Everything You Need to Know About
Water Softeners

Water softeners are devices designed to remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium from hard water.

This process, known as ion exchange, helps prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances, which can extend their lifespan and improve efficiency.

By softening water, these systems also enhance soap and detergent performance, resulting in cleaner laundry, dishes, and skin.

Water softeners are commonly used in households to improve water quality, making it more suitable for daily use and protecting plumbing and appliances from damage caused by mineral deposits.

Beyond the obvious advantages of softer skin and cleaner dishes, there are also several environmental benefits of water softeners.

WaterSmart has been in the water softener business for almost 30 years. For the best water softener installation and service around, contact WaterSmart today.

Water Softeners By WaterSmart

Please note that all pictures shown on our website are for illustration purpose only and actual products may vary due to supplier availability.

How to determine the right water softener for your home

1. Calculate Water Hardness: Measure the hardness of your water in grains per gallon (gpg) using a water testing kit or by contacting your local water supplier.

2. Estimate Water Usage: Determine the average daily water consumption for your household. A general estimate is 75 gallons per person per day.

3. Calculate Daily Softening Requirement: Multiply the number of people in your household by the estimated daily water usage, then multiply by the water hardness. For example, for a family of four with 10 gpg water hardness: 4 people x 75 gallons/person/day x 10 gpg = 3,000 grains per day.

4. Determine Softener Capacity: Choose a water softener with a capacity that can handle the total grains of hardness your household needs to remove each week. It's advisable to select a unit that regenerates about once a week. In the example above, the family would need a water softener with a minimum capacity of 21,000 grains (3,000 grains/day x 7 days).

Follow this basic formula:

By considering these factors, you can select a water softener that efficiently meets your household's needs, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Check our handy calculator for water softeners for more information.

Usage Tips for Water Softeners

1. Regularly Check Salt Levels: Maintain the salt level in the brine tank by checking it at least once a month. Refill with the appropriate type of salt (e.g., pellet, crystal, or block) when levels are low.

2. Use High-Quality Salt: Choose high-purity salts designed for water softeners to reduce the risk of impurities clogging the system. Avoid using rock salt, which contains more insoluble minerals.

3. Clean the Brine Tank Annually: Once a year, clean out the brine tank to remove any accumulated sludge or debris. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe cleaning procedures.

4. Inspect the Resin Bed: Over time, the resin beads in the softener can become less effective. Use a resin cleaner periodically to rejuvenate the resin bed and ensure efficient ion exchange.

5. Check for Salt Bridges: A salt bridge is a hardened crust that forms in the brine tank, preventing salt from dissolving properly. Break up any salt bridges with a broom handle or similar tool.

6. Monitor Water Hardness: Test your water hardness periodically to ensure your softener is working correctly. If you notice an increase in water hardness, it may indicate a need for maintenance or resin replacement.

7. Set the Regeneration Cycle Properly: Program the regeneration cycle according to your household's water usage and hardness levels. Avoid overfilling or underfilling the brine tank during regeneration.

8. Check the Bypass Valve: Ensure the bypass valve is in the correct position to allow water to flow through the softener. Occasionally check that it hasn’t been accidentally moved.

9. Prevent Overloading: Avoid overloading the softener with excessive water usage. Stagger high-demand activities like laundry, dishwashing, and showers to maintain softener efficiency.

10. Schedule Professional Maintenance: Have a professional inspect and service your water softener every couple of years to ensure all components are functioning correctly and to address any potential issues.

By following these tips, you can ensure your water softener operates efficiently and provides high-quality softened water for your household.

With our financing option, you can purchase your water softener at
NO INTEREST-NO PAYMENTS FOR 6 MONTHS

About WaterSmart

Since 1994, WaterSmart Systems and Plumbing has consistently offered its customers in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and the surrounding areas innovative, quality products and excellent service.

We are a water treatment systems and FULL plumbing service company that you can trust in.

With an array of exclusive features, WaterSmart Systems' line of water treatment products is guaranteed to provide your family with conditioned, clean water by treating and filtering the water that enters your home.

Our Services 

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 Basic installation is FREE with the purchase of any new WaterSmart water softener!
For a complete guide to our water softener installation package click here!

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Please note that we only reply to requests from people located in Southern Ontario