Are you trying to decide between buying a water softener or purchasing an electronic water conditioner? Many people think there's no difference between the two, but this is not correct. A water softener is not the same as a water conditioner. They work very differently and depending on your needs, one might be better for your home than the other.
A water softener adds salt to the water to replace excessive amounts of calcium. Generally, calcium amounts are higher in hard water. Too much calcium leads to buildup that harms plumbing fixtures and pipes. An electronic water heater differs from a softener because it doesn't add anything to the water. Instead, it works with the substances in the water and conditions it, like its name suggests.
Why People Choose Conditioning over Softening
In the past, people often chose water softeners to solve their hard water problems. These days, more and more people are choosing conditioning. The following are just a few reasons why homeowners choose water conditioning:
- Less expensive to maintain: Water softeners require continuous maintenance. They need to have salt added to the tank as often as once a month. While salt isn't very expensive, it's inconvenient to remember to buy the bags. Also, you need at least two to four 40-pound bags of salt each time you fill it. It can be a pain lugging the bags from the car to the softener depending where it is in the home. Most softeners are in the basement.
- Longer lifespan: Softeners last between 5-10 years
- Harmful: Does someone in your home have a salt-restricted diet? If so, you probably don't want to use a softener. While you won't notice the salt in your drinking water or cooking, it's still present. Individuals with sodium issues could be affected adversely by the added salt.
Benefits of Water Conditioning
Conditioning doesn't add salt or get rid of calcium. Instead, it works as a limescale remover. Limescale coats pipes and causes fixtures to breakdown fast. By getting rid of limescale, residential plumbing works better for longer. Also, since it's a salt-free conditioning product, it's considered a healthier alternative.
Contact a Local Plumber
Are you interested in learning more about the advantages of water conditioning? If you're still on the fence about purchasing a water softener or installing a water conditioning system, a licensed plumber can help you make this choice.
Both options require an upfront purchase that is significant. So, if you're on a budget, it's important to make a choice only when you're fully informed. Many homeowners want to know which type of water treatment will add value to their home. This is a huge concern and a great question to get answered.
Working closely with a licensed plumber who understands the difference will help you make a purchase you're comfortable with now and in the future. Regardless of which one you choose, conditioning or softening your water goes a long way toward preserving pipes and fixtures. These plumbing appliances are a great way to keep repair and replacement costs at bay.
