The Best Water Softeners of 2020: An In-Depth Review

As homeowners, we sometimes overlook the importance of our water softeners. It isn’t until we are suffering from the effects of hard water before we begin to realize that we need to make a change. Sediment and hard minerals in your water supply can have a detrimental effect on your health. They can irritate your skin and flatten your hair. Hard water can also cause irreparable damage to your plumbing which will cost a ton of money to repair.

When it comes to selecting a water-softening system for your home, you need to choose what is best for you and your family. There are two types of systems: salt-based and salt-free water softeners. Each system offers a set of unique benefits and they are effective in their own way.

Water softeners make a huge difference in our everyday lives, and this is why you should carefully consider every available option. Here are some of the more popular water softeners on the market:

Although salt-based water softeners have been effective for many years, more and more homeowners are making the switch to salt-free systems. The reason? Salt-free systems can remove hard minerals without using any salt. This means that you will not taste any sodium in your water supply. Salt-free systems also do not require electricity for regeneration or recharging. The downside of a salt-free water softener is that it can be costly (the average price is roughly $2,000). However, salt-free systems are extremely effective in removing sediment and contaminants from your water supply.

Electronic water softeners are a popular option among homeowners for several reasons. They are easy to install, they don’t cost a lot of money, and they don’t require any chemical usage (which is also very beneficial for the environment). An electronic system can effectively remove calcium, magnesium, and manganese compounds. They can also limit buildup in water-using appliances. This is how the system works: it sends electromagnetic waves into your water supply to break up mineral deposits. Although electronic water softeners are incredibly effective, they cannot handle a whole-home system.

If the water in your home comes from a well, then there is a good chance that it contains bacteria and contaminants. This is why a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is the right choice for you. RO filtration effectively removes 99% of all contaminating substances from your water supply. The filter will replace those harmful contaminants with minerals that are more beneficial for you. You can easily mount an RO system underneath your sink and you can also connect it to your refrigerator if it features a water and ice dispenser. You can easily install an RO system by yourself and they are also extremely affordable.

Everyone knows that with high demand, your water softener will experience a great deal of wear and tear. However, if you install a water softener with two tanks in your home, then you can alternate between them. This means that while one tank is in use, the other one will regenerate. This ensures that you will get the most out of your water softener without overtaxing it. It can be a little more pricey to install a system with dual tanks, but if you have a large family, then it will potentially save you a lot of money in the long run. We recommend that you go with a salt-based system if you need to install dual tanks.

There are plenty of cost-effective alternatives to water filtration, and if you have a limited budget, then we recommend that you invest in a salt-free water conditioner. You can acquire it at an economical price of $150 and it will effectively clear up your plumbing and prevent any major catastrophes from occurring. The technology works in a way where it alters the structure of the hard minerals in your water supply so that there won’t be any buildup in your plumbing. Although a water conditioner won’t remove any minerals from your water supply, it will protect your plumbing and water-using appliances. The device is also low maintenance and you won’t have to replace it for several years (replacements are also extremely affordable).

People often wonder if they need a water softener in the first place. The truth is that hard water will wreak havoc in your plumbing and it will negatively affect your health. Hard water can cause buildup in your pipes which can create extreme situations where you have virtually no water pressure. A water softener will go along way in protecting your plumbing and many of the appliances in your home. This is why you should carefully consider every available option so that you can select the water-softening system that is right for you and your family.