Water softener reduces, doesn’t filter, calcium content
It was brought to my attention not too long ago that my water softener had reached the time where it was too expensive to repair and less expensive to replace, and never wanting to be without, I replaced it.
Many confuse the difference between water softeners and water filters, so in this article I will explain the difference and why both are necessary in most parts of the country.
In Texas and most areas of the South, water is naturally hard and contains high levels of calcium. Calcium is hard on your pipes, your body and on equipment such as washing machines, dishwashers and yes, even your water heater.
Interestingly, soft water is what performs the cleaning process. Most soap detergents are designed to soften the water first before they clean. For example, a non-sudsing soap you put in the dishwasher has to soften the water first, so the water and the detergent combined with the high temperature will clean the dishes. When you have a water softener, less soap and detergents are needed to perform the same cleaning tasks.
Water softeners reduce the calcium content, making the water react more efficiently with the cleaning agents, but it is not a filter. Over the years there have been claims the use of magnets or electrical conversion will soften water. However, the only proven way to soften water is with a softener that uses salt or a type of potassium. If you really want to take care of your new or older home, and all your appliances, including the water heater, install a water softener.
Water softeners have different features — some run on timers and some use no electricity at all. Electric timers regenerate the water based on a calculated usage, but those calculations may be based on usage that has not occurred. The non-electric ones measure the rate of water usage and regenerate only when necessary and by not requiring electricity do not add any additional electrical costs.
The newer ones, with the gears, are what I recommend. There are other types with options — some will remove rust, some have greater water flow to accommodate larger homes or households, but you will have to determine your needs because softeners must be sized properly for your needs. I think using less electricity is the way to go, and for most people the application on a retrofitted home is placing the unit outside.
When mounted outside, one advantage is the cost of installation, as mounting outside the home is less expensive. If you are building a new home, you can have the unit placed in the garage or in a closet, but in retrofit situations, outside mounting is the least expensive. Also, these units are manufactured to be placed outside and are able to withstand the elements.
Another key advantage to locating the unit outside is the ability to set up an account with a company and be placed on an automatic salt run. There are companies that will bring the salt to your home and place in the unit on a regular basis based on your usage. Unfortunately, while this does seem an easy task, many allow the unit to run out more often when they are responsible for the purchase and filling of the unit. Remember a water softener is not a filter, and is recommended for new and older homes.
Tom Tynan has a degree in architecture from the University of Miami, Fla., and is host of the “Homeshow” on KILT-AM (610), 8-11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. He is director of Construction Trades at Houston Community College. He also publishes a bimonthly magazine, The Right Angle. Questions may be submitted to tom@tomtynan.com.