There are of course several orders of magnitude when it comes to quantifying hard water – but as a rule of thumb, anything above 60mg of magnesium and calcium will place your water supply in hard water territory. Reducing the hardness of your water is straightforward but it does require the purchase and installation of a suitable water softening system. And hey, you are in luck because we have tested and reviewed the best water softeners on the market. We love to share so without further ado, here are our top picks.
- Why We Picked What We Picked
- Winner: Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener
- Runner Up: Fleck Iron Pro 2 48,000 Grain Water Softener
- Aquios FS-234 Jumbo Water Softener
- Eddy Electronic Water De-scaler
- Whirlpool WHES30 30,000 Grain Water Softener
- On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT (Best Portable RV Water Softener)
- GE Appliances 30,400 Grains per Gallon Water Softener
- Tier 1 Essential Series Water Softener
- Pentair Fleck Water Softener
- Eco Pure 42,000 Grain Water Softener
- Water Softener Buying Guide
- How To Install Your Water Softener
- Some Frequent Asked Questions About Water Softeners
- Can a Water Softener Cause Itchy Skin?
- Can a Water Softener Cause Hair Loss?
- Can a Water Softener Be Installed Outside?
- Can a Water Softener Reduce Water Pressure?
- Can a Water Softener Cause Acne?
- Can a Water Softener Make You Sick?
- Where Should You Install Your Water Softener?
- Why Is Hard Water Undesirable?
- Where Can You Buy Water Softener Salt?
- Are Water Softener Pellets and Crystals Interchangeable?
- Are Water Softener Resin Beads Toxic?
- Why is My Water Softener Overflowing?
- When Should You Replace a Water Softener?
- When Will a Water Softener Run Out of Salt?
- Conclusion
Why We Picked What We Picked
Winner: Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener
Our winning recommendation and the first of our 2021 reviews is Fleck’s 5600SXT model which provides everything that you could wish for in a home water softener.
This model is suitable for households that feature a water supply that is classified as medium to very hard water, essentially making it suitable for every home if softer water is your goal.
In addition, the Fleck 5600SXT Digital features a 12 GPM flow rate which a temporary peak limit of 28 GPM, making this water softener system suitable for households with up to 6 occupants without a drop in water pressure.
We like the fact that this water softener is made in the USA with the construction of this model exhibiting an impressive level of build quality. Simply plumb the 5600SXT into your water supply and add salt to benefit from a reliable supply of soft water.
Fleck has been nice enough to include a comprehensive set of instructions which are sufficient to see this water softener installed in no time at all with some basic plumbing skills.
Takeaway: At this price range, we feel that the Fleck 5600SXT represents exceptional value for money and should be a serious consideration if you’re looking to purchase a new water softener system in 2021.
Runner Up: Fleck Iron Pro 2 48,000 Grain Water Softener
Our runner-up is Fleck’s Iron Pro 2, another great entry that has stood the test of time and impressed many homeowners with its efficient iron filter removal process.
The Iron Pro 2 combination system is similar to our winning Fleck model, but this model places a specific emphasis on the iron content of your water supply
- it contains a special mesh resin filter that is designed to greatly reduce it.
- Also included in the packaging is an iron hardness testing device which will tell you the iron content of your water supply so you know what you are dealing with.
You will also notice that this model can remove sulfur from water, up to a level of 2ppm.
The Fleck Iron Pro 2 is available in several different sizes depending on your requirements, with the top tier 80,000 grain model suitable for those households with the highest demands. The flow rate is also set at an impressive 14 GPM, making it suitable for most people’s needs.
Takeaway: Available in 3 different colors, the Iron Pro 2 48,000 water softener is a great choice for any household that wishes to benefit from soft water with particular emphasis on reducing Iron content.
Aquios FS-234 Jumbo Water Softener
Next on our list is this salt-free water softener from Aquios. As with all Aquios products, they’ve made a real focus on quality and it shows. The jury is out however on whether salt-free systems are as efficient as salt-based systems, but we found this model to be very impressive during our testing.
What we will say is that if you’re suffering from particularly hard water, you may be better off with one of the salt-based models for maximum performance and efficiency.
What we particularly liked about this model is the fact that it also features a built-in water filter capable of removing chlorine, sediment, and other unwanted particulates. Doing this essentially makes this a 2 in 1 model for any household that doesn’t wish to purchase a separate water softener and water filter.
It should also be noted that Aquios water softeners have a minimal impact on water flow rates, meaning that you shouldn’t notice a marked difference after installation.
Takeaway: All in all, the FS-234 is a great model with an impressive performance that is compact and simple to install and maintain.
Eddy Electronic Water De-scaler
Providing another alternative method of softening water, the Eddy Electronic Water Descaler is a worthy entry in our review of water softeners.
What we have here is a salt-free alternative to softening water that relies on electromagnetic manipulation. As you can see by the product image, this device is placed next to your incoming water mains pipe where the charge wires are then tightly coiled around the pipe itself.
From there, a current is passed through the pipe which alters the adhesion property of limescale which prevents it from adhering to surfaces. And so, whilst the chemical composition of your water isn’t changed (chlorine and calcium and magnesium will be retained), you will still be able to benefit from longer-lasting appliances, reduced water spotting, and cleaner clothes.
We can also say that we noticed a difference in the taste of tap water from our sink in addition to much softer feeling water when showering whilst using this device.
Takeaway: Cost-effective and easy to install, the Eddy Water Descaler is well worth a look.
Whirlpool WHES30 30,000 Grain Water Softener
Returning to salt-based water softeners, the Whirlpool WHES30 makes for an interesting alternative to other models that utilize salt.
You will notice that the design of this water softener is completely different from traditional models that utilize a cylindrical tank and a control head. In practice, this model works much the same and is capable of reducing water hardness in addition to removing other particulates such as iron.
One beneficial feature of this type of water softener is that it has the ability to automatically calculate the exact quantity of salt that is required for it to regenerate itself. This translates into a significant reduction in the quantity of salt used.
Simply add salt pellets when required for years of trouble-free and efficient water-softening. If you like the look of this system, be sure to check out the unit that Morton manufacture.
Takeaway: It should be noted that due to its size, this Whirlpool model is perfect for apartments.
On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT (Best Portable RV Water Softener)
As part of our test, we thought that it would be a great idea to include a portable water softener for those who spend a lot of time on the road in their RV or other similar residences.
On The Go manufacturers several different RV water softeners, but we feel that this particular model offers the best value for money as well as a great compromise between size, capacity, and performance.
As you would imagine, this model requires more frequent top-ups of salt, but this is only a slight drawback. The truth is that this model is one of the most efficient on the market, supplying 40% more soft water than any other comparable filters.
Two boxes of table salt every 40 days or every 1600 gallons of water is all you need for this water softener. If you’re always on the road or live in a home with lower water demand, this water softener is for you.
GE Appliances 30,400 Grains per Gallon Water Softener
This water softener has a grain capacity of 30,400. With the intuitive electronic control panel and status light indicator, this option is easy to use, even for those without much experience with water softeners. The panel clearly states the number of days until the slatted tank is empty. Plus, it uses a significantly smaller amount of water (roughly 20% less) than older models. This makes it a more eco-friendly alternative.
This model is capable of removing a maximum hardness of 95 gpg. It has a salt capacity of 200 lbs and is modeled for plumbing connections of up to 1 inch.
Takeaway: This water softener has a lot of positives. The most notable is the ease of installation, taking around 45 minutes can have you up and running in no time.
Tier 1 Essential Series Water Softener
This simple water softening system promises to remove 97% of the chlorine in your water while removing dangerous chemicals like lead, mercury, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, chloramine, and others. This is a salt-free water softening system that uses an alternative filtration system. Filters in this system are easy to replace every 3 months.
Because this is a salt-free system, it promises to improve the taste and clarity of your water, while removing the need for stories salt bags or refilling the salt tank. It’s a low maintenance option that’s ideal for busy families.
Takeaway: Reviews of the system rave about the quick and easy installation. They also complimented the water’s taste and feel in the shower.
Pentair Fleck Water Softener
This Fleck water softener features a 5600Sxt digital metered control head. It comes with a simple guide and AFW kit for installation. Parts include a brine tank, a mineral tank, and a valve with bypass and adapter. It also comes with a hardness test strip so that you can see just how effective the softener is. In total, this softener is fairly compact at 10x10x54 inches.
A great feature of this soft water system model is the SXT digital controller. This back-lit LCD touch display pad makes using your softener user-friendly and efficient. The device promises a flow rate of 14 gallons per minute and a water consumption rate of 3.5 gallons per minute.
Takeaway: Most people seem to love this soft water system. 79% of users gave it a five-star review. Many users commented on the simple installation process and the easy-to-follow instructions. Other users appreciated the bypass valve. Most people found that the water quality greatly improved, noticing healthier skin and hair with the removal of heavy metals from the system. All were impressed by the advanced grains per gallon setting.
Eco Pure 42,000 Grain Water Softener
This NSF-certified softener uses salt and water-saving auto sense technology to reduce waste. It’s a compact model that will suit a household of any size. It’s been shown to successfully remove heavy metals and iron from hard water.
The salt-saving technology works by calculating the salt and water levels needed and using the minimum amount necessary to reduce waste and costs.
With this softener, your water will be safer and cleaner, leaving fewer stains and spots on dishes, clothes, and pipes.
Plus, this machine uses a high flow bypass valve, which means that you should never run out of clean water.
Takeaway: This water softener was found to be easy to install on the pipes in most homes. Owners of the old Kenmore models found it to be an exact replacement in size and dimensions. Some users even kept coming back to this model after moving house.
Water Softener Buying Guide
A whole house water softener is a water treatment device that many households find beneficial in improving the quality of their house water, whether in the kitchen or bathroom. The amount of benefit your household will receive depends on the water quality (hardness) of your existing water supply.
Municipal water or city water supplies typically contain a significant number of minerals that produce hard water. Hard water contains large amounts of dissolved calcium, magnesium, iron, chlorine, potassium chloride, and several other substances.
Well water will also contain these minerals in varying quantities so a water softener is a good idea even if you draw your water from a well.
The Types Of Water Softeners
What many homeowners may not realize is that there are several different types of water softeners available for home use. For that reason, it is very important to ensure that you buy the model most suitable for your needs.
We have listed each type to provide you with an overview of their features and the levels of performance you can expect.
- Salt-Based Water Softeners: The most popular and common type of water softener available for domestic use is the salt-based variety. As the name suggests, these salt based models utilize salt during the ion exchange process which is what removes all of those undesirable minerals from water. Each model will need to be topped up with the appropriate type of water softener salt periodically, which is an ongoing cost that needs to be taken into account
- Salt-Free Water Softeners: Salt free water softeners condition water without the use of salt which is desirable for many households who wish to reduce their salt consumption. Unfortunately, this type of softener isn’t as efficient as the salt variety and isn’t capable of reducing water hardness to the same extent. These water conditioners are designed to make it more difficult for the minerals in hard water to attach to surfaces and form a build-up which is still beneficial for your home’s water infrastructure. You might also prefer that there is no added salt or sodium present within your drinking water – providing salt-free water for your entire home.Some homeowners find that the symptoms of hard water are reduced such as the benefit of softer skin and improved hair quality, but many fail to notice a marked difference.
- Dual Tank Water Softeners: This type of water softener is designed to be more heavy-duty in nature and features an additional iron tank to accompany the brine tank. If you live in an area with a particularly bad water supply or live in a home with a high demand for water, this type of system is for you.The unique selling point of the dual tank system is that they are operational 24 hours a day, even during the regeneration process. When the system needs to regenerate, it will ensure that only one iron removal tank is taken offline, allowing the additional tank to continue supplying softened water.
- Magnetic Water Descalers (Electronic Water Softeners): The final type of water softener is an alternative system known as a water descaler electronic water softener. They do not treat water in the conventional sense, as they do not add anything or remove anything from your water supply. Instead, these electrical devices are attached to your incoming water pipes where they pass an electrical current through the metal pipe itself. This electrical charge creates a magnetic field which changes the composition of the mineral deposits suspended within hard water and keeps them from adhering to surfaces.If you would rather not plumb in a traditional water conditioner, an electronic descaler might be the right choice for your home.
Choosing Your Water Softener: Important Features To Consider
It is important to take into consideration where you will be installing your new water softener, as different types are better suited to different applications.
An industrial or commercial water softener will have different specifications to a residential or domestic water softener, usually because they will be under greater stress during routine operation.
If you intend to install your new system within a hotel for instance, it will be worth speaking to a manufacturer that is familiar with this type of application.
Now you’re aware of the types of home water softening system that are available to buy, we are going to provide an overview of the variations in specification that each model usually features. This section is key to getting the most out of your softener and making sure it is the right fit for your home.
Salt Capacity
Salt-based water softeners have their capacity rated in terms of grains. This specification relates to the number of grains of hardness that each system can remove from water before it requires replenishing with salt.
Grain capacity usually starts at around the 16,000 mark which is suitable for small households before increasing to the 96,000 mark which is more appropriate for larger households. We recommend testing the hardness of your water with a test kit before coming to a decision on which capacity is best for your home.
The larger the system, the more salt it will require but the longer you will be able to go between regeneration.
Installation Space
Larger capacity systems will require more space as their components are larger. Thankfully, most of the top water softeners can be installed outside if required. The ideal location is where your incoming water main enters your property so consider how suitable this area is before buying your softening system.
The specific measurements and dimensions of each system can be found throughout this website and elsewhere online.
The Presence Of A Bypass Valve
A bypass value will allow you to route water around your softening system, essentially bypassing it altogether. This is useful if you require a large quantity of water that doesn’t need to be softened (if you were filling an indoor pool for example).
If you ever decided to take your water softener offline, a bypass valve makes this process much easier and will save you the hassle of un-plumbing the system completely.
Metered Or Timed Salt Regeneration Cycle
One final point for consideration is whether you would prefer a digital metered water softener or a timer-based one. With the metered system, the system’s resin will regenerate after a certain amount of water has been treated.
With a timed softening system, the device will regenerate at a time to suit you. One disadvantage of this method is that using more water than usual will lead you to run out of salt prior to regeneration. Another disadvantage is that timed systems will continue to regenerate if you aren’t at home, using salt and water in the process. You could of course simply switch the system off to prevent water usage.
How Does Each Water Softening System Work?
We provided an overview of the softening procedure of each type of system earlier in this buying guide. In this section, we’ll go into more detail to provide you with a better understanding of what you’re buying.
The Salt Water Softening Process
The ion exchange system is designed to remove the metal particles from your water. It acts as a magnet to attract these hard minerals and dispose of them, preventing them from ever reaching a faucet.
When water enters your property, it is passed through a tank that contains resin. This resin contains a significant quantity of little ionic beads. As the water flows through this tank, calcium, magnesium, and other hard minerals such as iron are removed.
This type of water softening treatment utilizes two tanks. The second tank contains salt and is referred to as the brine tank. Softener salt sits in this tank and is combined with water which creates a salty brine solution.
When required, this salt brine is flushed into the resin tank to clean away and remove the collected ions of hardness. This solution is then drained away through your homes drainage system.
Once the salt has been consumed, simply replace it with more to restart the regeneration procedure and soften more water.
The Salt-Free Water Softening Process
This type of water softener changes the physical composition of your water, preventing the minerals from latching onto each other. This means that they are still present but are unable to create limescale build-ups within your appliances or fixtures such as a showerhead.
Usefully, chloramine, chlorine, and other substances are removed from your water which will make showering and bathing more enjoyable.
The Dual-Tank Water Softening Process
Sometimes referred to as industrial water softeners, they work in exactly the same way as any standard salt water softener. The only difference is that they are much larger and can treat a greater quantity of water without any downtime.
Perfect for hotels or larger buildings with more occupants.
The Magnetic Descaler Water Softening Process
The installation process involves winding and coiling a set of electrical wires around your incoming water mains line. Once in place, the device is simply switched on where it begins immediately magnetizing the pipework it is attached to which in turn will soften water.
The result is conditioned water which brings with it less limescale and a more pleasurable experience when using your home’s water supply.
How To Install Your Water Softener
The installation of any water softener system isn’t difficult even if you have no plumbing experience, but a little technical know-how is required. You can either attempt the installation yourself or seek professional assistance.
The water softener installation process involves:
- Shutting off the main water supply to your property. You will then need to identify the incoming water main.
- Find a suitable section of pipework which is where the softener will be installed. You can then either cut the pipework or remove a suitable section if the appropriate joints are in place.
- You will then need to install three valves on your pipes. One to stop water from entering the softener, one to prevent water from exiting the softener, and a bypass control valve.
- Connect the resin tank to the brine tank using 3/8″ plastic tubing.
- Connect the drain line to the drain elbow using a hose clamp.
- Connect the discharge pipe to the wastewater drain.
Each system is supplied with a user manual for reference which will also detail whether any ongoing maintenance is required.
To assist you further, we’ve included a short video below which will provide you with an overview of how to install your new water conditioner. Even if you end up purchasing a different system, this video will answer most of the common questions that are usually asked.
Some Frequent Asked Questions About Water Softeners
Water softeners are pretty complex systems. If you still have some questions about how the system will work, we’ve got you covered. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about water softeners.
Can a Water Softener Cause Itchy Skin?
In most cases a water softening system should make your skin feel less sensitive. Hard water has been shown to irritate the skin as it leaves a “soapy residue” on your skin. This can leave your skin feeling less moisturized and more dry and clogged, leading to itchiness. So, if you’re experiencing itchy skin after washing, this may be a sign that there is still hardness in your water system.
In some rare cases, it is possible to be allergic to soft water if you are allergic to the ocean. The soapy residue left behind by hard water actually acts as a barrier to other chemicals in the water. If you have an allergy to these chemicals like chlorine, your water softener may have a negative effect as it removes this protective layer.
In most cases, a carbon filter will get rid of itchy skin problems you experience with your new water softener.
Can a Water Softener Cause Hair Loss?
If you notice that more hair than usual is coming out in the shower, you may be wondering whether your new water softener is to blame. As it turns out, there isn’t really any connection between your water’s hardness and the amount of hair you have. The main factors that cause hair loss are diet and stress. Try to improve your diet and reduce your stress levels to combat hair loss rather than worrying about the quality of your water.
In fact, soft water has mostly positive effects on the quality of your hair. Soft water is kinder to the hair and typically leaves it shinier and softer to the touch. Hard water can make the hair drier, which isn’t great for the hair — however, it can make your hair look more voluminous. Soft water may change the texture of your hair, making it feel thinner than it was prior to your new water softener’s installation.
Can a Water Softener Be Installed Outside?
Water softeners can be pretty big — if you don’t have lots of extra cupboard space in your apartment or your house, you may be wondering whether it’s okay to set up your water softener outdoors. In most cases, it’s not really advised to install your water softener outside unless it’s specifically designed for outdoor use. This can depend on the climate where you live and the outside area where you want to install the softener.
Freezing and sun exposure can damage certain softener models. Make sure to consult the instruction manual of the make and model you select to ensure that you are setting up the system in a safe and sustainable location.
Can a Water Softener Reduce Water Pressure?
One of the most common concerns about installing a water softener is the fear that the system will impact the home’s water pressure. The short answer to this question is that, yes, every piece of machinery that is attached to your plumbing system will have some impact on your water pressure. If you’re concerned about maintaining roughly the same water pressure, there are two elements in your new water softener to consider — the control valve and the media bed.
Most modern systems are designed to have a short flow path in order to reduce the impact to water pressure. If you are concerned about your water pressure, be sure to look out for systems that are specifically designed to have minimal impact on water pressure.
Can a Water Softener Cause Acne?
The hardness of the water we put on our hair and skin can have an impact on their condition. While soft water is generally thought to reduce skin problems like acne, in some cases, it can have the reverse affect. Usually, soft water should help acne. This is because hard water actually irritates the skin, reduces moisture, and even clogs the pores, which can quickly lead to further skin blemishes. Chances are, if your skin is being aggravated due to your new water softener, it may just be readjusting to being cleaned “properly.”
Can a Water Softener Make You Sick?
A water softener can occasionally lead to stomach problems. This is usually due to the additional sodium content in the water caused by salt water softeners. In most cases, the additional amount of sodium in the water is so small that it has no impact. However, for people with high blood pressure, or sodium-rich diets, the new makeup of the water can be harmful. Plus, a water softener removes calcium and magnesium from the water — if you aren’t getting these nutrients from other sources, you may end up with a deficiency, leading to stomach problems.
Experiencing illness as a result of a water softener is incredibly rare and may be a sign that you have another, more serious health issue — or, your sickness may be unrelated to the new water softener! If your feelings of nausea continue, it may be best to consult a doctor.
Where Should You Install Your Water Softener?
A water softener should be set up somewhere:
- With level ground
- Near the water’s entry point to the home
- Next to the water pressure tank
- Next to the water meter
- Close to the water pipes
In most cases, this will be in the utility cupboard, your boiler room, your garage, your crawl space, or, in some states, in the basement of your home.
If you are unsure about the best place to put your water softener, it may be worth hiring a professional to install the system for you. This way, you can be guaranteed to place the system in the best possible location for your home.
Why Is Hard Water Undesirable?
Hard water is rarely preferable to soft water. Hard water isn’t dangerous by any means, but it does have a noticeable difference to soft water which will become apparent in several ways:
- Residue On Surfaces – Hard water contains several minerals that are present in varying quantities. These minerals react to soap, and once dry, these minerals leave a residue or scale on plates, dishes, cutlery, and every surface they come into contact with, including stainless steel countertops and glass shower screens.
- Your Skin Will Feel Dry – The same residue left behind on surfaces will remain on your skin, even after thorough rinsing. This can lead to dry and itchy skin as well as dry and flaky hair.
- Limescale Build Up – Hard water is the cause of limescale within your home’s pipework. This crusty build-up of minerals has the ability to reduce the flow rate of your home’s water supply as it finds its way through faucets and showerheads. You will also notice that water-based appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines begin to suffer and become less efficient.
- Reduced Efficiency Of Water Heaters – Water heaters rely on heating elements that are placed within a tank or cylinder of water. Over time, hard water will render them less efficient due to a thick layer of limescale. You will also find that your tank or tankless water heater may consume more electricity.
- Poor Quality Of Soap Lather – Hard water doesn’t allow soap and other sanitary products to formulate a good lather. This may be an issue for those who appreciate soaking in a bath.
- Laundry Quality – Clothes washed in hard water is more difficult to clean and will require more laundry detergent. You may also find that powdery residue accompanies your freshly washed clothes which is a by-product of the detergents you use.
Where Can You Buy Water Softener Salt?
If you choose a salt-based water softener, you’ll need to refill the salt in the machine every few months to keep it working. Amazon is a great place to begin your search for water softener salt. You can also try stores like Home Depot, Walmart, Ace Hardware or other hardware stores. There are also a range of online stores that specialize in providing various types of salt for different types of softeners. If your softener needs a specific kind of salt for your system and pipes, it may be worth exploring these specialty stores. Your city or town may even have its own water treatment specialty store that you can visit in person.
Are Water Softener Pellets and Crystals Interchangeable?
We’ve spoken at length about water softener salt and salt based systems — but you may have also come across terms like water softener pellets and water softener crystals. While they are similar products and can both be used in salt water softeners, they aren’t exactly the same.
Pellets are a salt product that are best suited for homes that use high levels of water. They work to reduce bridging, which is what happens when a layer of salt builds up in the brine tank, which can make the entire system less effective.
Crystals are best for houses that use less water, as they can cause bridging with extensive water usage.
So, if you have a large family, or tend to use water frequently throughout the day, consider choosing pellets for your system.
Are Water Softener Resin Beads Toxic?
Water softener resin beads are the small yellow spheres that start to appear in your pipes and plumbing as time goes on. You may be a little concerned if you start to see these beads appearing in your sink or bathtub — however, they’re nothing to be concerned about as they are not toxic.
Even though they aren’t dangerous, they can being to clog up your pipes and your plumbing. If you notice these beads, be sure to arrange for a plumping inspector to visit your home and flush out your system so that it can function optimally.
Why is My Water Softener Overflowing?
Obviously, a water softener, salt-based or salt-free, should never overflow! A puddle in the utility room is probably the last thing you want. So why is the system overflowing? Overflow usually occurs during the regeneration cycle, when the system cleans itself and recoats resin beads with salt so that they can properly attract calcium and magnesium.
In a normal regeneration cycle, the system usually fills some water into the brine tank then draws this water back into the softener tank. If the system fails to draw water back from the brine tank, it can overfill causing spillage.
Overflow can also be caused by excessive salt clogging in the tank, which can inhibit the brine tank from drawing water in and out.
There are a variety of other reasons that your tank could be overflowing — but the main thing to know is that overflow is not normal. If you aren’t familiar with the various parts of your softener, it’s probably time to get a plumper in who can flush out the system and get it regenerating as it should.
When Should You Replace a Water Softener?
The lifespan of a water softener can depend on a number of factors — namely, on the quality, make, and condition of the system. In general, professionals recommend replacing a water system every 10 to 20 years to ensure that your water remains soft and your plumping and pipes remain healthy. Of course, you can try to extend the life of your system by taking good care of your system and cleaning it regularly.
When Will a Water Softener Run Out of Salt?
If you have a salt-based water softener system, it’s crucial that you replace the salt every 3 months or so. Many modern models have a digital alert system to remind you of the ideal time to replace the salt so that your system can continue to function properly and efficiently.
Conclusion
To recap here is our list of the best water softeners on the market today
- Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener
- Fleck Iron Pro 2 Water Softener
- Aquios FS-234 Water Softener
- Eddy Electronic Water Descaler
- Whirlpool WHES30 Water Softener
- On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT (Best Portable RV Water Softener)
- GE Appliances 30,400 Grain Water Softener
- Tier 1 Essential Series Water Softener
- Pentair Fleck Water Softener
- Eco Pure 42,000 Grain Water Softener
Each water softener that we have reviewed in our comparison features a raft of benefits; namely a reduction in water hardness which not only translates to more enjoyable water but also a possibility for improved skin and hair.
Our favorite model is the Fleck 5600SXT due to its feature set, performance, and its attractive price. If you’re looking solely for the best water softener, this model is for you.
If however, you are looking for a top rated all in one system that is also capable of filtering unwanted contaminants from your water and improving the quality of your water, we would suggest taking a look at the Aquios FS-234 as it also doubles up as an effective water filter for house water filtration.
If you’re looking for more options, be sure to have a look at our individual water softener reviews for more information and to see which may be the best for your needs. Manufacturers such as Tier1 make some fantastic alternatives.
Whichever model you decide to choose, we’re confident that you will enjoy years of high-quality soft water that is going to provide several benefits to you and your family!
