Unanswered questions regarding any technology or appliance can lead consumers to make uninformed purchase decisions and, subsequently, impact the user experience. Therefore, in this article, we will answer common questions related to water softeners for home. 

What is hard water? 

Water with elevated levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium is termed hard water. It falls into three categories: very hard (exceeding 180 mg/l), hard (120-180 mg/l), and moderately hard (60-120 mg/l). 

What is soft water? 

Soft water is free from dissolved salts like calcium, iron, and magnesium. Additionally, soft water counteracts the difficulties hard water brings into your home—better skin and overall health, extended lifespan of home appliances, and no stains on bathroom fittings. 

What is a water softener? 

A water softener is a device designed to make water softer by getting rid of the minerals like calcium and magnesium responsible for making it hard.

How do I know if I have a hard water supply at home?

The local water supply often contains minerals and sediment that can harm your plumbing, fixtures, and even your hair and skin. To determine if a water softener is necessary for your home, consider these questions:

  • Are your clothes fading off?
  • Do you see stains on bathroom fixtures 
  • Are you experiencing dry skin and hair fall?

If your response is "Yes" to any of these questions, you're likely dealing with hard water in your home.

How long do water softeners last?

Water softeners are expected to have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. If your unit is showing signs of wear and tear earlier, it might be due to inadequate maintenance or exceptionally hard water. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of water softeners? 

Here are the advantages of water softeners:

  • Prevents the accumulation of mineral deposits inside pipes, fixtures, and water heaters
  • Extends the lifespan of certain home appliances
  • Reduces or eliminates mineral stains on glassware

Here are the disadvantages of water softeners:

  • Requires regular water testing and softener maintenance to ensure proper operation
  • Environmental drawbacks due to the use of salt in the softening process
  • The water used for regenerating the softener beads becomes waste, impacting water resources

How to use a water softener correctly?

The best way to ensure that your water softener works correctly is to ensure it is installed by the manufacturers and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

To sum it up, water softeners play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of water hardness. if you are looking for a water softener, choose Aquaguard Select water softeners like Aquaguard Select AWS C-2500 DX Water Softener and Aquaguard Select AWS C-3500 DX Water Softener that are engineered to improve your water's overall quality and shield you from the lasting repercussions of hard water. These water softeners come with Automated Regeneration, that is, once set, the water softening media will automatically regenerate itself and give you soft water with very little human supervision.