Tag Archives: Water Softener Size

How to Choose the Right Water Softener For Your Home

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When it comes to water softeners, there are a lot of different options to choose from. So how do you know which one is right for your home? In this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to choose the right water softener for your needs. Keep reading for more information.

Call 317-784-1870 For Professional Water Softener Service in Indianapolis!
Call 317-784-1870 For Professional Water Softener Service in Indianapolis!

Water Hardness and its Effects on Your Home

In order to understand how to find the proper water softener or conditioner for your home, you must have an understanding of what a water softener treats. And that is hard water. Water hardness is caused by dissolved minerals in the water, most commonly calcium and magnesium. Hard water can cause a variety of problems in your home, including:

► Clogged pipes and appliances: Hard water can cause scale to build up on your pipes and appliances, which can lead to clogs and other problems.

► Bad tasting and smelling water: Hard water can make your water taste and smell bad.

► Dirty dishes and clothes: Hard water can also cause your dishes and clothes to be dirtier than they should be.

Are you experiencing any of these problems? By answering yes or even maybe, you are wise to consider installing a water softener to help reduce the hardness of your water. Water softeners work by exchanging the hard minerals in your water for softer minerals, such as sodium or potassium. This helps to reduce the amount of scale that builds up on your pipes and appliances, and it also makes your water taste and smell better.

What is a Water Softener and What Does It Do?

Have you ever noticed a white, chalky substance on your dishes after they’ve been sitting in the dishwasher for a while? That’s minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium, left behind by what is known as hard water. Water becomes hard when it picks up these minerals from underground rocks and deposits them into water supplies. Although hard water isn’t harmful to consume, it can cause all sorts of problems around the house. That’s where water softeners come in.

Water softeners are devices that remove minerals from water, making it soft. Soft water is simply water that has had its mineral content reduced. The most common type of water softener works by running hard water through a bed of small resin beads. These beads are negatively charged and attract the positively charged minerals in the water, effectively removing them.

Once all the beads are full of minerals, they need to be cleaned, a process known as regeneration. Typically, this is done by running a saltwater solution through the beads, which flushes out the minerals and allows the water softener to start fresh. As you can see, water softeners play an important role in keeping our homes running smoothly. If you have hard water, consider investing in one of these handy devices.

Types of Water Softeners

There are three main types of water softeners: salt-based, salt-free, and magnetic.

Salt-based water softeners work by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions in hard water with sodium ions. A brine solution is created by adding salt to water, and this is used to regenerate the softener’s resin beads. Salt-free water softeners work by using a mineral called zeolite to trap the hard water minerals. Magnetic water softeners use magnets to change the structure of the hard water minerals, making them softer. These are also called no-salt, saltless, saltfree, and zero salt water softeners.

Pros and Cons:

Each type of water softener has its own benefits and drawbacks. Salt-based water softeners are the most common type, and they are typically the most effective at removing hard water minerals. However, they require periodic maintenance and use a lot of salt, which can be bad for the environment and your wallet. Salt-free water softeners are better for the environment, but they may not be as effective at removing hard water minerals. Magnetic water softeners are the most environmentally friendly option, but they are also the least effective at removing hard water minerals.

Water Softener Installation

Thinking about installing a water softener in your home now? This can be a great way to improve the quality of your water, and it’s not as difficult as you might think. Here’s a quick guide to water softener installation:

First, you’ll need to choose the right water softener for your needs. There are many different models on the market, so take some time to research your options. Once you’ve made your selection, it’s time to install the unit. Most water softeners come with detailed instructions, so simply follow the directions that come with your particular model.

In general, water softener installation involves hooking up the unit to your home’s water supply. You’ll also need to connect a drain line to allow for the discharge of brine water. Once everything is hooked up, simply turn on the unit and let it do its job. With proper maintenance, your water softener will provide years of trouble-free operation.

Water Softener Maintenance

If you spend the time and money to have a water softener installed, it only makes sense that you would want to keep it in good working order. Proper water softener maintenance will not only extend the life of your unit, but it will also ensure that it continues to work effectively. Here are a few tips for maintaining your water softener:

► Service your water softener regularly. This means having a professional come out to clean and inspect the unit on a yearly basis.

► Be sure to keep an eye on the salt level in the brine tank. The water softener needs salt to function properly, so you’ll need to add more salt to the tank on a regular basis.

► If you notice any problems with your water softener, don’t hesitate to call a service technician. Catching problems early can often save you time and money in the long run.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your water softener in good working order for years to come! If you’re thinking about getting a water softener, be sure to consult with a professional Indianapolis soft water company to find out what type of unit would be best for your home or business.

Would you like to chat with a licensed professional about water softeners and your specific needs? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation for saltless water softeners in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Related Posts:

An Explanation of Hard Water
Are Water Softeners Worth the Cost?
Your Home Needs a Water Softener If It Shows These Signs

How to Choose a Residential Water Softener Based on Occupancy

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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.

Continue reading to learn how to choose a water softener for your home using some simple and basic math.

Indianapolis Water Softener Service and Repair
Indianapolis Water Softener Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Water Softener Grains Per Gallon

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.

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 United States contains nearly 10 grains of hardness per gallon, while the average person uses 80 gallons of water per day.

Using the Water Softener Formula

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 for a family of 5:

Number of Occupants:  5
Gallons of Water Used per Person:  80
Average Grains of Hardness: 10

Gallons of Water Used Per Day: 5 x 80 = 400
Total Grains Used per Day: 400 x 10 = 4,000

✨ In this example, a 40,000 grain capacity water softener is recommended for the AVERAGE family of 5.

Water Softener Installation

One of the most common signs that your water softener needs to be replaced is increased water and energy bills. If these monthly costs are rising, there may be a problem with the efficiency or performance of your water softener. It could be caused by other plumbing issues too. Separate from performance problems, water softeners should be replaced every 8 to 10 years. You will require the services of a licensed plumber who specializes in water softeners for installation. Costs vary among businesses, but on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $600 or more for water softener installation.

Trusted Water Softener Advice and Service in Indianapolis

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.

Deciding Between a Single-Tank and Twin Tank Water Softener

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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 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

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

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.