Determining the proper size water softener to purchase for your home may not be as simple as you think! Our experts outline things to consider that will help you make an informed decision on the proper equipment you install in your home or business.
Your plumbing systems support crucial daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and bathing. However, many homeowners don’t realize that certain types of water could cause issues for their plumbing systems.
In most cases, the solution for dangerous hard water is to install a water softener. If you don’t currently have one of these systems, though, you might be asking, “How big of a water softener do I need?”
What Is Water Hardness?
Water hardness measures the quantity of calcium and magnesium dissolved within the flowing water of a plumbing system. According to the science of water hardness, the most common sources of hard water are groundwater wells that allow minerals in the soil to transfer to the water.
Many homeowners ask if the hardness of their water matters. However, hard water can cause various problems for you and your plumbing systems. Some of the main problems caused by hard water include:
- Dry hair or skin after bathing
- Difficulty with soap lathering during bathing
- Scale buildup in plumbing systems
- Water spots on laundry or dishes
- Inefficient water flow
- Increased water consumption and expenses
The Importance of Water Softener Efficiency
When asking, “How big of a water softener do I need?” it helps to understand why this system’s efficiency level matters. Water softeners use the sodium from salt to offset the magnesium and calcium concentration in your water supply.
Because of its sodium use, you will need to supply your water softener with salt to maintain the machine’s efficacy. Utilizing an inefficient water softener will require you to buy more salt for your softener and increase the regeneration frequency. These factors can cost you over time.
Properly Sizing Your Water Softener
Getting the right size water softener saves you money and hassle by minimizing salt use and maximizing soft water capacity. Professionals from Rainforest Plumbing & Air can advise you on the best size options for your water softener.
Factors Impacting the Right Water Softener Size
There are a few factors that impact the size of the water softener you need. From the water hardness of your source to your daily water needs, identifying these factors will indicate the best-sized resin bed for your water softener.
Water Hardness
Your water hardness measures magnesium and calcium levels. Depending on your water source, you might have to test the water to identify its hardness.
Measures of water hardness usually come in the unit of milligrams per liter (mg/L) or grains per gallon (GPG). Every 1.0 ppm of iron present in the water offsets the water hardness by three grains per gallon.
Daily Water Use
Your daily water consumption levels directly impact the size water softener necessary. In order to determine your water usage, multiply the amount of people living in your home by 75 gallons per day (the national average). However, if you host frequent visitors, friends, and family in your home, you might consider getting one size above what you need.
Daily Softening Requirement
The daily softening requirement for your home combines your water hardness with daily water use. Multiply these numbers to get your softening requirement.
Matching the Conditions With a Water Softener Size
Because most water softeners require weekly regeneration, you will need to multiply the daily softening requirement by seven to identify the right size. For example, if your daily softening requirement is 3000 grains, you will need a resin size that can efficiently support 21,000 grains per week.
High Salt-Efficiency Water Softeners
The salt-efficiency rating of water softeners plays a role in how well these machines work, too. The following figures demonstrate the efficacy of different-sized resins with salt efficiency:
- 0.75 Cubic Feet = 15,000 Grains
- 1.0 Cubic Feet = 20,000 Grains
- 1.5 Cubic Feet = 30,000 Grains
- 2.0 Cubic Feet = 40,000 Grains
- 3.0 Cubic Feet = 60,000 Grains
- 4.0 Cubic Feet = 80,000 Grains
Hire Water Softener Installation Professionals From Rainforest Plumbing & Air
Understanding how a water softener works can help you avoid issues from hard water and overconsumption of salt. Professionals from Rainforest Plumbing & Air offer top-rated services and counsel to optimize all your home comfort systems. For answers to this or any of your plumbing needs, call Rainforest Plumbing and Air for fast, friendly and reliable service.
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