Extend the Life of Your Appliances with a Water Softener in the U.S.

What You Need to Know About Hard Water and Water Softener Systems

• What Is Hard Water?

  Hard water has more minerals than soft water.

• What Is a Water Softener System?

  It’s equipment that removes extra minerals such as calcium and magnesium. It also reduces chlorine, iron and volatile organic compounds.

• How Long Does a Water Softener Last?

  A water softener that’s the right size for your home can last for many years. Its life span is related to the manufacturer and how much you use it.

• How Much Does a Water Softener Cost?

  Some water softeners are more efficient than others. Because of this, the price may differ.

  Costs can also differ based on how hard your water is and how much water you use. If your water is particularly hard and is used heavily, softening costs will increase.

• Is Softened Water Safe to Drink?

  Softened water contains all the natural minerals we need. While some sodium is added during the softening process, softened water is still perfectly safe to drink.

• What’s the Quality of My Drinking Water?

  Water quality varies by geography and processing levels. It can also be affected by construction, mining, agriculture and mineral deposits your groundwater travels through.

  You can confirm if there are contaminants in your home’s drinking water. The Environmental Working Group maintains a free database of more than 30 million state records of tap water tests. About 81 percent of community utilities tested in the U.S. have chemicals linked to cancer, according to the group’s report.

• Can Brine from Softeners Damage My Septic Tank?

  A study by the Water Quality Association discovered that a septic tank can’t be damaged by brine discharged by a water softener. The tanks that were studied were correctly installed and in good working order.

  Softened water can help reduce detergents being let into your septic tank.

• What is a Diagnostic Fee?

  A diagnostic fee, also known as a service call fee, is a standard charge levied by HVAC companies once someone is dispatched to your home to diagnose the issue plaguing your heating or cooling system. A diagnostic fee covers the technician’s time, expertise and travel expenses associated with assessing the problem. It’s essentially a service fee for the technician’s professional assessment to pinpoint what went wrong.

  Think of it like a doctor’s appointment. They need to examine you to help figure out what’s wrong before recommending treatment. Similarly, your HVAC professional needs to diagnose your HVAC equipment to determine the repair or maintenance course of action.