If you're in the market for a salt-free water softener, unfortunately, you are out of luck. A salt-free water softener does not exist. The ion exchange process used by water softeners doesn't work without the sodium ions displacing the calcium and magnesium ions that create water hardness.
Both a saltless water conditioner and a traditional water softener are solutions to treat hard water. Salt-free water softeners don't require the use of salt or potassium chloride, so there are no salt refills. as we mentioned though, saltless water softeners don't remove the hardness minerals from water.
Salt-Free Water Softeners: Do Salt-Free Water Softeners Really Work? Unfortunately, salt-free water softeners don't work because they don't exist! “Salt-free water softener” is a misnomer for salt-free water conditioners – all water softeners use some kind of salt to remove hard minerals from your water.
The upside of a salt-free water softener – beyond the no-salt requirement – is that it doesn't use electricity or chemicals and creates no wastewater. The potential downside is that salt-free systems don't technically remove hardness, which means some issues — such as scale buildup — will not be entirely eliminated.
They don't actually soften the word – that is, they don't remove the calcium and magnesium that cause hard water like a traditional softener does. Rather, they change the structure of the hardness minerals to make them less adhesive, meaning that while scale can still form, it's much easier to clean.
Salt-based softeners offer many more benefits than salt-free systems, with the only drawback being salt usage. We recommend salt-based water softeners to people looking to save money by protecting their homes and appliances and/or people looking for radium-free water.
Genesis water softener systems are an eco-friendly choice, saving as much as 75% on salt and 65% on water usage with each regeneration in contrast to other softeners. Using upflow softener technology results in the best salt efficiency and the capability to use the lowest reasonable amount of salt.
We think that water descalers are by far the best choice. First of all, they provide the same benefits as a water softener without the downsides. Instead of replacing calcium and magnesium with sodium, a water descaler simply reshapes the crystals to make them less adherent.
Disadvantages of home water softening
Can corrode your pipes. The corroded metal from the pipes can end up in your water. This can contribute to elevated lead and copper levels in drinking water. Potential health effects from additional sodium.
📌 Key Takeaways: California, Massachusetts, Texas, Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin all have bans or regulations on water softener use.
Soften your kitchen water by boiling: Boiling will make the salts in water sink to the bottom of the boiler. You can then scoop out this water or pour the water in another pot leaving the deposits in the end. Install an ion-exchange filter to your kitchen faucet or use a water pitcher filter.
Can I Drink Softened Water? While most softened water is perfectly safe to drink, the amount of sodium in the treated water will depend on the hardness of the original water. If the water hardness is below 400 ppm calcium before you soften it, then you can drink it with little concern.
We've shared what you need to know in this guide. Water softener salt usually lasts 2-3 months, but the best practice is to top up the salt tank with one 40-pound bag every month.
This is a common problem. clogged eductors or jets in the control valve can cause a water softener to not draw in salt. A malfunctioning brine or float valve can be the culprit. A brine line that has a hole in it can also cause a water softener to not use salt.
Since soft water contains very few dissolved minerals, it tends to leach minerals off other surfaces, including your metal plumbing pipes. This can result in pitting and pinhole leaks in metal plumbing pipes.
What Causes “Slippery” Water After Softening? Slippery water is caused by the ion exchange process. In a water softener, calcium and magnesium minerals — which are responsible for hard water — are exchanged for equal amounts of sodium, or salt ions. As a result, soft water contains a small amount of sodium.
While a water softener does require electricity to run, you'll find that it will save you money in the long run. Softened water is more efficient at cleaning, meaning you'll use less detergent, water, and cleaning products. One of the biggest savings comes from your water heater and boiler.
The most common alternative to a water softening system is a water conditioner. While water softeners remove the mineral ions from hard water and replace them with sodium ions through a process known as ion exchange, water conditioners alter the structure of the mineral ions.
How long does a 40 lb bag of water softener salt last? We hear questions like this often, and the answer is that it really just depends on your system and your household water needs. While the average family will go through a 40 lb bag about once a month or so, your amount will vary.
If your softener is using an excessive amount of salt, it is recharging much more than it should. This can be a result of an out of date hardness setting, or a metering hiccup.
Multiply the water hardness by the water usage in the home to determine what size water softener is needed.. For example, a home that uses 225 gallons of water per day with a water hardness of 10 grains per gallon requires a water softener with a capacity of 2,250 grains per day.
A water softener should last 10 to 15 years. If your unit is facing more wear and tear, it could be due to improper maintenance or particularly hard water. If you'd like to extend the lifespan of your water softener, one option is to add a pre-filter.
Note: That "slippery feeling is the same feeling you get by using lotions and helps reduce dryness." A water softener will help with that itchy, dry skin. A salt-free system will not. The operation of salt-free systems can also be affected by the types of contaminants you have in your water, varying by region.