We highlight the 3 different telltale signs you need a new water softener for your home.

It’s easy to forget about your water softener and get stuck in the bi-monthly regiment of filling it with more salt without wondering how old or how long the system will last.

Water softeners start to decline and become less effective after 10 years. Here are 3 signs that you need a new water softener.

Sign No. 1: Dirty Dishes and Itchy Skin

Your dishes are spotty after you clean them, your skin is itchy and soap scum is collecting quicker than usual in sinks. These are all signs that you have hard water. And if you have hard water, your water softener isn’t working as it should.

The problem is your system isn’t regenerating softer water like it used to because it’s old and worn down over years of reliable use.

Sign No. 2: Your Water Softener Is Old

You have a timer-based water softener. These systems regenerate on a schedule you set over a decade ago. Newer systems regenerate soft water based on when you need it — this is called “demand initiated” regeneration. This is ideal because it works on an “as needed” basis.

Sign No. 3: Your System Is Bulky

Your system is bulky and taking up too much space. If you have a twin tank system, your softener is taking up too much room. A single cabinet-system is Demand Initiated and takes up less space, making it an efficient option for your home.

Newer systems also include low salt indicators, enhanced iron removal and water use monitoring, making maintenance and management a breeze.

If these signs are apparent for your water softener and you want to test your water, use a simple test tool so you can find your hard water number. If you know your number and want a new system, you can browse a selection of water softeners by going to EcoPureHome.

The post Signs you need a new water softener appeared first on HomeWater 101.

Choose the best option for you

You’ve done the research and now you’re ready to purchase and install your water softener. Whether you’re using a dealer, a plumber or your own DIY skills, there are advantages and disadvantages to each installation method. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect from each installation option, so you can choose the best approach for you.

Doing it yourself

Installing the water softener yourself allows you to work on the project at your own pace and without spending extra money on a plumber. If you understand and are comfortable with the principles of plumbing, the project will take no more than half a day. And if you’re simply replacing an old water softener, this can be completed in about an hour.

You’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary supplies and tools before you begin, as you may need to cut some pipes to align your water softener and water supply lines. And to help installation go smoothly, creating a detailed checklist before you begin will ensure you don’t miss any key steps.

Working with a retailer

If you purchased your water softener through a retailer, you may have the option of using their installation service for an added charge. It may take several days to schedule the installation, as the retailer uses an installer in their network who’s equipped to install your particular system. And since the retailer sets the appointment for you, they’ll be able to negotiate rates, helping you get the best installation price.

Using a local plumber

Purchasing a water softener from your nearby home improvement store means you can either install it yourself, have the retailer manage the installation, or call a local plumber. If your plumbing skills are shaky, professional installation by your local plumber is still affordable and will give you peace of mind that it’s been done correctly. As for availability, you may not get an appointment right away, so plan in advance to ensure your water softener is installed as soon as possible after purchase. If you haven’t already purchased a water softener but are starting to research plumbers, they may try to lead you toward a particular product they carry—even though it may not be the right option for your home or your budget. When the plumber arrives, make sure you have your water softener and its intended location ready for the plumber to make sure the installation goes quickly.

Using a dealer or water treatment specialist

When working with a water softener dealer, they’ll help you select a custom solution for your home and install the appliance as well. In fact, many dealers offer the opportunity to rent a system on a monthly basis, which is another option to consider for your household needs. If you aren’t sure which features you need or the best capacity for your home, working with a dealer is the most user-friendly option; however, it’s also the priciest.

Depending on your experience, comfort level and budget, there’s an installation option for everyone, so you can find the right balance and best solution for your home. For a comprehensive look at all your installation options, you can use this breakdown, which includes a detailed review of cost, time and difficulty.

The post Installing your water softener appeared first on HomeWater 101.

A water softener is a pretty unassuming appliance, and once you install it, it’s easy to overlook it when conducting home improvements. Unless the color of your water softener mimics something from the disco era (we’re talking harvest gold or avocado green), the indicators that suggest it may be time for an upgrade are much more subtle. Below are several factors to consider when determining whether it’s time to go out with the old and in with the new.

Overall Effectiveness
If you’re diligent about adding and monitoring your salt, yet water isn’t coming out as soft as it once did (and should!), the resin beads, which actually soften the water, may be starting to lose their power. While resin cleansers are available to get the beads back in top working form, in time the beads just get worn out. And when the beads are worn out, they fail to do their job well. It’s much more cost-effective to get a completely new water softener.

Age
Like any appliance, a water softener’s efficacy starts declining after years of constant use. A softener’s average lifespan is about 10-15 years, give or take. If your water is abnormally hard or full of other impurities, it takes a greater toll on the appliance much more quickly. If your water is low to moderately hard, it won’t have to be regenerated as often, extending the life of the appliance a few more years beyond the average lifespan.

Regeneration Style
Regeneration, the process that removes calcium and magnesium from the resin beads, can occur in two different ways.Timer-based water softeners regenerate on a predetermined schedule that you will set (e.g., at 2 a.m. every three days). These models aren’t ideal if your water usage varies. If you underestimate your water usage (i.e., extra loads of laundry, extra guests), and your water softener regenerates too infrequently, you will allow hard water to flow throughout your home. On the flip side, overestimating your water use will result in unnecessary regeneration, wasting water, salt and energy.

The most user-friendly regeneration style is a demand-initiated regeneration softener. Sensors in this system monitor water usage. When the resin is full of hardness minerals and requires cleansing, the softener regenerates on its own. Unlike timer-based softeners, the process occurs only when you need more soft water. This type of softener is ideal because it works on an as-needed basis, saving energy, water and salt use over the life of the appliance. Some of the more advanced softeners even learn your water use patterns to further optimize the regeneration frequency.

New Technology for Improved Performance
When assessing all the different models available, you’ll find softening options with single “cabinet-style” tanks and twin tanks, and plenty of helpful features.

More modern single-tank demand-initiated water softeners require less space, water and salt. They also include features that make maintenance a breeze, like low salt indicators, iron removal for clear water iron and water flow indicators. Some of the more advanced models also show your daily water use compared to your average use so that you can better manage your household water consumption.

Two-tank systems are more costly, require more space, and may ultimately use more water and salt to get the job done. Additionally, this style is not always able to accommodate some of the newer upgrades because of the additional tank. The benefit with this model is that because this system has two tanks instead of one, when one tank has reached its capacity and needs to regenerate, the other one can take over, ensuring a constant flow of soft water.

With a variety of new features to fit your household needs, it makes owning and operating a water softener even easier—and a financially sound investment.

The post Out with the old, in with the new appeared first on HomeWater 101.