One of the most common water quality problems a homeowner encounters on a daily is hard water — not only does it destroy appliances, it also leaves unsughtly scale across bathrooms and kitchens and dries out hair and skin.
Most households rely on hard water for showering, cleaning, and cooking. This is why water softeners are popular among homeowners. A water softener saves you from replacing water heaters and scaly faucet heads, and a lot of time cleaning up soapy residue. Investing in a water softener saves you time, energy, and money, and protects your home and your property.
If you’re ready to learn more about water softeners and how they can improve your life, here are some resources I’ve put together.
Water Softener Basics
If your water is hard, you might want to consider a water softener. Here’s everything you need to know about how they work and whether you need one:
- How Does a Water Softener Work?
- What Is the Ideal Water Hardness?
- What Is a Water Softener?
- What Does a Water Softener Do?
- How Long Does It Take a Water Softener to Regenerate?
- What Size Water Softener Do I Need
- Why is My Water Softener Not Working?
- What is the Cost of Renting a Water Softener?
- Water Softener Installation Cost
- Do Water-Softening Showerheads Work?
- How Long Do Water Softeners Last?
- Water Softener Alternatives
- The Benefits of Water Softener Systems
- Best Water Softeners
- Best Water Softener Cleaner
- Best Salt-Free Water Softeners
- Atlas
How-to Guides
If you’re the handy type, then these water softener installation and maintenance guides will surely come in handy. From installation to descaling and everything in between, I’ve got you covered:
Water Softener Reviews
If you’re grappling with the daily nuisances of hard water, it’s time to dive into the world of water softener reviews. Discover the secrets behind these home water wizards and determine whether they’re the solution you’ve been searching for:
Water Softener Comparisons
When it comes to tackling the challenges of hard water, embarking on water softener comparisons could be your key to unlocking a world of difference. From unraveling the science behind these devices to assessing their practicality in your daily life, we’ve got you covered. Say farewell to hard water woes as we guide you through the essential comparisons you need to make.
If you have a curiosity to expand your knowledge of the vocabulary frequently employed in the drinking water industry, we invite you to explore our glossary page. It serves as a valuable resource, offering an extensive compilation of terms commonly utilized within the drinking water sector.
By perusing this comprehensive list, you can gain a clear understanding of the terminology associated with water treatment and distribution. Whether you are a seasoned professional or simply intrigued by the intricacies of this field, our glossary page will prove invaluable in enhancing your comprehension of the subject matter.
I have just moved to a hard water area in France from Scotland which has some of the softest water on the planet. Can you please advise on a whole house system that can soften the water but also allow for good quality drinking water. Also how much water do the salt based softeners use to regenerate as this area often has water use resin the summer
Michael,
I have been to Scotland and experienced the super-soft water. In general, a sediment filter followed by an activated carbon filter and then a water softener will be a good start. I don’t know if you can obtain a water analysis from the government. It would tell you if there any substances to be concerned about. You may want to add a reverse osmosis system for drinking water.
Thanks for the helpful information on water softeners. There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet and am getting confused. I read a consumer reports article about magnetic water softening. The article said it was not known if they work. I have never heard about magnets and water softening. Is it a viable option to water softeners?
Hi Andi, I did not know there was still information on magnetic water softeners on the internet. About 25 years ago they were being sold “everywhere”. There were many wild claims about what magnetically treated water would do for corrosion prevention, health, and other things. Turns out after independent testing coupled with many real-word experiences, magnetic water softening disappeared from the market. You are probably seeing old web pages that are still hanging around out there. The idea was based on a theory that the magnet changed the water hardness minerals so did not form scale and crust on fixtures, in water heaters, etc. The conclusion was they were simply not nearly as effective as a regular salt-based water softener.