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What’s the Best Way to Sanitize a Water Softener? Insights from a Pentair Water Softening Contractor in Cortland, Illinois
Hardness is only one aspect of water quality…While a softener may remove hardness from your water extremely well, but it doesn’t handle everything else that may be present in a municipal water supply. With that said, as a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of the difference between ‘softening’ and ‘filtration’.
This Pentair water softening company in Cortland, Illinois is going to highlight those differences below.
What is a water softener designed to do and where does its job end?
The main reason you may consult a Pentair water softening company in Cortland, Illinois is to deal with hard water. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium minerals that naturally occur in groundwater. Those minerals gradually build up as scale on your fixtures and inside your appliances.
A water softener removes hardness minerals through a process called ion exchange. As water passes through the softener’s resin tank, the system exchanges calcium and magnesium for sodium or potassium ions.
You may notice cleaner surfaces and water that feels better to use after installation. These are the everyday benefits you can expect from softened water.
But you should know that a softener has a very specific job. Although softened water feels better and protects your plumbing from scale buildup, a standard water softener does not remove everything that affects your water quality.
It does not remove sediment, and it also does not address chlorine, which is usually what causes taste or odor issues. A standard water softener also does not reduce disinfection byproducts or other non-hardness-related substances that may appear in your water quality reports.
How does whole-house filtration and water softening work together?
A whole-house filter treats incoming water more broadly before it reaches your plumbing system and appliances, whereas a softener focuses narrowly on mineral hardness.
Many municipalities disinfect water with chlorine to keep it safe as it travels through distribution lines. That disinfectant is necessary, but it also causes unpleasant tastes or odors in your home’s water.
Whole-house carbon filtration reduces chlorine before the system distributes water throughout your home. This improves taste and smell at the kitchen sink as well as at every faucet and shower. Installing filtration ahead of a softener also protects the softener by keeping sediment and oxidants like chlorine out of the valve and resin tank.
Do you need a softener, a filter, or both?
The best way for you to determine whether you need a softener, a filter or a combination of both is to learn what is in your water. A full-service Pentair water softening company in Cortland, Illinois will review local water quality data and confirm the situation in your home. City water reports are helpful, but some issues only show up when your water is tested right at your home.
Some homes mainly struggle with scale buildup, which makes a water softener the right starting point. Others notice that even after softening, their water still has a chlorine smell or a flat taste. This points to the need for whole-house filtration in addition to softening.
Keep in mind that no universal setup works for everyone because every water supply and household is different. That is why you should consult with an experienced company. They can test your water and recommend the right setup accordingly.
Looking for a Pentair water softening company in Cortland, Illinois?
Are you ready to partner with a trusted Pentair water softening company in Cortland, Illinois? If so, look no further than Johnson Water Conditioning. We offer professionally installed water softening systems and long-term services you can rely on. Contact us today to learn how we can help.