Installing a water softener in your home can provide a multitude of benefits for your family, your home itself, and your wallet. In addition to improving the quality of water your family uses for drinking, cleaning, and bathing, these systems can also extend the life of your plumbing and fixtures. Furthermore, hard water causes scale buildup that can shorten the life of your hot water tank and other water-using appliances; installing one of these units is an easy solution for hard water issues.
Humans began filtering drinking water at least 4,000 years ago and the first water softening system was invented in the mid- 1800s. Over the centuries, it has become more and more clear that clean, pure water is essential for human health. While the first systems were very large and operated without electricity, technological advancements have given rise to their popularity across the United States and around the world over the last 100 years. Today’s models are designed to be more efficient and reliable; they use less salt or not salt at all, and waste less water, while also taking up less space in the home.
To help you make an informed decision about which unit is ideal for your home, our experts have researched and compiled the ten water softener reviews below. Our hope is for this article to be a key factor in you finding the best water softener for your home in 2020.
Water Softener Comparison Chart
| Brand/Model | Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | SpringWell FutureSoft Salt-Free Water Softener Our Top Pick for 2020 Click to read review | 98/100 | VIEW PRICE |
 | Pelican Water Systems Salt-Free Water Softener Click to read review | 95/100 | VIEW PRICE |
 | Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000 Grain Water Softener Click to read review | 88/100 | VIEW PRICE |
 | Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener Click to read review | 87/100 | VIEW PRICE |
 | Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener and Iron Filter Click to read review | 87/100 | VIEW PRICE |
 | Aquasure Harmony Series Water Softener Click to read review | 86/100 | VIEW PRICE |
 | On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener Click to read review | 84/100 | VIEW PRICE |
 | Eddy Electronic Water Softener and Descaler Click to read review | 81/100 | VIEW PRICE |
 | YARNA Electronic Water Softener and Descaler Click to read review | 81/100 | VIEW PRICE |
 | Aquasana SimplySoft Salt-Free Water Softener and Whole House Water Filter Click to read review | 80/100 | VIEW PRICE |
Best Water Softener Reviews
1. SpringWell FutureSoft Salt-Free Water Softener
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Our top pick for 2020 is the SpringWell FutureSoft Salt-Free Water Softener. This salt-free water softening and conditioning system features SpringWell’s proprietary softening media and comes with a lifetime warranty, plus a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Unlike traditional salt-based systems, the FutureSoft system helps conserve water by producing no waste, and more importantly, won’t release harmful salt brine into the environment.
Installing this chemical-free and environmentally friendly system can help you eliminate scale, extend the life of your appliances and faucets, and increase the longevity of your pipes. What’s more, SpringWell has designed this model to save you on multiple fronts as it needs no electricity and never needs to be replaced. Best of all, installing this unit won’t decrease your water pressure. For a one-to-three bathroom home, you can expect a flow rate of 12 gallons per minute to be maintained.
This water softener kit includes everything you need for a successful installation, and you’ll get it with fast, free shipping directly from SpringWell. Once installed, the system will self-adjust to meet the hardness of your water.
Reviewers say that this water softener works beautifully after an easy installation and requires very little maintenance. In fact, many are surprised by how well it performs when compared to a traditional, salt-based system. For the most part, users report that the installation is smooth, but if you don’t feel comfortable with your plumbing skills, you can always have a professional plumber install the system for you.
As a side note, this SpringWell softener pairs perfectly with their whole home filter, which you can read all about in our guide to whole house water filters. Pairing the two systems provides a holistic approach to obtaining clean water throughout your home.
2. Pelican Water Systems Salt-Free Water Softener
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The second softener on our list, this model from Pelican softens water by neutralizing the minerals present to prevent them from sticking to surfaces, rather than removing them from the water. Pelican Water has engineered this system to work without the need for salt or brine discharge; adding to this, it doesn’t require electricity. As water passes through the system, minerals that cause hard water are crystallized to stop them from adhering to your pipes, fixtures, and appliances.
This salt-free system is proven to prevent 99.6% of scale buildup, leading to your appliances lasting longer and the quality of your water being vastly improved. Adding to this, your pipes will also be protected from corrosion and your clothes and dishes will be without unwanted residue. Furthermore, one of our favorite things about this system is that it’s relatively easy to install and is virtually maintenance-free thereafter.
If you’re concerned about the environment, you’ll be happy to know that this water softener is very eco-friendly, as just like the SpringWell unit above, no salt brine or other harmful chemicals will be discharged back into the environment. In addition, this system saves you money in the long run because as there’s no need to purchase salt and it doesn’t require electricity to operate.
What’s more, this system comes in at a fantastic price-point when you factor in all that it offers, including the maintenance-free nature this softener was designed with. Adding to this, Pelican Water Systems provides a pretty incredible lifetime warranty with the purchase of this product.
If you’re not familiar with Pelican Water, take a moment to look at some of their reviews, whether on their website or elsewhere on the internet. They’re undoubtedly one of the leading water filtration companies in the United States; this particular system is a testament to their innovative engineering and pursuance of excellence.
3. Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000 Grain Water Softener
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This unit is NSF-certified to reduce effects of hard water, including staining, pipe and faucet buildup and even spots on dishes. The system is designed to remove up to 8 ppm of clear water iron – including ferrous iron that can’t be seen – plus calcium, magnesium, manganese & iron. The unit is ideal for homes featuring one to four people, and it will automatically calibrate to determine how much salt is needed – plus, it will never use more than what is necessary. A low-salt indicator also lets you know when salt needs to be refilled.
Whirlpool water softeners use demand-initiated regeneration, which means the system only will regenerate based on your water’s hardness level combined with how much water your household actually uses. Employing this technology translates to significant salt and water savings for you and your family.
This unit comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on parts and labor, a three-year limited electronics warranty and a 10-year limited warranty on the system’s tanks. If you’d prefer further coverage, the comprehensive parts and labor warranty can be extended through a full two years with the purchase of three bottles of Whirlpool water softener cleanser within the first year of owning your system.
Reviewers say that this water softener system is easy to install, works beautifully – and, like most Whirlpool products – is long-lasting and reliable. While some users have reported shipping errors and issues, they also report that the manufacturer has been quick and helpful in sorting out any problems.
4. Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener
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This unit is a digital metered water softener system for medium to large households. The digital display makes this system very easy to operate, and regeneration is fully automated, so there’s very little maintenance required once the system is installed. This is a salt-based unit with a 48,000-grain capacity, making it very effective for softening even the hardest water.
The Fleck 5600SXT has been designed with a high-efficiency valve to save so salt, making it more economical to operate in comparison to older systems. This system comes complete with a polyglass softener tank, brine tank, control head, and long-lasting 8% crosslink resin. An installation kit that includes complete instructions and a video also comes with the unit. To get this softener up and running, simply plumb it in, add salt, and you’re good to go.
One of our favorite features of this system is the on-demand, metered flow system that keeps track of the water usage for you and regenerates as needed. The convenient LCD display also displays the status of the system, and all controls are on one easy to use touchpad.
Firsthand reports of this unit say it’s easy to install and does an excellent job of, well, softening their water. Users found the system to be easy to operate and say that it uses less salt than they expected. The only drawback to this system is its size; this is not a compact unit, so it will not work for tight spaces. Fleck provides a 10-year warranty on the tanks and a five-year warranty on the valve with the purchase of this water softener.
5. Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener and Iron Filter
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The Iron Pro 2 is a water softener and iron filter all in one. We love this system because it eliminates the red staining in your sinks, toilets, and bathtubs that is caused by high concentrations of iron in the water while also preventing scale build-up and, of course, softening the water; all in one easy to use system. If it wasn’t already implied, this means no more scrubbing white, flaky scale residue or stains off your fixtures and appliances! This system is especially useful for well water, as it’s infamously known to have high levels of iron.
The flow rate of this system is an impressive 15 gallons per minute, which should provide plenty of water pressure for your entire house. In addition to removing iron from your water, the Iron Pro 2 also removes magnesium, manganese, calcium, sediment, sand, and rust during the filtration process. Adding to this, this system will also filter out up to 2ppm of sulfur to eliminate unpleasant odors.
Other key features of this system include a bypass valve that allows for easier maintenance and a plastic cone that’s designed to keep resin from entering your pipes when the system is not in use. The Iron Pro 2 regenerates automatically to prolong the life of the resin, and the controls can be set to regenerate at a certain time, or after a certain number of gallons have been filtered. The life of the resin will vary by usage, but it should last the average family for five years or more.
Owners of this system report that the touchpad controls are very easy to use and overall maintenance is very simple. However, reviewers did point out that you will need to hire a professional to install the system if you don’t have prior plumbing experience. Finally, as far as warranty goes, Fleck includes five years with purchase.
6. Aquasure Harmony Series Water Softener
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With this whole-house water softening system, you’ll be able to eliminate scale and reduce water hardness for your household. Designed to treat 64,000 grains of hardness from minerals like magnesium and iron, this system from Aquasana features an Aquatrol advanced digital on-demand meter control head, plus a pre-filled premium grade resin, an in-and-out bypass and a one-inch NPT male adapter.
The Harmony system gives you three ways of controlling how the softener operates: time-clock delayed control, meter immediate control and meter delayed control, which ultimately gives you full control of the system.
Users are overwhelmingly impressed with this water softener – they cite that it’s well made, looks good and is an overall outstanding value. In fact, some reviewers have referred to the system as a professional unit with a DIY price. That being said, many users caution against trying to install this system yourself unless you have prior plumbing experience and are confident in your skills – most would advise that you have a professional install this system. However, once it’s up and running, the system is described as being easy and intuitive to program and operate. A few reviewers have experienced missing or damaged parts during shipment, but those who have report that the company has been fast and professional in responding to remedy those types of issues.
With its five-year manufacturer’s warranty, you can be confident that this system can effectively treat your household’s water for many years to come. It’s ideal for a household of up to seven people and can handle up to four to six bathrooms.
7. On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener
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This On The Go Water Softener is the largest, compact (how’s that for an oxymoron) water softener on the market. This system is salt-based and is capable of producing as much as 40% more soft water than other similarly sized units. Although the OTG4 system was designed specifically for use in RVs, the reasonable price point and compact size make it an excellent option for use in tiny homes and apartments. This system effectively prevents both rust stains and scale buildup in pipes, fixtures, and appliances.
Some notable features of this system are the wide opening that allows salt to be added easily, the flexible carrying handle for portability, and the in and out head set and bypass for easy maintenance of the system. The On The Go system filters 500-1600 gallons of hard water before it needs to regenerate, and its maximum pressure is 120 psi. To start a new cycle, only two boxes of standard table salt are required.
The main benefit of this system is its compact size; the entire unit is only 10×22 inches, meaning it can be used in various applications, such as at the campground, RV park, or at home (albeit a small home) for soft, odorless, great-tasting water. The only con we can see to this system is that it’s not big enough to handle the water needs of a full-size home, but there are other systems for that. The OTG4 offers excellent value for the price.
8. Eddy Electronic Water Softener and Descaler
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If after seeing some of the more expensive units we’ve reviewed above you’re looking for a more affordable, easy to install alternative to a traditional water softener, the Eddy Electronic Water Descaler might be for you. This system can easily be installed by the do-it-yourselfer and requires little to no maintenance once installation is complete. This system from Eddy does not alter the chemical hardness of your water, but it does prevent scale buildup in your pipes, fixtures, and appliances without the need for salt to soften the water.
The Eddy Electronic Water Softener and Descaler uses an electromagnetic wave to alter the adhesion properties of the minerals that cause hard water. The magnetic waves travel through magnetic coils that are wrapped around your existing water pipes. The unit itself is very small and compact, weighing less than two pounds. Similar to the Pelican Water Systems units above, this system is very eco-friendly because it uses very little electricity and does not release salt or other harmful chemicals into the environment.
If the hardness level of your water is average or low, and your pipes are PVC, this system is a good option for you. However, if your water is extremely hard, over 20 GPG, you may not see any improvement at all with this system. Adding to this, as it uses magnetism, it will not work if you have metal pipes. That being said, Eddy offers a 12-month 100% money back guarantee and a lifetime warranty on this product, so there’s no risk in giving it a try if you think it could be a good fit.
9. YARNA Electronic Water Softener and Descaler
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The YARNA Electronic Water Softener and Descaler removes excess calcium and magnesium from your water, without the need to add salt or other chemicals. Instead, this unit from YARNA works by crystallizing the hard water minerals in your water so they can’t build up and cause scale. Included with purchase is everything you’ll need to get this unit up and running and it’s incredibly easy to install.
YARNA has designed this unit to function with impulse bands that can be wrapped around any type of pipe, including metal, unlike the Eddy unit above. This water softener and descaler can effectively remove up to 99% of limescale, which assists in prolonging the lifespan of your appliances, plumbing, and fixtures. Not to mention, hard water can also create issues with dry skin and hair and prevent soap and detergent from working correctly; as with the other softeners on this list, this unit can help to eliminate those problems, albeit at a cheaper price point and with easier installation.
Once this system is installed, it is virtually maintenance free and has no negative impact on the environment since no salt or chemicals are used. This particular unit is also quite economical in its operation as it uses very little electricity and doesn’t require the purchasing of any additives. YARNA claims that operating costs for this system are only about $10 per year.
While there’s a lot of good to be said about this small but mighty softener and descaler, it doesn’t remove iron from water and may not be enough for water that’s extremely hard. However, this unit is very affordable and a good option for those looking for a low maintenance solution to limescale issues. YARNA provides a 10-year warranty at the time of purchase.
10. Aquasana SimplySoft Salt-Free Water Softener and Whole House Water Filter
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The Aquasana SimplySoft Salt-Free Water Softener and Whole House Water Filter is a salt-free system that not only softens your water, but also filters it to provide delicious, odor-free water throughout your entire home. Unlike the other models in this article, this particular unit combines its softening powers with a whole house water filter. This results in the removal of pesticides, heavy metals, fluoride, chlorine, and more from your water at the point of entry. Adding to this, there’s even an optional UV filter for this system that will remove bacteria and viruses.
Aquasana has designed this unit with a unique upflow, dual tank functionality that allows water to stay in contact with the filter media longer, providing more time for the filter to do its job. Furthermore, as this unit is salt-free, it will protect your pipes, appliances, and fixtures from scale buildup and corrosion without increasing the sodium content of your water or removing essential minerals.
Aquasana offers a pro-grade installation kit for this system that includes a pre-filter, post-filter, brass fittings, as well as shut off valves for easier maintenance and installation. Speaking of maintenance, the only time spent maintaining this unit will be when changing out the filters every 10,000 gallons. This unit is relatively easy to install, but if you don’t have any prior plumbing experience, you may wish to hire a professional plumber who’s more up to the task. Aquasana stands behind this product with a 10-year warranty and is a brand with a fantastic product lineup; our Aquasana reviews article delves into a number of their water-focused filtration and purification products.
How Water Softeners Work
Plain and simple, water softeners soften hard water by removing the minerals that cause water to be considered hard. Water is determined to be hard when it contains higher than average amounts of minerals like magnesium and calcium. When your water is hard, you may notice a white film on your bathroom fixtures and shower doors, as well as white spots on your glassware. Hard water can even make clothes may look yellow or dingy. Even worse, hard water can cause skin to become dry and itchy, as well as make hair look dull. You may also notice that appliances like coffee makers, dishwashers, and washing machines aren’t lasting as long as they were advertised.
Many people with a general knowledge of these systems believe that it’s the salt that softens the water, while in actuality it’s the resin that does the real work, which is why the salt-free units we have listed above can accomplish the same end result of providing soft water. While the tiny resin beads inside your water softener tank filter out hard water minerals, salt-based systems use salt to clean the resin beads when your system regenerates.
Here’s a basic overview of how a salt-based water softener system works:
- These systems are installed at the main water line where the water comes into your home. As hard water enters your home from your main water line or well, its first stop is the water softener tank.
- The main water softener tank is full of tiny resin beads. These beads are intended to attract the hard water minerals and hold them in the tank, effectively removing them from the water. During this process, the hard water minerals are actually exchanged for sodium on the resin beads.
- Softened water leaves the tank and continues through your pipes to be used in your hot water heater, kitchen, bathrooms and other water-using appliances.
- After a certain amount of water has been softened, the resin beads must be rinsed clean of the hard water minerals and recharged with more sodium, so they can collect and attract more hard water minerals from your water.
- During the regeneration process, a strong brine is created in your system’s brine tank from the salt you added to the system. As this brine flows through your resin tank, the beads are rinsed and sodium is exchanged for the minerals that have been collected. This process can take as long as two hours and most systems allow you to program the regeneration for a time when you aren’t likely to be using the water.
There are some salt-free systems that use different methods to remove the hard water minerals from your water. For example, the Aquasana system discussed above uses a filter to remove the hard water minerals. This filter must be replaced periodically to allow more minerals to be filtered out.
As a side note, Eddy and YARNA systems mentioned above don’t actually remove the minerals from your water. Instead, they crystallize the minerals to prevent them from adhering to surfaces, which prevents scale from forming. These systems don’t require salt, chemicals, or a filter, so they’re virtually maintenance free.
Advantages of a Water Softener
Installing a water softener can provide a multitude of advantages for your health, the cleanliness of your home, and the longevity of your pipes, water heater, and appliances. Adding to this, after the upfront cost, one of these units will actually save you money in several ways, too.
One of the most significant advantages of a water softener is the improved quality of the drinking water throughout your home. Softened water tastes better, which could lead to your family drinking more water and fewer sugary soft drinks. Some experts also believe that drinking very hard water can cause cardiovascular and reproductive issues because of the excess minerals.
Softened water is much better for your skin and hair, too. After using softened water for a short time, you’ll most likely begin to notice that your skin and hair are softer and you won’t have as many issues with dry, itchy skin. Without the harmful minerals in your water, your hair might also become shinier and less brittle; even your shampoo and body wash might lather better and be more effective.
When it comes to cleaning your home, you will quickly discover that household cleaning products are much more effective when you have soft water. In fact, using soft water when you clean reduces the amount of cleaner you need by up to 70%. Your dishes and glassware will be spot free when they come out of the dishwasher, too. Adding to this, your clothes, towels and linens will be cleaner, softer, brighter and whiter than before. Hard water is also responsible for unsightly stains on bathroom fixtures, toilets, tubs, and showers. A water softener actually makes cleaning your bathroom much easier because you won’t have to scrub away the scum, stains, and grimy film that are left behind by hard water.
As we alluded to in the beginning of this section, a water softener is indispensable when it comes to longevity of your water heater, dishwasher, washing machine, and other water-using appliances. Mineral buildup from hard water is a leading cause of appliance failure. Not only that, but hard water can affect the efficiency of your water heater, making it work harder and use more electricity, resulting in higher electricity bills.
If all that isn’t enough, installing a water softener can extend the life of your pipes, faucets and shower heads by reducing clogging, too. Hard water causes scale to form inside your plumbing and fixtures, which restricts water flow. Over time, scale buildup can lead to a reduction in water pressure and your pipes and fixtures will become clogged much more easily. A water softener not only prevents new scale buildup from forming, but it can actually reduce the amount of existing scale after installation.
Water Softener Installation and Maintenance
Although most water softeners are reasonably easy to install, especially with the number of DIY videos out there, you may wish to call in a professional plumber if you don’t have any plumbing experience, especially if your home has never had a water softener before. Be sure to place your system before your hot water heater to protect it from corrosion and buildup. Salt-based systems must be placed near a drain because they will need to empty out each time the system regenerates.
To begin installation, turn off the water at your main water line and drain all the water out of your pipes. Turn off the power to your water heater, as well. Next, cut into the main line at the desired location and install an elbow fitting with a bypass valve to allow you to bypass the water softener system if necessary.
Now, use the compression fittings that came with your system to attach the pipes that will feed the water into and out of the system. Attach the drain hose and run it to a floor drain, sump pump, or utility drain and clamp it into place. Following the manufacturer’s specifications, connect the overflow tube to your system’s brine tank.
Next, flush the system with water to remove any debris. Turn the unit on and set it to the backwash position. Slowly open the valve to release any air from the pipes. Finally, add salt to the brine tank and set up the regeneration schedule according to the instruction book that came with your unit.
Maintaining your salt-based water softener is pretty straightforward. Simply add salt according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to use the proper type of salt recommended by your system’s manufacturer; some systems use standard table salt while others use water softener salt or even rock salt. Don’t add salt until the brine tank is empty, and then only fill the tank about two-thirds of the way. The brine tank should be drained and cleaned with fresh water about once a year for sanitary reasons.
For those who want a maintenance-free option and super simple installation, the Eddy and YARNA systems discussed above might be good choices. There’s no need to make any modifications to your plumbing when installing these systems and they don’t even need a drain. Furthermore, since they don’t require salt, no maintenance is required once the unit is in place.
Best Water Softener Buyer’s Guide
There are several things to consider when choosing a water softener for your home; depending on your situation, the most expensive one isn’t always the best option. The first thing you need to know is how hard your water is, so start by sending a water sample in for testing or purchasing a test kit to do it yourself. Knowing just how hard your water is will help you determine what type of system you need.
The hardness level of water is measured in grains per gallon, and anything over seven grains per gallon indicates the need for a water softener. To figure out what size system you need, take the number of grains per gallon of water, determine how many gallons of water your household uses per day, and compare it to the number of grains of hardness the unit is rated to remove in a day.
For traditional homes with very hard water, a salt-based system will be most effective for softening water. The maintenance required for these systems is minimal, and most newer systems operate on a set it and forget it methodology; merely add salt when needed and clean the brine tank once per year. Salt-based systems usually have two tanks, one for the resin and one for the salt/brine solution.
However, these systems do take up a lot of space, and some plumbing knowledge will be required for installation. They will also need to be placed near a drain. For tiny homes, apartments, and RV dwellers, the On The Go Water Softener is a great option. It does the same job as a larger system but in a small compact form factor. Adding to this, because the unit is meant to be portable, it’s easy to hook up and run the hose for draining purposes.
Some whole house water softener systems can do more than just soften water, such as remove other undesirable elements from your water. For example, the Iron Pro 2 removes iron, sulfur, manganese, calcium, sediment, sand, and rust during the filtration process. Furthermore, the Aquasana SimplySoft Salt-Free Water Softener and Whole House Water Filter offers a full range of options, including a UV filter to remove bacteria and viruses. Use your water test results to help you determine if you need these features.
In the event that you don’t want to be bothered with adding salt to your system, salt-free options abound. The Pelican Water, YARNA and Eddy systems discussed above are all salt-free and require virtually no maintenance once installed. These systems work by neutralizing the minerals in the water through crystallization, which prevents the minerals from sticking to surfaces. Unfortunately, these systems may not be effective enough if you have very hard water.
On the condition that budget and space are your primary concerns when choosing your system, take a look at the Eddy system and the YARNA system. They are both very affordable and don’t take up much space for installation. In fact, even the novice do-it-yourselfer can install one of these two systems in minutes without the need for special tools. These systems are simply clipped onto your main water line where it enters the home. Since they use electromagnetic properties to neutralize the hard water minerals, there’s no salt to buy. They are also very energy efficient and require only small amounts of electricity to run. Keep in mind, as we stated in the prior paragraph, that these systems will work best where the level of hardness isn’t extremely high.
If you’re looking to further outfit your home with the latest in water-augmenting technology, this Best Instant Hot Water Dispenser article we put together is a must-read.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
With all of the different water augmenting products on the market, it can be difficult and confusing to figure out precisely what system or systems your particular situation requires. There are a number of burning questions that instantly come to mind for the average consumer, such as how long a product might last, how to know if purchasing one is even necessary, and just how ‘worth it’ water softeners are. This FAQ section is our attempt to answer some of the most popular water softener-related questions.
How long should a water softener last?
While there’s no hard and fast rule on how long a given water softener will last, a general rule of thumb is that these systems will at least make it to the 10 to 15 year mark before needing to be replaced. You’ll notice in the product reviews above that a few of the systems include 10-year warranties with purchase. That being said, these systems do have the ability to last longer if they’re maintained properly and you’re willing to invest in the occasional repair, depending on how much the cost of a repair stacks up against the cost of a new system. Keep in mind, however, that depending on how hard the water is where you live, your system may have to work harder for you to obtain softened water, meaning the need to replace it may arrive a little faster than anticipated.
How do I know if I need one?
Without first having your water professionally tested for its hardness (which we highly recommend), there are numerous ways to get an idea of whether or not a water softener is needed in your home. As a general rule of thumb, if anything that comes into continual contact with your water isn’t doing so well appearance or performance-wise, the hardness of your water may be to blame. If you notice your skin and hair is continually dry after showering, this may be due to the unwanted minerals that cause water to be considered ‘hard’. Scale build up and staining around water’s point of entry and exit, such as faucets, sink basins and bathtubs is another sign that a softening system might be needed. Furthermore, hard water can really hit you where it hurts—your wallet. Scale buildup clogs pipes and puts strain on your water heater, leading to increased utility bills and more frequent repairs.
Are these units worth it?
This question is a bit trickier than some of the others to answer, as it completely depends on your specific situation. If you don’t have an issue with hard water in your home, then one of these units most likely wouldn’t be worth it for you. If you live in an area where the water is notoriously hard, a water softener just might be your saving grace. If you notice some of the issues described in the above question, get your water professionally tested to see if one of these systems would be of benefit.
Which is better; a water softener or a water conditioner?
This frequently asked question should be phrased differently, as it can’t be answered in the way it’s asked. It’s impossible to compare softeners to conditioners, as they are actually one in the same. A water conditioner is defined as a type of water augmenting system that performs a process or multiple processes to provide better quality water. All that to say, a water softener is one type of water conditioner, as is a water distiller, whole house water filter and water ionizer. So, while all water softeners are water conditioners, not all water conditioners are water softeners.
Does having one increase home value?
It’s no secret that after the initial purchase of a water softening unit and the cost of having the unit professionally installed by a plumber, these units can set you back a pretty penny. While some homeowners may opt to install the unit themselves, many don’t have the expertise or time. If your area has hard water, a future buyer of your home will most likely be aware of this fact. Having a water softener already installed could definitely provide the nudge needed for a prospect to pull the trigger on a full-priced offer.
Is there an alternative to a softening system?
Yes and no. If you have hard water, the only true solution is obvious—a system that was designed to soften said hard water. However, the brands Eddy and YARNA both have an electronic water softener and descaler that is a cheaper alternative to the more traditional softening system. While these units may not work as well as actual water softeners, they are incredibly easy to install and require little to no maintenance over time. If your water is hard, but not too hard, these systems may be good alternatives; we review each of them above.
Is soft water bad for your hair?
The short answer is no, soft water is not bad for your hair. While soft water might leave your hair looking a tad greasy or without volume, it doesn’t damage hair like hard water does. Hard water, defined by its high mineral content, tends to dry hair out and leave it lacking sheen. The minerals in hard water actually adhere to hair and slowly damage it over time.
What is a good water softener for well water?
This is a great question as well water is notoriously known for being very hard. Additionally, well water also commonly contains iron, which combines with magnesium and calcium to form a trifecta of bad news for your home and loved ones. We’d recommend the Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener and Iron Filter, which is the fourth system reviewed above. This particular water softener is combined with an iron filter, making it a near perfect response to the perils many homeowners have with well water.
Concluding Thoughts
When deciding on the best water softener system for your home, always start with a water test to determine precisely what you need. The type of system you need will vary based on the hardness of your water, and sometimes the most expensive system isn’t necessary. Also, consider the size of the system and where it will be positioned, as well as cost and ease of installation. All of these factors coupled with the above water softener reviews should help you determine which system will most ideally fit your individual needs.
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