Question 1

What is hard water?

Accepted Answer

When water is referred to as 'hard', this means it contains more minerals than ordinary water. These are especially the minerals calcium and magnesium. The degree of hardness to the water increases when more calcium and magnesium dissolve.​

According to the Water Quality Association, hard water contains dissolved minerals above one grain per gallon (GPG), though relative levels of hardness have been established and are as follows:

Soft - less than 1 GPG
Slightly hard - 1 to 3.5 GPG
Moderately hard - 3.5 to 7 GPG
Hard - 7 to 10.5 GPG
Very Hard - 10.5 and higher GPG

Question 2

What are the effects of hard water?

Accepted Answer

The presence of hard water in your home results in:

Limescale build-up around faucets, showerheads, and other surfaces
Soap scum on shower walls, bathtubs, sinks and other fixtures
Plumbing and pipe corrosion
Streaky or spotted dishes
Stiff, scratchy laundry
Irritated, dry skin or dull, lifeless hair
Decreased efficiency of appliances and more frequent breakdowns
An increase in the amount of soap and detergent needed for cleaning

Question 3

How does a water softener work?

Accepted Answer

Water softening utilizes a process called "ion exchange" to remove dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

These minerals can't be trapped by a filter, so a molecular reaction is required. Water softeners have resin beads that hold onto sodium. And as hard water flows through the resin, the sodium is swapped for the hard water minerals. The hard water minerals are trapped inside the softener so they never reach your skin, hair or plumbing fixtures.

Question 4

Which type of salt is used in a water softener?

Accepted Answer

For water softening, three types of salt are generally sold:
Rock salt
Solar salt
Evaporated salt

HTU sells solar salt for our customers who purchase our water softeners.

Question 5

Where is a water softener installed?

Accepted Answer

Your water softening system will be installed on a level surface, near where water enters the home. If your home has well water, a drain and power source should also be near the softening system.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when determining the right location for your water softener:
An area that won’t be exposed to sun and rain, that could damage the system.
Drain proximity, electrical and piping connection requirements – all things that your HTU water technician will help you with during installation.

Question 6

Does a water softener require maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, to continue operating at peak performance, a water softener needs regular maintenance. Which fortunately doesn’t require a lot of work.

Regular filling of salt in the tank is required. Your HTU technician will orient you during installation on how to maintain the proper salt level.

If your HTU water softener has a pre-filter installed, a quarterly filter replacement is recommended. And don't worry, our team keeps track of these periodic filter replacements and contacts you when it's time for servicing.

Water softeners are usually trouble-free. Especially if salt levels are regularly monitored. HTU can help with scheduled salt delivery service that checks over the unit and saves you from transporting and lifting those heavy bags. But if you prefer to do it yourself, make sure to use quality solar salt. That should lessen another issue — salt bridging in the brine tank.

A salt bridge is a layer of hardened salt crust. If you suddenly lack soft water or your softener stops using salt, you should call us for service. High temperatures, humidity or poor salt quality can create a bridge and prevent the softener's resin beads from regenerating.

In clearing salt bridges, use caution. Improper cleaning can puncture a hole in the wall of your water softener.

Question 7

What size water softener do I need?

Accepted Answer

The exact size or capacity of the water softener needed in your home depends on your typical household water usage.

Ultimately, selecting the best water softener for your home doesn’t have to be complicated. Working with us is a quick and easy way to find the correct size for your household. Getting this right is important for ensuring the best water quality and maximum efficiency.

WATER SOFTENING SYSTEMS

Soft Water that’s Better for You and Your Home

Benefits of Water Softening

Longer-Lasting
Appliances

Hydrated Hair
and Skin

Brighter
Laundry

Greater
Savings

Featured Water Softener Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hard water?

What are the effects of hard water?

How does a water softener work?

Which type of salt is used in a water softener?

Where is a water softener installed?

Does a water softener require maintenance?

What size water softener do I need?

​

WATER SOFTENING SYSTEMS

Soft Water that’s Better for You and Your Home

Benefits of Water Softening

Longer-Lasting Appliances

Hydrated Hair and Skin

Brighter Laundry

Greater Savings

Featured Water Softener Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hard water?

What are the effects of hard water?

How does a water softener work?

Which type of salt is used in a water softener?

Where is a water softener installed?

Does a water softener require maintenance?

What size water softener do I need?

Longer-Lasting
Appliances

Hydrated Hair
and Skin

Brighter
Laundry

Greater
Savings