office
(281) 304-7873Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have some questions concerning water treatment so we have compiled the most commonly asked question here for your review.
Q: Aren't all water softeners the same?
A: Absolutely not. There are a great number of differences between
the brands available. Read the spec sheets on each one and talk to a
licensed professional that will educate you on the configuration
that is right for your family. Don't assume that the best units are
the most expensive. Do you know the manufacturer? is it name you can
trust?
Q: How about the no-salt systems being
advertised?
A: Plain and simple. They don't work. They claim to prevent scaling
but do not actually remove the calcium carbonate from the water. If
you don't remove the calcium, the water is not soft. Good scientific
information about these systems here:
Look for "catalytic water softening" for information about no-salt systems.
Q: Why does soft water feel slimy or slick in the shower?
A:The minerals that make water hard usually contain calcium and magnesium. Calcium and magnesium in water interfere with the cleaning action of soap and detergent. They do this by combining with soap or detergent and forming a scum that does not dissolve in water. Because these minerals react with soap and detergent, they remove the soap and detergent, thereby reducing the effectiveness of these cleaning agents. You can overcome this by adding more soap or detergent. However, the scum that is formed can adhere to what is being washed, making it appear dingy. An automatic water softener connected to water supply pipes removes magnesium and calcium from water and replaces them with a trace amount of sodium. Sodium does not react with soap or detergents. This will reduce the amount of soap you would need to use, and insures it will not remain in or on the item being washed, whether the item is tile, glassware, clothes, skin or hair.
Q:What kind of salt do you recommend using and do your softeners also use Potassium Chloride in place of salt?
A:We recommend buying salt for your water softener that is very clean; around the 99.5% salt content and up. All softeners can use Potassium Chloride in place of salt. Potassium Chloride tends to melt when it gets wet, sometimes forming a "bridge" inside the salt tank, so we recommend filling the Brine tank only halfway or a bit more when using Potassium Chloride, so you can easily monitor it going down inside the tank after the unit regenerates. Here in Houston a 40lb bag of softener salt cost around $4.25.
Q:How much water does each regeneration use?
A:About as much water as it takes to wash a load of laundry.
Q:How much electricity does a water softener use?
A:As much as a digital alarm clock.