How Do I Fix My Hard Water Problems?

 That is a very good question!  The simple answer is install a water softener.  The real answer is more

complicated but it doesn't have to be complicated as long as you do some homework to make sure you purchase the right water softener system to solve your hard water problems.

There are a lot of options out there now for so called "Salt Free Water Softeners".  Magnetic gadgets (to change the polarity of the water),  medias to bond the calcium and magnesium together (to make a larger molecular particle) that, theoretically, won't fall out of solution as easily, etc, etc.   At this point all of that is just "Hocus Pocus" and a money grab.  Here is a good example of how they get your money, then back down.  I get a call from a young couple that are having well water issues. They ask if I could come out to test their water and see what is going on with it.  They spent $3000 a couple months back on this system they ordered on-line that goes onto the plumbing after the well tank.  It has several lights on it and wire that wraps around the copper pipe to condition the water.  But their water is still bad. The dishes are getting ruined and the clothes are getting ruined from rust stains. So we test the water with the magnetic gadget in place and sure enough hard, rusty water.  The husband wants to be reassured the magnetic gadget isn't doing anything so I have him remove it, run the water from the well until the pump turns on and off several times to assure them we have a true well water sample and the plumbing is flushed.  Same water as before, 20 grains of hardness and 1 ppm of iron.

Soft Water On The Left / Hard Water On The Right

At this point I have to prove my point so I run their water through my mini water softener and show them how a water softener works and how it actually softens and conditions the water to remove hardness and iron. Comparing all three samples, well water, water through the magnetic gadget and soft water.  They are convinced now that a water softener is the only way to fix their water problems and decide on a single tank digital metered water softener.  The problem is they just spent $3000 on that gadget?  I tell them lets call the company, express your dissatisfaction with the product and ask for your money back in full.  Five minutes on the phone, sure we understand, it didn't work for you, we are sorry that is the case, we will refund your money in full and apply it to your credit card.  The wife says she will be glad to ship the system back if they cover the shipping cost.  That's OK you don't need to send it back, just keep it.  WOW that was easy!  I waited to tell them this was the third time I have had this happen!  Full refund, no questions asked!  That tells you how big of a scam it is and how much money they are really making off of it!  Now they have a water softener and are very happy customers. For a LOT less than $3000!  They referred me to their friends that bought the same magnetic gadget. They are happy soft water customers now also!  Obviously the point is you can't fix your water with hocus pocus magic gadgets.  The only way to fix your hard water problems is with a salt or potassium based water softener system.

Fleck 9100 Twin Tank Water Softener

When we are in a home testing water we always treat it as a consultation rather then selling you something.  The water analysis and your families water usage really tells us how to treat the water and recommend the proper water treatment system that will be efficient for your home.  It's not one size fits all.  I have NEVER seen two families that use the same amount of water.  Even on the same water supply, like a community well, the size of the water softener recommended will vary depending on the water usage.  Always have your water tested before deciding on a water softener system.  A Certified Water Testing Lab is a good source for a complete water analysis.

A complete water analysis is the key to water treatment solutions

Examples:
Water chemistry:  20gpg hardness, .5ppm of ferrous iron.

1. The Smith's have 4 people and use 300 gallons of water a day on a pretty regular basis.  This family would use a Single Tank metered 45k grain capacity softener that would regenerate every 5 days.

2. The Wilson's, across the street, have 4 people and they use 700 gallons daily during the week and have used over 2000 gallons of water on a Saturday!  This family would need a Twin Tank 60k (per tank) water softener to assure they always have soft water even during those days they use 2000 plus gallons of water.

So you see every home and situation is different.  The best way to assure you have a water softener system that will give you trouble free service for many years is do your homework, get a proper water analysis done to determine what system is best for your family.  If this seems to be too big a task to take on yourself then research your local water treatment companies on-line for customer testimonials, the Better Business Bureau and you can find Certified Water Treatment Professionals in your area by going to the Water Quality Association at WQA.org.  They have a database of qualified professionals in your area to help you with your hard water solutions. If you would like to install your own system I would suggest purchasing a system from a local plumbing supply, not the box stores.  A plumbing supply company will help you with how to install the water softener and have support for you if needed.  There are also several reputable on-line suppliers with great support and competitive pricing that can help you choose the proper water treatment system for your home and family.


Good Water and Good Days!


R.J. DeChene,
The Water Softener Blog 2016

Below are links relating to topics discussed in this blog:

Angies List - Do salt-free water softeners work

AWGT - Solutions to hard water problems
 
Drinking Water Test Kits - KAR Laboratories, Inc.

How Do Water Softener Systems Work?

Popular Mechanics - How Water Softeners Work

Water Quality Association

On-Line Supplier- Ohio Pure Water