Did you know that almost 90% of American homes have problems with hard water?
Hard water isn’t harmful for human consumption, but it can cause problems in your home. For example, hard water can leave residue on your dishes and in your bathroom, cause skin and hair to dry out, and it can clog up your pipes and plumbing.
The simple solution is to get a water softener for your home. But how do you choose the right one? Read on to discover our tips on how to buy a water softener.
What Is a Water Softener and Do You Need One?
Hard water has high concentrations of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Water softeners are devices that can soften your water. This means they can remove the number and strength of minerals in your water, making it better for your consumption and use.
You might need a water softener if you or your family have experienced dry or irritated skin and hair. Other key signs to look out for include dishes with spots on, laundry that doesn’t look clean, and soapy residue stains in your bathroom or kitchen.
How to Buy a Water Softener
When it comes to buying a water softener that’s right for your home, there are a variety of things you need to do. The very first thing you need to do before you buy a water softener is to find out how hard your water is. This will help you determine which type of softener you need.
You can either contact your water supplier and ask about your water’s hardness or you can get a testing kit from a water testing company. Your water supplier should be able to advise you on how hard your water is and may even suggest which type of softener would be best for you. Alternatively, some people choose to get a home test kit from a water testing company and perform their own tests on the water.
The second thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with all the different water softener types. The different types include:
- salt-based ion-exchange softener
- salt-free softener
- portable water softener
- reverse osmosis softener
- magnetic softener
- and showerhead softener.
Different types might be better for your household use, budget, and how hard your water is. For example, salt-based ion-exchange softeners may save you money on cleaning products, prevent a buildup in your pipes, and ensure your hair and skin is healthier. However, in the long-term salt-based softeners may cost more because you’ll need to buy salt.
The third and final thing to do before you buy a water softener system is to look at the reviews, such as this Kenmore water softener review. Find out what other people have to say about the softeners and see if the one you’re thinking of getting is right for you.
Demand More From Your Water
You deserve high-quality water to drink, to clean in, and to clean with, which is why you should invest in a water softener. Follow our guide on how to buy a water softener and see if you can find your ideal softener.
Check out some of our other articles to get the latest lifestyle and family tips and tricks.
