water usage. If you see limescale buildup around faucets and plumbing fixtures, or you always have cloudy spots on your dishes, you have some degree of hard water. Furthermore, if your clothes do not seem to clean well, your soap doesn’t lather well, or your hair seems dingy and dull, you could have hard water.

Hard Water Signs Around the House

Take a look at all the areas of your life that can be negatively impacted by hard water in order to know what the signs of hard water look like:

☛ Hair and Skin – Because hard water causes poor soap lather, your showers will suffer. Furthermore, it will cause shampoo residue buildup in your hair, resulting in a greasy feel and flat look, as well as itchy, dry, and irritated skin. For those with skin sensitivity issues or existing skin conditions, softer water will help mitigate flare ups and post-washing irritation.

☛ Laundry – Not only will hard water cause laundry to fade faster and appear dingy, but it will also cause problems within your washing machine. Both plumbing pipes and water lines become caked with hard mineral despots, or limescale, which corrodes metal and decreases the appliances performance. A washing machine that is experiencing such stress will also be inefficient, which leads to higher utility bills.

☛ Appliances – As just mentioned with your washing machine, hard water will cause limescale buildup within the plumbing pipes and water lines of your water-using appliances. This buildup can decrease appliance performance, which ultimately increases monthly energy and water bills. Appliances like dishwashers, ice-makers, water heaters, and water softeners, can all be affected by the dissolved minerals and metals in hard water.

☛ Dishes – Hard water leaves a layer of mineral residue on everything it touches, including your plates, glassware, cups, dishes, and more. Have you seen spots on your glasses? Cloudy cups? These are tell-tale signs of hard water problems at home.

Get a Water Softener Sooner Than Later

If you do not have a water softener at all, know that it is one of the smartest investments you can make, for both your home and your finances. Water softeners abate all of the damaging effects of hard water, and will save money by protecting you against high energy bills, high water bills, water wastage, appliance breakdowns, appliance repairs, appliance replacements, hair products, skin products, and much more.

If you already have a water softener, but you have noticed signs of hard water around your home, it is time to think about an upgrade. Talk to a licensed master plumber who specializes in all things water softeners to learn your most cost-effective options. The sooner you upgrade or install a water softener, the faster you can begin to save money and protect your assets.

Indianapolis Indiana Water Softener Service, Sales, and Installation

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 if you need hard water removal, or if you need water softener repair, water softener service, or if you would like to buy a new, quality water softener in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber Mark Weilhammer is happy to give you all the guidance you need on selecting a new water softener, or resolving current hard water issues. With more than 100 years in business, you can trust our Indianapolis plumbing company for superior service at the right price. Contact us to request a free estimate, service, or advice, anytime.