Best Water Softeners
If you want to remove the minerals and that distinctive hard water taste, you will need to get your hands on a water softener.
By Kitchen Gadget Box
It can be challenging to find quality water, no matter where you live. This factor may be because, when treatments clean your water, they add in a ton of chemicals or minerals. These additions remove harmful bacteria but make the water taste worse.
If you want to remove the minerals and that distinctive hard water taste, you will need to get your hands on a water softener.
Water softeners are designed to remove calcium that can build-up in water. This might include a liquid softener or a hard tab. If you want to soften all of the water in your home, you will need to purchase and install a specific device.
Best Water Softener Reviews
We researched the best options available on the internet right now so that you do not have to. Check out our list- we are confident that you can find a water softener that works for your home!
iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System
If you use well water, this item would be an excellent choice for you. It costs significantly less than the top pick and improves the overall taste and quality of your water.
The company says their product can remove 99% of 1,000 different contaminants you commonly find in well water. The result tastes excellent and is much better for you and your family’s health.
Since the filtration process removes many healthy minerals you want to keep in water, it comes with a special filter that can add them back in. That way, you can still give your body the minerals it needs.
If you are concerned about the installation process- do not worry! The kit comes with extremely detailed instructions that make it easy. Plus, the brand can support you over the phone if you run into any issues.
The system can even be connected to your fridge or coffee maker- eliminating the need to buy bottled water. This feature is perfect if you want to cut down the amount of plastic you throw away each year.
What we love
- Adds essential minerals back in the water
- Easy to install
- Eliminates the need to buy water bottles
- Provides phone support
iSpring ED2000 Whole House Electronic Water Descaler and Conditioner
This alternative option works better for those who can not have a lot of salt. Other filtration systems might be adding salt to the water as they work, which can be harmful to some people. This machine does not do that.
This iSpring product works by using electromagnetic technology to break down molecule clumps. That way, they bind with minerals and reduce the scaling on your pipes. Reviewers said that installing the system was pretty simple as well.
It includes two antennas that you wrap around your main pipeline; these parts will release electromagnetic waves into your water supply. This process helps keep the system low-maintenance and does not need salt or additional filters.
The main downside is that this process does nothing for water that is carrying a lot of iron. Large amounts of iron may even hinder the system. The electromagnetic treatment effects are also short, with descaling only traveling 50 feet away from the system.
Overall, this item is best if you want to descale your pipes. This process allows your water appliances to run more efficiently, reducing the cost of running them over time.
What we love
- Does not add more salt into your water
- Works with any piping system
- Low maintenance
- You do not need to modify your plumbing
Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener For Whole House
Do you have a lot of iron in your water at home? If you do, then you might already be seeing the negative signs of iron-dense water. The rotten egg smell is powerful in this type of water. Plus, you might be noticing red stains on your clothes after you wash them.
If you decide to use this model, you can avoid having to install two separate filtration systems. The Iron Pro 2 can manage both the heavy amounts of minerals and iron in your water at once. If you want to clear up the water in your home, this system is the best option out there.
However, you will want to think of it as an investment. This water softener is quite expensive, although you get a high-quality product from it.
It is also important to note that the system does have some limits on how much iron it can remove from your water. This model can handle 6 to 8 PPM (parts per million). So, suppose your iron levels are too high. In that case, you might want to consider another system to oxidize the water along with this one.
Overall, this product works very well. Your water will come out fresh after going through the Iron Pro 2’s unique superior fine mesh technology- giving you an extended-lasting filtration. You can even expect the system to remove sand, rust, manganese, and more at a rate of 16 gallons per minute.
Finally, this model will not increase your home’s water usage. The machine will only run based on how much water you used. This means that you can save water and spend less money on your water bill.
What we love
- Can handle iron-dense water and other minerals
- Removes iron at 6 to 8 PPM
- High-quality filter
Whirlpool WHES30 30,000 Grain Water Softener
We found that this Whirlpool product was best for smaller families. The brand stated that households of one to four people could use it effectively. Whirlpool has a history of offering quality goods, and this one lives up to their standards.
The system can remove hardness at 95 GPM. This number is significant for smaller families, but it may be ineffective if you are using a lot of water every day. This unit removes iron at 8 PPM, which is perfect for altering iron-dense water.
It can record how much water you used and adjust. That way, the system is not wasting water or adding in unnecessary amounts of salt. So, if you leave the house for a weekend, the filtration system will not continue running without you there to use it.
You do not have to worry about the installation process either. It comes with a kit and is not difficult for most customers to do. Finally, we appreciated that the unit offered a “low salt indicator” so that you always know when to add in more.
What we love
- Automatically responds to used water and salt
- A low salt indicator is included
- Comes with installation kit
- Uses less salt and water with the regeneration process
Calgon Liquid Water Softener Laundry Detergent Booster
Do you need a more cost-effective option? Adding a liquid softener to your dishwasher or laundry improves the longevity of the items you are cleaning. Plus, it removes the mineral build-up from your washing machines.
This choice is best if you only want to improve your water quality in certain parts of your house, instead of the entire system. However, we found that this product was a fantastic choice for those who wanted to improve the water they clean with.
Liquid softeners like this are designed to merge with water, making it easier to clean since minerals are not getting in the way of removing dirt. This process keeps your clothing and dishes free from the damaging effects of hard water.
What we love
- Very cost-effective
- Targets dishwashers and washing machines
- Increases the lifespan of your everyday items
Buyer’s Guide
Difference Between “Hard” and “Soft” Water
The terms hard and soft come from the types of minerals used in your water system. For instance, salt is a soft mineral that dissolves quickly, while hard minerals would be like calcium.
The hardness levels can also impact your energy usage at home. This means that you want to have softer water to use your energy more effectively. Hard water may also harm your pipes and appliances over time.
How to Tell if You Have Hard Water
Hard water can cause your skin or hair to dry up and might stain your laundry. There are plenty of reasons you want to soften it. However, do you know what type of water your home has?
If you have hard water, there is probably scaling on your faucets, dingy laundry whites, soap scum in a sink or your tub, and residue on your dishes. You may also smell eggs if the water has a lot of iron in it.
If you have any of these signs at home, you probably have hard water. You will want to consider buying a water softener to take care of it.
How to Find the Perfect Size
When it comes to a water softener, you will want to find a size suitable for your home. You can start by checking out the grain capacity on the system.
Higher grain capacity means that your water softener will be more energy efficient. To determine the perfect size, multiply the number of people in your home by 80. This number represents a guess at the amount of water your house uses daily.
If you multiply that by the grains of hardness in your water, you can figure out what size softener will work the best for your home. If you do not know how many grains are in your water, you will have to get it tested.
Understanding Regeneration
Every water softener is different, although almost everyone will have a regeneration period. This process is when salt is drawn into the system, removing hardness from your water.
There are usually two types of water softening. Your water softener will regenerate depending on how much water is being used and how large the tank is. The first type, timer softeners, regenerate on a set day. The second type regenerates on demand.
People tend to appreciate on-demand softeners more. They count gallons of water used and activate when they need to-, saving you time, money, and energy compared to time softeners.
FAQ
Is it better to drink hard or soft water?
Soft water contains added salt but is generally better for you than hard water. Hard water contains harsh minerals that might not agree with your body.
Does drinking softened water raise blood pressure?
Only in cases where you have extremely hard water will it make a change. Water softeners often add salt to the water supply, meaning your blood pressure might rise if your sodium intake increases too much.
Salt replaces the other minerals, so harder water will become saltier when you use a softener at home. Overall, you only need to worry about this if you already have a higher blood pressure than you should.
How often do I need to add salt to a water softener?
You will want to check the salt levels in your tank monthly to ensure that it has enough. If you do have a larger tank, you want to check it more often. If you are still noticing hard water symptoms around the house, adding more salt could be beneficial.
Water treatment specialists say that you should have your salt level about three inches over the water level in your tank.
Can I use water while my softener is regenerating?
The regeneration cycle time will vary between products. However, it is still recommended that you do not use water during this stage. If you do, your hard water might fill the water heater, leading to a minerals build-up.
What happens when you run out of salt in a water softener?
If you forget, hard water will start leeching through your pipes again. This may undo all of the progress you made with the water in your house.