There are many water softeners on the market, but how do you know which one is best for your home? This blog post will look at four of the top-rated water softeners that you should consider. There are three different types of salt-based, electric, and whole house. We’ll explore each type and see this 3-step guide on water filtration so you can make an informed decision about what’s suitable for your household.
Salt-Based Water Softeners
Salt-based water softeners use a process called ion exchange to soften your water. In this type of system, the hard water passes through a tank filled with small beads covered in sodium ions. As the hard water passes by, the calcium and magnesium ions latch onto the sodium ions on the surface of the beads.
This leaves behind softer water, but you must replenish the salt to maintain effectiveness. Salt-based water softeners are more affordable than electric types of water softeners.
Electric Water Softeners
Electric water softeners use an electric current to soften your water. In this type of system, the hard water passes through a tank filled with small plastic beads covered in sodium ions. As the hard water passes by, the calcium and magnesium ions latch onto the sodium ions on the surface of the beads. This leaves behind softer water, but you must maintain the electric current to keep the system running. Electric water softeners are more expensive than salt-based systems, but they don’t require any maintenance or replacement of salts.
Whole House Water Softeners
Whole house water softeners are the most expensive on the market, but they also provide you with multiple benefits. In this type of system, a tank is installed in your basement or utility room to soften hard water before it flows through your entire household plumbing.
As mentioned above, calcium and magnesium ions latch onto sodium ions that sit on top of small beads in the tank. This leaves behind softer water for everything from your dishwasher to your shower. Whole house softeners also reduce scale build-up on your fixtures, appliances, and inside of your pipes. Plus, they can help extend the life of your water heater by preventing corrosion.
If you’re looking for a water softener, it’s essential to know the different types so that you can figure out which one will work best in your home. Here are the most common types below and I have included a summary of what each type does and how much they cost. There is a water softener for every home with options from a simple water softener to whole-house systems and salt-free models. If you’re still unsure which type of model will best suit your needs or budget, don’t worry! We have discussed the types of water softeners in this blog post.
