How to Buy a Water Softener

Soft water’s popularity is on the rise. What used to be considered ‘too slippery’ is now prized for its home and health benefits. Clear and healthy skin, soft and shiny hair, cleaner dishes, laundry and longer-lasting plumbing await those who make the switch to soft water. Water softeners come in all shapes, sizes and prices. Before you head to your local home improvement store or water softener retailer to buy a water softener, make sure that your home is ready.

Is your house water softener ready?

How do I know if my home is pre-plumbed for a water softener?

For your home to be ready to install a water softener, a softener loop must already be installed. If your home is pre-plumbed for a water softener, you’ll usually find the softener loop in your garage or utility room near your home’s main water heater. It will look like a big “C” of pipe just sticking out of your wall. So what’s the difference between having a softener loop installed and not having one? Spending up to $300 more to purchase a water softener and an installation!

My house definitely has a softener loop installed. Now what?

Next you need to assess what you want out of your soft water. Are you tired of scummy buildup on your glassware, skin, hair and laundry? Are you an aspiring master chef who doesn’t want hard water minerals overpowering your subtle flavors? There are water softening options for every hard water situation! Your next step is to do your research to find the water softener that best meets your needs and budget. Weigh value against the water softener price. As with most appliances, the more you pay, the better they perform. A water softener can last well over 20 years, so keep that in mind when calculating your water softener purchase.

How should I have my water softener installed?

Once you’ve decided on a brand and model, the next step is installation. Will you be doing it yourself or leaving it up to the professionals? If you’re opting for a name-brand softener, we recommend letting the actual company install them. This way, the company responsible for your water softener maintenance is already the authority on the make and model of water softener you will have in your home. There are other perks to buying from water softener retailers. Besides trusting their maintenance, they’ll know the best products to use with your softener and may even sell and deliver the products themselves.

Whatever you decide on, when it comes to plumbing, a professional installation is always recommended. If you’re unsure if your home is pre-plumbed for a water softener, but have made your product decision, call your local water softener retail company before you buy water softener products and for more information.