Water Softeners Near Me: A Comprehensive List of Your Biggest Questions

In this blog, you will learn:

• The best water softeners are NSF-44 certified, easy to service, made in America, have a comprehensive warranty and create little pressure loss
• The cost of a water softener can range between $800 and upwards of $7,000
• Water softeners should be serviced by a professional annually, and whenever you notice issues
• Both city and well water can be hard
• A comprehensive water test is the only way to know for sure if you have hard water

Are you tired of worrying about rock minerals or toxins lurking in your home’s water? Are you sick of your family battling dry skin, brittle hair and itchiness? If so, you’ve likely started looking online for “water softeners near me.”

A water softener is the only guaranteed way to turn hard water into soft water, and many models simultaneously eradicate potentially hazardous toxins. But if you’re here, you know that it’s crucial to be informed before making a purchasing decision.

That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive listing of your most pressing questions below, paired with detailed answers. Continue reading to begin your journey towards taking your family’s health and comfort into your own hands.

Water Softeners Near Me Purchasing FAQs

Below, we’ve compiled questions people frequently have when purchasing water softeners near me. Here, you’ll discover answers about pricing, picking the right system, choosing an excellent company and similar topics.

How Can I Find the Best “Water Softeners Near Me?”

There are five things you should look for in the best water softener:

1. A comprehensive warranty provided by a reliable, trustworthy manufacturer
2. NSF 44 certification proving the model’s effectiveness
3. A model that can easily be serviced by a licensed plumber in your area
4. Little to no pressure loss when the water softener is installed
5. Products made in America

You can find most of this information in the product details on a company’s website. However, your best option is to speak with an expert in water softeners near me so they can help you source models that meet these criteria. At Angel Water, we’re always available to answer questions and offer advice when our customers need it.

Are Water Softeners Expensive?

There are water softener models for every budget. Cheaper models (also called “Big Box” water softeners) can go for as little as $800. The most costly models (called “Pro Grade” softeners) can require an upfront investment of as much as $7,000.

We understand everyone has a budget they’re working with. However, we encourage you not to fixate on the upfront costs if you don’t have to. After all, you get what you pay for. The cheapest systems may initially cost less, but they’ll also have the shortest workable lifespan and likely need repairs more frequently. On the other hand, Pro Grade models cost more upfront, but they last longer and need less frequent maintenance.

How Much Should You Spend On Water Softeners Near Me?

There’s no set amount you should spend on water softeners near me. Understanding your water softening needs and budget is essential to find the right model at the right price.

How Do I Know What Softening System My House Needs?

When choosing the right system, you’ll need to consider:

• Your budget: will help you determine which systems are an option for you
• The brand: needs to be reputable, trustworthy and known for manufacturing reliable systems
• Your water hardness: will help you figure out how much rock is dissolve in your water
• Your water usage: helps estimate what water capacity you’ll require
• NSF/ANSI 44 certification: tells you that your chosen system has passed strenuous testing and will work the way it says it will
• Comprehensive warranty: should include coverage for the whole system, not one or two key components

Your best option is to work with a professional to determine your home’s softening system needs. At Angel Water, we carry many models to ensure we have something to fit every budget.  We can help at every crucial step, including water testing, finding the right model, installation, repair and maintenance.

What Should I Look For In A Water Softener Company?

A water softener company should have a positive reputation, with plenty of highly rated customer reviews to prove it. You need someone who only uses NSF-44 certified plumbers to install their water softening systems so you can have peace of mind knowing no bacteria, viruses, or toxins are being introduced into your water system during installation. Most importantly, look for a company passionate about providing customers with clean, pure, soft water.

What Size Water Softener Do I Need?

To determine the right size of water softener for your home, you’ll need to do a little math. The goal is to figure out how many grains of hardness need to be removed from your water daily. You can do this by:

• Starting with the total number of people living in your home
• Multiply that number by how many gallons each person uses daily (80 gallons is the average) to get your total gallons used
• Determine how many grains of hardness you have in your water
• Multiply the grains of hardness by the total gallons used to discover the total grains needing to be removed each day

Your final number will be the minimum number of grains of hardness needing removal each day. Look for a water softener rated to remove this many or slightly more.

Water Softeners Near Me Installation and Maintenance FAQs

Below, we’ve compiled common questions about water softener installation and maintenance. Here, you’ll find answers about repairs, annual services and more.

How Much Do Water Softeners Cost to Run?

The costs to run a water softener vary significantly. However, if you’re worried about your electric bill spiking, be sure to choose a softener system that’s been rated Energy Star Efficient. Proper installation can also help negate unnecessary utility bill increases.

How Often Should A Water Softener Be Serviced?

A water softener should be serviced once a year, plus any time you think there may be a problem with the unit.

What Does Annual Service of a Water Softener Look Like?

During an annual service call, a technician will clean the brine tank, recharge resin beads and check the system for potential errors. They should also test the water to see if the water softener is working – and this test should include your hot water if you have a water heater with a tank. This way, the technician can determine if the softener is correctly working every day. Hot water tanks hold several days of water, which may give insight into issues that are starting to arise.

What Are Some Warning Signs My Water Softener Needs Repair?

A few warning signs that your water softener needs repair include:

• White crust forming on your shower head and faucets
• A rusty waterline ring in your toilet
• Clothing has become discolored after washing
• You start noticing brittle hair, dry skin, or itchy skin and scalp after showering
• Your dishwasher heating element has become covered in white gunk
• Dishes begin looking cloudy
• You’re replacing salt more often, or salt levels remain consistent for long periods
• You’re using more dish or laundry soap to get things clean
• The water softener is leaking or making a lot of noise when running
• Water looks discolored
• You find tiny particles floating in your drinking water
• Your utility bills have begun to slowly (or quickly) increase
• The water heater requires frequent repairs
• The water softener has stopped working entirely

Water Softeners Near Me General FAQs

Below are a few general questions people have when they start their online journey for “water softeners near me.” Here, you’ll find answers about how water softeners work, what hard water is, who needs one and more.

Why Would I Need A Water Softener System Near Me?

When you have hard water, a water softener near me is necessary. A water test can determine if you have hard water.

Is a Water Softener Needed for Well Water?

Yes. If you have well water, you’ll almost definitely need a water softener.

A study by the National Water-Quality Assessment Project found that at least half of the wells tested had a “nuisance” contaminant that likely pointed to hard water. Even more concerning, this study found significant contaminants in the wells tested. For this reason, we suggest a complete water softening and filtration system for homeowners relying on well water. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to toxins and contaminants in your family’s water supply.

Is a Water Softener Needed for City Water?

Most city water homes need a water softener because most water does contain dissolved rock minerals. In addition, a good water softener will also include a carbon filter to remove the chlorine used by the city. Both hard water and chlorine can cause damage to the home, clothing, hair, skin and more.

Do Water Softeners Eliminate Toxins?

Some of the best models are NSF-44 certified and will eliminate toxins. The most common toxins eliminated by water-softening systems are radium 226/228 and barium, which are known to cause cancer and numerous other health issues.

How Do I Know If My Water Is Hard?

If you’re experiencing any signs or symptoms of hard water discussed earlier, you can assume your water is hard. However, only a thorough water test can accurately determine your water hardness.

How Do Salt-Based Water Softeners Work?

Salt-based water softeners use a process called ion exchange to cleanse the water. As hard water flows through the system, it filters through a tank of small resin beads that attract dissolved minerals out of the water. Then, the system sends the softened water through the pipes and to your home’s water fixtures.

Are There Different Types of Water Softeners?

Yes. There are three primary types of water softeners:

1. Salt-based: use an ion exchange to soften and cleanse the water
2. Salt-free: condition the water by altering the mineral’s structure
3. Dual-tank: offers a continuous water supply for families with high water use needs

Buyer beware if you’re thinking about using a salt-free water softener. These systems only protect the inside of the plumbing and there has yet to be any scientific proof that they’ll reduce the typical problems customers complain about.

Ready to Buy the Best “Water Softeners Near Me” in Barrington, IL, or West Palm Beach, FL?

By now, you have enough knowledge to make an informed purchasing decision while searching for the best “water softeners near me.” But if you still have questions or want expert assistance, Angel Water is always here to help! Schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated technicians to discuss your home’s unique water softener needs.