A Guide to Choosing a New Water Softener for Your Home or Business

Posted on August 28, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Choosing the right water softener for your home or business is not a decision to be taken lightly. The presence of hard water can result in a multitude of problems, including scale buildup, skin irritation, and premature wear and tear on appliances. A new water softener can mitigate these issues, ensuring a continuous supply of soft water for various uses.

This guide will help you navigate the world of water softeners, providing you with essential information and practical tips to aid you in making an informed choice. Whether it’s understanding the mechanics of water softening or deciphering the subtle differences between models, we’ve got you covered for your new water softener purchase.

Call 317-784-1870 For a New Water Softener in Indianapolis Indiana

Understanding Water Softening and Its Benefits

Water softening is the process of removing ions from hard water, such as magnesium, calcium, and iron. This eliminates limescale buildup on surfaces and fixtures, reducing scaling and discoloration. Additionally, soft water can extend the lifespan of appliances such as your dishwasher or washing machine by preventing the build-up of scale on their components.

In terms of personal hygiene, hard water often leaves a film on the skin, resulting in irritation and itchiness. Soft water compounds this issue by providing a gentler and smoother lather without leaving any residue. Overall, softening your water can make a significant difference to your daily life – from improved hygiene to prolonged appliance lifespan.

Types of Water Softeners

When it comes to purchasing a water softener, there are typically two types available in the market: ion exchange and salt-free. Ion exchange systems are the most common type, using sodium ions to replace hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium, resulting in softened water. Salt-free systems, on the other hand, use a chemical process to convert hard minerals into crystals which are too large to be able to attach themselves onto surfaces.

Considerations when Choosing a Water Softener

When selecting a water softener, there are various elements that need to be taken into consideration:

System size – Ensure you purchase an appropriately sized system for your home or business. Smaller systems are typically more affordable but won’t be able to cater to a large household or commercial building.

Salt – Ion exchange softeners use salt as part of their filtration process. When selecting a system, consider the amount of salt it requires and the budget for replenishing it.

Maintenance – Some water softeners require more frequent maintenance than others. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to make sure the system you select is suitable for your lifestyle and schedule.

Warranty – Many water softeners come with a limited warranty, covering parts or service in case of defects or malfunctions. Make sure you read the terms and conditions before committing to a specific model, as this can give you peace of mind in the long run.

Water Softener Installation

Once you’ve chosen your new water softener, it’s time to install it however this is a complex task that should be left to a professional Indianapolis plumber to ensure proper water softener installation and functionality. Check if your manufacturer provides installation assistance or look for qualified professionals online – they’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action for your specific system.

Conclusion

With this guide, selecting a new water softener should be simpler and more comfortable. Just remember to consider the size of the system, the salt requirements, maintenance frequency, warranty terms, and installation assistance when making your purchase. Once you have all the information you need, it’s time to get softening and enjoy all the benefits of water softening.

Keep in mind that the installation process is integral to your water softener working properly. Trust our licensed master plumbers to get the job done right the first time. 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.

FAQS About Water Softeners and Hard Water

Posted on September 18, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Rain water is naturally soft water. But once it enters the ground and permeates through all the layers of soil and rock, it accumulates mineral content. Hard water is tap water that contain hard mineral ions, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals change the composition of water, thus reducing its quality. When heated, these minerals precipitate out of the water in the form of limescale. Limescale is very damaging to everything in your home, from plumbing and appliances, to dishes, hair, nails, and more. Fortunately, a water softening system can combat the negative effects of hard water.

Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about water softeners and hard water for help determining the best water quality solutions for your property.

Water Softener Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

How Can I Tell if I Have Hard Water?

The signs of hard water are very easy to see. In fact, if you are displeased with your water, it is probably because it is hard. If you do not think much about your tap water, nor have problems with the things that hard water damages, you might have softer water in your municipality. But that does not mean it is as soft as it can be. To test if you have hard water, simply do an inspection of your house, clothes, dishes, and hair. 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.

What Does a Water Softener Do?

Water softeners use ion-exchange technology, which basically trades soft minerals for hard ones. Inside a tank-style water softener, which are the most common among residential properties, there are resin beads. These beads are positively charged, and as water passes through them, they attract and absorb the negatively-charged hard minerals, and swapping them for softener ones; usually potassium chloride (salt pellets). The resin beads then flush the hard minerals out, recharge, and get ready for another cycle.

Do I Need a Water Softener?

Everyone can use a water softener, especially when property has any water-using appliances or plumbing. There are various reasons to purchase and install a water softening system at home or in the office, but it call comes down to hard water abatement. Hard water can be harmful to skin, hair, nails, clothes, plumbing, appliances, dishware, and much more.

How Much Does a Water Softener Cost?

Water softeners are incredibly important and highly effective appliances that actually save properties money, overtime. For this reason, you can expect them to cost more than the average appliance in your home, upfront. Furthermore, you have to also pay for installation, and down the line, routine maintenance and service. On average, you can expect a standard tank-style water softener to cost between $1000 and $3000, depending on the make, model, and size.

How Much is Water Softener Installation?

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. Request free estimates from various plumbers to gain an idea of what a fair cost looks like.

Where Can I Get Trusted Advice About Water Softening in Indianapolis?

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding water softeners, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water softener service and repair, we gladly provide recommendations and advice, including hard water testing. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Call 317-784-1870 to get started.

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.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. Repairs Water Heaters and Water Softeners!

Posted on November 4, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Heater Repair and Service 317-784-1870

Weilhammer Plumbing Company is your solution to prompt and professional home plumbing appliance repair and service you can trust, all at an affordable price! That is because our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide inspections, maintenance, repairs, replacements, and installations for all make and model water heaters and water softeners for commercial and residential properties.

Family Owned and Operated Since 1901

As a family-owned and operated business, we understand the value of a dollar, so we make sure to always maintain a economy-based prices that everyone can afford! We even offer free plumbing advice and old equipment haul-away service! Weilhammer Plumbing Company has been in business for over 100 years as a family-owned and operated company serving Central Indiana and all of Indianapolis.

Hoosiers everywhere trust our teams for the highest standards of excellence in the plumbing repair industry. And not only do we service and repair water heaters and water softeners, we also sell them! We carry Clack On Demand Water Conditioners that come highly recommended on the market, as well as Rheem water heaters that are also fully-backed by our skilled plumbers.

Indianapolis Water Heater Repair and Water Softener Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber with over 50 years of experience in the plumbing repair industry. He and his team of certified plumbing contractors provide a wide range of water heater and water softener services for commercial and residential properties. Services include repair, maintenance, installations, replacements, and more.

So whether you need a routine flush, or a brand-new water heater and replacement service, we are the professionals who can deliver outstanding result in a convenient time frame. And since we provide the services, we are your one stop shop for your water-related home appliances! Call 317-784-1874 to request a free estimate for
Indianapolis water heater repair and/or
water softener repair, 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 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.