Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations . If you sink in on links we supply , we may receive recompense .
Say good-by to to scaling with these hardworking option .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
When it fare tohome appliances , water softener andunder - sink piss filtersaren’t the most fun to pick out . After all , they ’re usually pucker into a utility wardrobe or cellar and are n’t break to be on display . But reckon on yourwater quality and harshness , a water softener may be a necessity for your home .
These devices soften urine through an ion interchange system , which effectively take calcium and magnesium — the suit of limescale buildup on your plumbing habitue — from the water . While there are many thing to consider when shopping for a softener , David A. Davies , president , Aqua General , Inc. , Texas Commission on Environmental Water Quality - license water treatment specialist , WQA - indorse piss specialiser , says there ’s one specific lineament shoppers should look for : “ check that it is severally certify byNSF , WQA , orIAPMO . "
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
In addition , he says one of the biggest mistakes shopper can make during the process is buying a softener that is n’t sized appropriately for their needs .
What We Tested
We researched various weewee softener models , considering factors like certifications , mark repute , and spectacles . Then , we install and tested two urine softener and a Strategic Arms Limitation Talks - free water conditioner in our homes , evaluating each on its ease of installation , comfort of use , and hardness removal performance to measure its overall value . For more on how we test water system softener , check outour examination processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Water Softener
Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softener
With a generous capacity , this model noticeably softens water , is well-heeled to employ , and furnish excellent value for the damage .
Tap H2O tasted faintly piquant after installing the gadget .
After judge it for setup , carrying into action , ease of use , and value , we announce this Whirlpool poser the best water softener overall . We hired a plumber to professionally instal it , so the operation was a breeze and took about a half an 60 minutes . Once installed , our hardness test show zero — so we were capable to enjoy soft water supply aright by . For reference , the water hardness come in above a seven on our water hardness test strips prior to installation .
Credit: Amazon
In fact , the piddle in reality felt perceptibly softer after installing this unit . Soaps created more lather , freshly washedclothing felt easy without fabric softener , plus hair and skin both feel softer after a distinctive washup act . fuddle rap water bring a slightly salty taste , which we apace mitigate by run for the drinking water through a filter . After six month of regular economic consumption , our body of water still showed no preindication of insensibility .
What does a water softener actually do?
Water softeners utilise an ion - exchange system of rules to remove hardness . As water flows through the softener , calcium and atomic number 12 ions — the minerals that stimulate concentrated water — are exchange for either atomic number 11 or potassium ions , which do not season water . After piss is softened , it should measure zero GPG on the hardness graduated table .
Using and operate the softener is quite easy , with our initial positive feedback round have less than 10 minutes . It automatically starts positive feedback as demand , saving clock time and piss . The handy display CRT screen shows when it ’s metre to fill again the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks . The brand recommends applying acleaning solutionevery three or four months to prevent mold and mildew . While it ’s one extra care footmark , the solution was quick and well-to-do to tote up to the gadget , so it ’s not a big hassle .
regard its astral performance , loose apparatus , efficiency , and easy usage , this softener has fantabulous value . Plus , the generous capacity is flexible enough to oblige one to five person home , depending on piddle rigourousness . It ’s also NSF - certified , which is one of Davies ’ recommendations .
Our home’s water hardness fell to 0 after installing the Whirlpool WHES40E.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Product Details : Size:15 x 48 x 20.5 in |Capacity:40,000 grain |Certification : NSF - certify
Key Terms to Know
What About Salt-Free Water Conditioners?
While you ’re shopping for water softeners , you may notice various salt - free “ softener ” available on the marketplace . These are n’t in reality softeners , as Davies emphasizes that water system can not be yield without the ion - exchange organization .
Salt - loose conditioners “ are scale - prevention equipment , and only work under certain stipulation , ” Davy says . “ Effluent water after the no - salt scale prevention organization will test exactly the same hardness as the inflowing water system . There is no measurable change in hardness . ”
Instead ofremovingthe magnesium and calcium minerals found in hard water , like pee softeners do , salt - free water conditioners physicallyalterthe chemical physical composition of the mineral , which makes them less potential to stick and scale on appliances and pipes .
It ’s crucial to note that the minerals will still continue in the water , so besides scaling , you likely wo n’t notice any other fringe benefit you ’d get with sonant piddle . If your hard water is drying out your hair and skin , causing pie-eyed washing , or make water it baffling for dish soap to sud , a body of water conditioner wo n’t help assuage these issues .
Still , there can be some rationality to take a salt - costless conditioner : there ’s less regular sustenance required , and it ’s a solid option for those with mobility issues as you do n’t need to lift heavy bags of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks . While they are more expensive up front , they do n’t use any electricity and do n’t need regular salt purchases , which could save money down the line .
Best Salt-Free Water Conditioner
Aquasure Serene Whole House Salt Free Water Softening System
We add the Aquasure Serene salt - destitute water conditioner in a home with two XII houseplants with a water callousness level just below 15 GPG . Like with any water softening or conditioning scheme , the electrical capacity can change depending on your family ’s water use , but with mean use , it ’s plan to treat up to four to six bathrooms and households with up to seven people .
After installing the unit , we discover less exfoliation buildup on our spigot and little appliances likecoffee makersandhumidifiers . Any scale that did look was easier to wipe white , and we note our bathtub and exhibitor stayed cleaner betweendeep clean .
While our hair feel slightly easy after installing the water conditioner , soap and shampoo lathered the same — we still demand more soap than if we had soft piddle . But for those who are used to hard water , the conditioner did n’t create the slippery , slimy feeling that you may experience with soft water .
In increase to conditioning , the equipment uses a pre - filter to filter out nearly all water system contaminants like Cl , rust fungus , and pesticide . We remark our water savour clean and everlasting after set up the equipment , with no traces of chlorine .
Like with the other water softeners we test , we hired a professional plumber to set up the twist . Installation hold up smoothly , and he said the included educational activity packet boat was helpful . The schoolbook is comfortable to take and there are elaborate illustrations to help visualize the physical process .
While water softeners require adding salt on a monthly groundwork , the Aquasure Serene only command a filter change every 9 to 12 months .
One matter to note : if you have extremely hard water with water stiffness levels of 30 GPG or higher , this scheme wo n’t be effective in reducing scale . You ’ll belike want a straight piss softener , like our top pick , or else .
Product Details : Size:10 x 59.5 x 10 in . |Capacity : Not applicable ; meant for households of five to seven |Certification : Not name
The Bottom Line
We recommend theWhirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Softeneras an low-priced , effective water system softener for household with up to five masses . Our water rigor dropped to zero after installing the gizmo , and it was easy to install and wield .
If you ’re calculate for a salt - free water conditioner , we advocate theAquasure Serene . While you wo n’t get all the same benefits as you would with lenient piss , it did help minimize scaling in our tests .
Our Testing Process
Three members of our squad set up and value two water softeners and a salt - free water conditioner in their own homes , running four tests over an initial examination period of 1,344 hours . We ’ll continue to apply the piddle softener and conditioner , check off in at 3 and 6 months after installation to evaluate their long - terminus carrying out .
All three of our testers hired a professional to install their unit . They observed and tape informality of installation , then the salt - based models begin a positive feedback cycle to ensure the softener was installed the right way and work as it should . We used water system - rigor test strips to record our water ’s hardness degree before softener initiation . Hardness trial strip were used post - installation to compare results . trial strips were again used to evaluate the rigour of the water once the testing period concluded .
During the testing period , we recorded how much salt was used . We evaluate performance as well as the before - and - after piddle - harshness trial outcome , and recorded observations about the feel of the weewee . Softeners were also evaluated for the length and frequency of regeneration cycles , whether additional alimony was needed , and how soft or difficult sustenance was to do .
study the above factor into consideration , we then considered the overall time value of the softener or conditioner and whether the cost aligned with the quality of the contraption .
Other Water Softeners We Tested
Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 Grain Whole House Water Softener
We also tested theAquasure Harmony Series Water Softener . While we like the option to schedule or delay re-formation cycles , we could n’t foot this softener as our overall sound choice for a couple of reasons . initiation was complicated since the command were ill written , which meant we had to pay a plumber to finish installation . We also ran into shipping complication that cause multiple delays and further added to the monetary value of the softener .
What to Know About Water Softeners
Regeneration Cycle
A water softener ’s re-formation round is the period when the scheme cleans and recharges itself by flushing out the accumulated minerals . This frequency and continuance can vary depending on the organisation and water usage .
“ In a residential scene , ideally , the softener should reclaim about once a week to 10 days to be decent sized in terms of content , ” Davies says . This is usurp the pipe size and flow charge per unit is correct , he add up .
Do water softeners require regular maintenance?
Strategic Arms Limitation Talks levels in the saltwater tank of a Strategic Arms Limitation Talks - base water softener will generally ask to be checked periodically to make trusted enough salt is in the tank ( typically at least half - full ) . According to Davies , an average household will use around one 40 - pound bag of table salt per month .
Water conditioner , on the other hand , require less veritable maintenance . You should expect filter changes once a class .
Water softeners can last 10 to 15 age , and on a regular basis maintain the appliance will help draw out its life . Sir Humphrey Davy summate , “ affect parts in the valve may require surrogate after a number of years , rosin on chlorinated piddle supplies will eventually need replacement but can last 5 to 10 days , open to usage and Cl levels . ”
Capacity
A water softener ’s capacity refers to the amount of water a softener can treat before ask to regenerate . If you pick out too small of a content , you may end up give birth to wait for your softener to regeneratebefore showeringor doing otherhousehold task that require soft water .
However , content has a few variable star to it . One agent is the hardness of your body of water . “ If the water is very intemperate , the same size of it softener will soften a few number of gallons than on inflowing water that is only slightly hard , ” Davies say . The level of weewee hardness will alter base on your piddle supplying . Hardness is typically measure in grains per Imperial gallon ( GPG ) or milligrams per litre ( mg / L ) .
To help you prefer the correct capacity , take a look at the “ cereal ” issue on awater softener . The grain number in part refers to the amount of unvoiced - water - causing minerals ( like calcium or magnesium ) that a softener can take out of the weewee before it call for to renew , and it plays a role in how much common salt you ’ll apply .
Davies excuse , “ One [ cubic foot ] of resin is place at about 30,000 grains . ” So , a 1.5 - three-dimensional - foot softener could also be said to have a 45,000 grain electrical capacity . However , Davies add , “ How long that capacity actually lasts reckon on your single hardness and exercise in gallons per day . ”
What size water softener do I need?
Davy generally gauge about 75 gallons of water are used per day , per person in the household .
Let ’s use an example of a four - somebody household , which should assume about 300 gallons per day usage . If this menage ’s piss is 8 GPG hardness , Sir Humphrey Davy multiplies 300 gallons per day by 8 GPG to line up that 2,400 grains would be used in a typical day . So , buying a 1 - cubic - foot water softener with a 30,000 - caryopsis capacity in this situation would result in a positive feedback cycle roughly every 11 days , which would be “ properly sized , ” agree to Davies .
You ’ll know if your softener capacity is too modest if you notice it restore every other day or so , Davies adds .
You ’ll also remark resin mentioned with water softeners . Davies notes , “ There are different grades and types of resin where contaminant removal capacity will vary . ” He says all water softener resins have the power to absent some of the dissolved iron from body of water , though “ high quality resins will last longer . "
However , Davy cautions , “ But having any Fe in the water reduces the capacity of the water softener , which then command more frequent regeneration and a special salinity with rosin cleanser so the iron wo n’t befoul the rosin . ”
Who We Are
Brittany VanDerBillis a writer who has been work withBetter Homes & Gardenssince 2021 . In gain to water softener , she has researched and written about other domicile appliances and fixtures include whole - house humidifiers , range hood , and kitchen faucets .
For this article , she psychoanalyse examination brainwave from our BHG research team , who evaluated each mannikin on its simplicity of installation , ease of habit , and hardness remotion operation to assess its overall economic value , to find the ripe water softeners . Brittany also consultedDavid A. Davies , president of Aqua General , Inc. , CEQ - licence water discourse medical specialist , and WQA - certified body of water specialiser .
Jessica Comstockis an associate editor forBetter Homes & Gardenswith expertness in humidifiers , cleaning products , and home improvement . She spend 60 minutes researching salinity - free water supply conditioners and added extra examination insights to this article .
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list , you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval of approval . Cartesian product that earn the seal of approval have been put through rigorous testing to make certain they ’re worth a spot in your home . We buy most of the products we test ourselves , but once in a while we are allow for sample by companies if buying is n’t an pick . In these compositor’s case , we use the same examination criteria we use to test the purchased products .
Credit: Amazon
The Aquasure Serene water conditioning system doesn’t use salt or electricity.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
