A Complete Guide to Whole House Water Softener Systems

If you’re on the hunt for a whole house water softener system, this complete guide will teach you everything you need to know. If you’re wondering, how much does a whole house water softener cost? Read on for all the details.

We’ll cover the different types of filtration systems available, how they work, the benefits of using one, and what to look for when making your purchase. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll be an expert on whole house water softeners and be able to make an informed decision about whether one is right for you.

What Is a Whole House Water Softener?

A whole house water softener is a system that is installed at the point where your home’s water enters your plumbing system. It works by removing hard minerals, like calcium and magnesium, from your water. This leaves you with softer water that is better for your skin, hair, and plumbing.

There are two types of whole house water softeners: salt-based and salt-free. Salt-based systems work by exchanging the hard minerals in your water for sodium ions. 

These systems are typically more effective at removing hard minerals but require regular maintenance to keep the salt levels topped off.

Salt-free systems, on the other hand, use a process called ion exchange to remove the hard minerals from your water. These systems don’t require any salt or maintenance, but they are not as effective at removing hard minerals as salt-based systems.

How Does a Whole House Water Softener Work?

Now that you know the basics of whole house water softeners, let’s take a more in-depth look at how they work. As we mentioned earlier, there are two types of systems: salt-based and salt-free. We’ll start by taking a look at how salt-based systems work.

Salt-Based Systems

Salt-based systems use a process called ion exchange to remove hard minerals from your water. In this process, the sodium ions in the salt swap places with the hard minerals in your water. This leaves you with softer water that is devoid of hard minerals.

To keep the system working properly, you need to add salt to the system on a regular basis. The amount of salt you need to add will depend on the size of your system and the hardness of your water.

Salt-Free Systems

Salt-free systems use a process called reverse osmosis to remove hard minerals from your water. In this process, water is forced through a semipermeable membrane. This leaves the hard minerals behind and allows only the softer water to pass through.

Benefits of Using a Whole House Water Softener

Now that you know how whole house water softeners work, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of using one.

Soft water improves the quality of your hair and skin. Hard water can dry out your skin and hair, leaving them feeling rough and brittle. Soft water, on the other hand, can help to improve the quality of your hair and skin by making them softer and more hydrated.

Soft water is also better for your plumbing. Hard water can cause mineral build-up in your plumbing, which can lead to clogged pipes and decreased water pressure. Soft water can help to prevent these issues by reducing the amount of mineral build-up in your plumbing.

Soft water also saves you money. Because hard water can cause mineral build-up in your plumbing, it can lead to expensive repairs. 

What to Look for When Choosing a Whole House Water Softener

Now that you know the basics of whole house water softeners and the benefits of using one, you’re ready to start shopping for a system. But with so many different systems on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.

Here are a few things to look for when choosing a whole house water softener:

Flow rate: The flow rate is the measure of how much water the system can treat in a given period of time. For example, a system with a flow rate of 10 GPM can treat 10 gallons of water per minute.

The flow rate is the measure of how much water the system can treat in a given period of time. For example, a system with a flow rate of 10 GPM can treat 10 gallons of water per minute. 

Capacity: The capacity is the measure of how much water the system can treat before it needs to be regenerated. For example, a system with a capacity of 40,000 grains can treat 40,000 gallons of water before it needs to be regenerated.

Salt efficiency: The salt efficiency is the measure of how much salt the system uses during regeneration. For example, a system with a salt efficiency of 3 lbs. per 1,000 gallons uses 3 pounds of salt to regenerate 1,000 gallons of water.

Water usage: The water usage is the measure of how much water the system uses during regeneration. For example, a system with a water usage of 10 gallons per 1,000 grains can use 10 gallons of water to regenerate 1,000 grains of hardness.

Warranty: The warranty is the measure of how long the manufacturer will cover the system against defects. For example, a system with a 5-year warranty will be covered against defects for 5 years.

The Cost of Water Softeners

The cost of a whole house water softener can vary depending on the size, type, and features of the system. But in general, you can expect to pay between $500 and $5,000 for a whole house water softener. To get an accurate estimate of how much your system will cost, contact a local water treatment professional.

When to Replace Your Whole House Water Softener

Eventually, all water softeners will need to be replaced. How often you’ll need to replace your system will depend on the quality of your water and how often you use it. In general, you can expect to replace your system every 5 to 10 years. But if you have hard water, you may need to replace your system more frequently. To get the most out of your system, it’s important to perform regular maintenance. This includes stocking up on salt, cleaners, and filters. By doing this, you can extend the life of your system and keep it running smoothly.

Overall, How Much Does a Whole House Water Softener Cost? 

It really depends on the size, type, and features of the system. But in general, you can expect to pay between $500 and $5,000 for a whole house water softener.  Aside from the price, it’s important to keep in mind that these systems will need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. Regular maintenance is also key to keeping your system running smoothly and extending its lifespan. Are you in the market for a new whole house water softener? If so, contact AquaOx for water softeners and other house filtration systems. We can help you find the right system for your home and budget.