Hi everyone! I recently discovered that the mysterious off-white cylinder in my condo, which we've owned for about 10 years, is actually a water softener. We just had our entire AC, furnace, and water heater replaced, and during the work, I learned what soft water is. Initially, I felt guilty about not getting rid of the bags of salt that seemed useless, but now I'm curious about how to properly set up the water softener. My wife is really excited about it and wants me to get it working as soon as possible. I've watched a few YouTube videos on how they work, but I still have questions. Is it just as simple as plugging it in, or does it require servicing before I start using it? I know I need to add salt, but what else should I consider? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
You definitely want to do a water hardness test first to see if you really need the softener. Many people used them back in the day, but you might find you don’t need it if your water isn’t that hard. Also, if you install a reverse osmosis filter at your tap, you won’t have to worry about sodium intake from the softened water.
I’ve actually never used tap water for drinking. We buy it in bulk, so I’m not too worried about sodium in the softened water.
Setting up a water softener is usually pretty straightforward! It’s mainly about plugging it in and making sure it drains correctly. However, consider whether you really need it. Some folks aren't fans of the feel of softened water – your wife might notice a difference in how shampoo lathers or how it feels in the shower. But if you’re dealing with hard water stains on your appliances, it could definitely be worth it!
That’s true! Water softeners can actually help you use less shampoo and detergent. Plus, hard water can lead to damage over time – it might affect your plumbing and home appliances.
Yeah, I just figured those hard water stains were a normal part of life! I didn’t know they could be prevented – that’s good to know!
Since that water softener has been sitting unused for 10 years, it might not be in great shape anymore. I suggest getting it serviced first; in some cases, it might even need replacing. The resin beads can get coated with minerals and won’t be effective until they’re cleaned or replaced.
I was really hoping it wouldn’t be in bad condition, but that makes sense. Just spent a ton on car repairs, so I’m not thrilled about potential extra costs.
Right? That’s what I was thinking too. Better to be safe and check it out before trying to use it!
That’s good advice. And just so you know, softened water isn’t always great for drinking, especially if you have health issues.