In order to properly size a water softener, the two most important pieces of information to consider are water hardness, and average water usage. With these two inputs, a softener’s capacity can be calculated and properly sized according to your unique needs. With that said, other variables should also be considered such as budget, space, other contaminants, plumbing size, peak flow rate, and water source. Picking the right water softener can be challenging, that’s why our water specialists are available to answer questions at 800-608-8792.

It's quite uncommon for someone to taste soft water and think, "This is salty." The amount of sodium added to the water is directly related to the mineral content that was originally present. If you use city water, it’s unlikely that you would detect any salty flavor. However, if your water comes from a private well with very high mineral levels, a water softener might cause a slightly salty taste, but only if you have an exceptionally sensitive palate. To address this, many homeowners add a reverse osmosis system with their water softener. These systems remove sodium and 99% of all other contaminants from the water you use for drinking, cooking, and ice.

A water softener can cause the sacrificial anode rod in a tank-style water heater to corrode slightly faster than hard water might. However, advancements in anode rod technology have led to products that are far more corrosion-resistant. Additionally, for those using tankless water heaters, this concern is minimized as these systems do not rely on anode rods. Overall, the benefits of using a water softener far outweigh these minor considerations, as it protects your plumbing and appliances from the damaging effects of hard water.

Technically, yes, a water softener can reduce or remove iron, but only in small amounts and under certain conditions, such as the right pH, hardness, and type of iron. Due to these variables, it is not recommended to rely on a water softener specifically for iron treatment. Instead, it is advisable to install an iron filter ahead of the water softener. A typical iron filter uses oxidation followed by a backwashing filter with a carbon-based substrate to effectively remove iron.