Water softener systems prevent common water problems, including chalky calcium carbonate deposits, called limescale (or scale), and other harmful minerals such as iron and magnesium. These deposits can create hard water that dries out skin and hair. When one of these devices is installed in the home, it softens the water coming out of each faucet, reducing or completely removing these harmful minerals. This improves the quality of drinking water in the home and results in healthier skin, hair and nails after bathing.
The best water softeners work by using a process called ion exchange to draw heavy minerals from the water, or by neutralizing these minerals so that they can't bind together and remain dissolved in the water.
When researching water softening systems, we delved into the characteristics and specifications of multiple categories, as well as customer reviews of each product. Based on our findings, here are the best water softeners available.
How we chose the best water softener system
Water softening systems are not as widely known a product as lawn mowers or automobiles, so it can be difficult for shoppers to determine which is the best. However, years of plumbing industry experience and extensive research into water softener types have helped us compile our list of top water systems.
Key considerations include the type of water softener, the capacity of the product, the suitability of the softener for different home sizes, and any standout features that make the softener stand out from the rest of the pack.
Most water softening systems are salt-based. This is the reason for the large selection of salt-based options, including single and dual tank products. Capacity and suitability are usually considered together, as in most cases a large family will need a larger capacity water softener. In addition, metering systems from top water softener brands are generally preferred simply because the design helps conserve water and regenerates only when necessary.
Best Water Softener 2023
1. Best Overall: Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener
The installation of this Whirlpool single-tank salt-based water softener instantly improves a home's water quality by removing hard minerals from the water supply. This saves homeowners the additional cost of replacing faucets, dishwashers and other water-based fixtures or appliances that are often caused by premature wear and tear due to hard water.
Because it solves the problem at the source, the rest of the pipe is not exposed to hard water. During the ion exchange process, a small amount of salt is added to the water, which must be replenished periodically to ensure that the salt level is maintained. This water softener has a capacity of 40,000 capsules and is automatically recharged using a metering system.
2.Great Value: Waterboss 36,400 Grain Water Softener System
This water softener from WaterBoss regenerates salt in 30 minutes, saving users time and water. It's an affordable single-tank salt-based water softener with a 36,400-grain capacity for homes with four or more people.
It is one of the best water softener systems available at an affordable price, making it an attractive solution for hard water problems in medium-sized homes. It comes with a factory-installed bypass and a built-in safety shut-off system that makes safe cleaning of the water softener much easier. Keep in mind that water softeners do add salt to the water, and this salt needs to be replenished regularly.
3.Upgrade Choice: DuraWater 48,000 Grain Water Softener
Although this 48,000-grain water softener is expensive, the DuraWater model is an excellent investment for medium to large homes. This salt-based water softener removes traces of magnesium, calcium, and even iron to protect pipes, clothing, and hair from hard water.
A digital LCD screen with touchpad controls the water softener. This allows users to customize the unit's metering regeneration system to fit their weekly schedule. The display can also be used to view error codes to help troubleshoot problems. The unit weighs 53 pounds and includes a bypass valve and a DIYer-friendly installation tutorial.
4.Best Salt-Based: Rheem Preferred 32,000 Grain Water Softener
This single-tank Rheem water softener optimizes salt consumption, water usage and regeneration cycles. The tank is 43.5 inches high, 15 inches wide and 20.5 inches deep. It has a metering system that regenerates only when necessary, rather than relying on a fixed schedule that may regenerate too often or too infrequently to adequately treat the water.
With a capacity of 32,000 pellets, this salt-based water softener is ideal for small to medium-sized homes with up to four people. As expected with a salt-based system, a small amount of salt is added to the water in exchange for heavy minerals. This water softener includes a low salt indicator to let users know when to add salt.
5. Best Portable: On The Go Portable 16,000-capsule RV Water Softener
Designed for portability, the On The Go Portable Water Softener is perfect for RVs, large boats, small one- or two-person homes or apartments. The included hose can be connected directly to an outdoor faucet or campground water system for immediate access to softened water for cleaning, drinking and bathing.
Designed for portable functionality, this Sharkey water softener can be recharged with a simple dose of table salt. This is great, because the 16,000-grain capacity requires frequent recharging with regular use. However, with the reduced size comes a reduced price, which makes this option easier on the wallet.
6.Best Choice for WELL WATER: Aquasure Harmony Digital Metering Water Softener
Aquasure's two-tank water softener is considered one of the best options for treating hard water in well systems, and its large capacity 48,000-grain tank is suitable for households with up to five people. A digital control panel allows users to view the time of day, current flow rate and the amount of soft water or days remaining before regeneration.
This water softener removes iron, magnesium, calcium and limescale. It also has a metered regeneration system that helps reduce the total consumption of salt and water. Keep in mind that a two-tank system can take up a lot of floor space.
7.Best Alternative: iSpring ED2000 Whole House Electronic Descaler
The iSpring ED2000 Descaler is an affordable solution for treating scale buildup on appliances, faucets and shower heads. Like all magnetic water softeners, it does not remove heavy minerals from the water, so clothing may still discolor prematurely. However, whole house water softener reviews for this descaling agent demonstrate its effectiveness in dealing with mineral buildup.
This top-of-the-line whole-house water softener installs easily on all types of plumbing, including PEX and PVC, by simply wrapping the water softener's two antenna cables around the water line and plugging the unit into an electrical outlet. The neutralized soft water not only prevents scaling, but also prevents scaling. It breaks up existing scale and gives the house a cleaner look and feel.
Advantages of having a water softener
Water softeners are a great option for homes with light to heavy hard water usage, which can lead to clogged pipes and leaky faucets and can degrade the performance of water-based appliances. The heavy minerals detected in hard water tests also prevent water from penetrating hair and skin and can cause colors to fade in the washing machine and items in the dishwasher to look chalky or blotchy.
Water softeners solve all these problems by preventing heavy minerals from binding or flowing through the water. With softened water, skin and hair regain moisture and "vibrancy". It also reduces cleaning time by preventing premature wear and tear on clothes and by making dishes look and feel clean. These hard water treatment systems can:
Save money in the long runNourish hair and skin
Brighten and soften clothes
Clean dishes better
Reduce cleaning time
Tips for using a water softener
After installing a water softener, the salt content should be checked every 4 to 6 weeks. If the salt level drops, then hard water will begin to return to the home's water system.
When checking the salt level, the condition of the brine tank should also be checked, as bridges may form over time. These bridges can prevent the resin beads from properly softening the water and must be removed to ensure proper function of the water softener. The following are some tips to consider.
Use the correct amount of salt in the water softener. This is critical to maintaining the function of the unit. The user manual usually specifies the correct type of salt to use.Periodically flush the resin bed with a water softener cleaner. This can help remove iron and other heavy metals from the beads so they can be properly regenerated with salt.
After cleaning the unit, properly discard the excess salt. Water softener users should consider disposing of excess brine by diluting it with an equal amount of water, agitating it vigorously, and then slowly pouring it down the drain of the kitchen sink. Drain water before and after pouring to ensure brine is properly flushed.
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