Perhaps the best place to start is by asking, “What is hard water?”
To better understand a water softener it is helpful to first understand the concept of hard water. Knowing basic information such as the type of water and the water source can help identify what filtration may be needed in a home or business.
What is a Water Softener?
A water softener is an appliance that removes minerals such as calcium and magnesium from water.
Testing Your Water
Many times the effects of hard water can be seen simply by looking for some of the common signs. When it comes to making decisions to treat water for your home or business, it is important to have your water tested. While there are quick at-home test strips, it is important to have your water sample sent to a qualified laboratory. The results from a lab test will provide the data needed to make important water filtration decisions. If you or your business need testing, contact The Water Biz.
Measuring Water Hardness
| Amount | Unit of Measure | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 60 | mg/L (milligrams per liter) | as calcium carbonate is classified as soft |
| 61 to 120 | mg/L | moderately hard |
| 121 to 180 | mg/L | hard |
| > 180 | mg/L | very hard |
Armed with water test results, it might be tempting to do it yourself (DIY), however partnering with a water professional has many benefits. The Water Biz will work alongside you to create a plan tailored to your home or business. Utilizing our years of experience, we will recommend treatment options to address your specific water filtration needs. No need to read equipment reviews, no more research, no guesswork, contact The Water Biz today!
Need Help With Testing?
Have questions? Need Testing?
Call TWB at (405) 601 – 2003 or fill out our contact form.
Common Solutions For Hard Water
Finding and selecting a solution to treat hard water can be daunting. Everyone’s water needs are unique. Interpreting test results and choosing equipment that will grow with your home or business can be overwhelming. How do you know which solution will best meet your needs?
Customer Support
While we strongly believe in educating our customers, we understand how challenging this process can be. The Water Biz provides resources to serve our customers while providing the right amount of support to meet your individual needs. The Water Biz is here to take the stress out of providing clean water for any home or business. Whether you are interested in a salt-based ion exchange water softener or a salt-free water conditioner, we can recommend solutions you can count on.
Top Hard Water Solutions
- Salt-based Water Softeners
- Salt-free Water Conditioners
Salt-based Water Softeners
A salt-based water softener is an appliance that removes minerals such as calcium and magnesium from water through a process called ion exchange. These systems exchange the positively-charged calcium and magnesium ions found in hard water with sodium ions from the salt in the brine tank. Systems are typically comprised of a mineral tank, a brine tank, and a programmable controller.
Water Softener Benefits:
- Calcium and magnesium minerals are removed from the water
- Home appliances last longer and are more efficient
- Less money spent on appliance repair, plumbing repair
- Less money spent on detergent, soap
Salt-free Water Conditioners
An alternative solution to a salt-based softener is a salt-free water conditioner. These utilize a different approach than the more well-known ion exchange water softeners. The phrase conditioner is used here intentionally to differentiate them from water softeners because they technically do not soften hard water. Conditioners work by altering the chemical structure of calcium and magnesium minerals through the process of descaling. The goal of salt-free conditioners is to reduce limescale.
Salt-free Conditioner Benefits:
- Beneficial minerals remain in the water.
- No need to refill with salt
- Wastewater is significantly reduced or eliminated
What Are Common Signs of Hard Water?
If you find yourself a little unsure whether your home or business has a hard water problem, there are a few telltale places to look. Perhaps the most common areas people tend to notice hard water is on water faucets, showerheads, or in their toilets. Another common way to spot hard water is on dishes or silverware. If you suspect your home or business has hard water, contact a water quality professional such as The Water Biz.
Common Signs of Hard Water
- Spots on dishes, silverware, glassware
- Mineral scale buildup on shower fixtures, tubs, sinks, and toilets.
- Poor soap lathering can lead to an increase in soap usage
- Dry, itchy skin
- High energy bills – Increase in energy needed to heat water
- Reduced water pressure
- Lower than normal appliance lifespan
- Clogged pipes and fixtures such as faucets or showerheads
Wrapping Up
As we wrap up our discussion, remember that testing your water is an essential piece toward understanding what is in your water. If you are looking to learn more, a basic understanding of water types, water sources, and how water gets to a home or business is a big help when it comes to understanding water filtration. We hope this explanation of water softeners has been helpful. If you or your business would like more information, contact The Water Biz today!
