Water Softener FAQs

Water Softener FAQs

Hard water leaves spots on glassware and can be harsh on clothing, diminishing vibrant colors. Hard water also produces scale build-up in your plumbing and water-using appliances, forcing them to work harder. They end up using more energy, shortening their life span considerably. This can cost you more money now and in the future. What does the grain capacity of a water softener mean? The rated capacity of a softener is the maximum number of grains of water hardness the unit can remove prior to regeneration. How is the "hardness" of water measured?

The hardness of water is measured in grains per gallon (gpg). One grain of hardness is equal to 1 / 7,000 pound of rock. Your municipal water supply may measure water hardness in milligrams (mg) / litersor parts per million (ppm). One gpg is equal to 17.1 mg / L or 17.1 ppm. How do I find my water hardness? You can call your municipality if you use city water or purchase a water test kit. Does the salt soften my water? No, the resin bed inside the softener is what softens the water. Over time, that resin becomes coated with hardness particles. When that happens, the softener goes into its regeneration cycle, and the salt in the tank is mixed with incoming water to rid the resin bed of these hardness particles. After regeneration, the unit is then ready to provide a steady stream of soft water to your home.

What type of salt should I use? A clean pellet or nugget-style salt is recommended. Other types of salt are available for specialized applications. Does the recharge water from the softener harm my septic system? No, water softener recharge water won't affect septic system operation or drain field soil percolation. How much water does each recharge use? It uses about as much water as it takes to wash a load of laundry. How much electricity does a water softener use? It uses about as much as a digital alarm clock.

Water Softener Installation Requirements • You'll need two 1-inch national pipe thread taper (NPT) female connectors and enough tubing to connect from the water softener to your existing plumbing. You may have copper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), steel or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plumbing. Each of these plumbing types may require different materials and tools for installation. • A drain is necessary for the regeneration or recharge process. About 10-feet of drain tubing is supplied, but if your drain is further than 10-feet away, you need to purchase enough ½-inch tubing to reach your drain. The drain shouldn't be more than 30-feet away from the softener. The drain line shouldn't be elevated more than 8-feet above the floor. • The power cord (transformer) needs to be plugged into a 110-volt continuous live outlet. The unit comes with a 10-foot power cord.