The Financial Benefits of Investing in a Water Softener

Investing in a water softener can be a significant decision for homeowners, especially when considering the financial implications. However, the monetary benefits this investment offers can often outweigh the initial costs. In this blog, we’re going to focus exclusively on these financial advantages. We’ll delve into how a water softener can reduce your spending on household cleaning products, extend the lifespan of your appliances, and decrease your energy bills. Each of these savings contributes to a cumulative financial benefit that can make a water softener a worthwhile long-term investment. Read on to learn more about how this clever device can lead to substantial savings and provide a return on your investment.

What is a Water Softener?

A water softener is a household appliance that removes minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium, from your home’s water supply. These minerals are responsible for water hardness, a common issue that affects numerous households. When water is hard, it contains a high mineral content, which can lead to various problems in your everyday domestic life. The purpose of a water softener is to transform this hard water into soft water through a process called ion exchange. In this process, the calcium and magnesium are replaced with sodium ions, effectively reducing the mineral concentration and thus “softening” the water. This transformation is not visible to the naked eye, but the effects it can have on various aspects of your home life are significant and tangible.

Financial Benefits of a Water Softener

Increased Lifespan of Appliances

One of the most noteworthy financial benefits of investing in a water softener is the increased lifespan of your household appliances. Hard water can build up scale inside your appliances, causing them to work less efficiently over time, and eventually leading to their breakdown. This is particularly damaging for appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters. By softening your water, you can prevent this scale buildup, reducing wear and tear and thus extending the lifespan of these appliances. This not only saves you money on repair costs but also delays the need for replacement. Considering the hefty price tags on these appliances, this form of savings can be substantial.

Fewer Maintenance and Repair Costs

Aside from extending the life of your appliances, water softener systems can also reduce the frequency and cost of maintenance and repair for your home’s plumbing system. Hard water, with its high mineral content, can lead to deposits and buildup in your pipes and fixtures, causing them to clog or corrode over time. This can result in costly repair or replacement jobs. By using a water softener, the water flowing through your household plumbing will be free of these damaging minerals, mitigating the risks of pipe damage and subsequently reducing your repair expenses. Therefore, investing in a water softener can contribute to significant savings in terms of maintenance and repair costs for your home infrastructure.

Reduce Spending on Household Cleaning Products

Another cost-saving benefit of a water softener lies in reducing the amount spent on household cleaning products. Hard water can interfere with the effectiveness of soap and detergent, requiring you to use more of these products to achieve the desired results. Additionally, hard water often leaves behind a residue known as “soap scum”, which necessitates additional cleaning. By utilizing a water softener, you can enhance the effectiveness of your cleaning products, thereby using less and saving money. Plus, the reduction in soap scum means less time and effort spent on cleaning, granting a cleaner home with less expense and effort.

Lower Energy Consumption

Finally, a critical financial benefit of having a water softener is the reduction in energy consumption. Appliances such as water heaters operate more efficiently with soft water because there’s reduced scale buildup. Therefore, they don’t have to work as hard to heat water or maintain temperature, conserving energy over time. This efficiency translates into lower energy bills, contributing to the overall savings. Thus, investing in a water softener not only benefits your home and appliances but also supports your budget through energy conservation.

Kinetico is Your Go-To For Water Softeners

Kinetico is committed to delivering high-quality water softeners that offer exceptional value. While the upfront cost of installing a water softener in your home may seem daunting, the long-term savings are undeniable. By investing in a water softener, you’re investing in the longevity of your appliances, the integrity of your home infrastructure, the effectiveness of your cleaning products, and the energy efficiency of your household. Make a decision today that will protect your home and pocketbook for years to come. Visit our website or contact our team to learn more about our products and how a Kinetico water softener can transform your home’s water supply and your financial future.

January 31, 2024February 1, 2024

What Makes a Water Softener Worth It?

Water is an essential part of our daily lives. We use it for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining our hygiene. However, the quality of water we use can significantly affect these activities, especially if it's 'hard' water. Hard water contains high amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can lead to various complications around the house, such as scale buildup in pipes and reduced effectiveness of soap and detergents. That's where a water softener comes into play. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using a water softener, helping you understand why it might be a worthwhile investment for your home. So if you're plagued by the problems caused by hard water, stick around to get acquainted with the solution.

Understanding Hard Water Issues

Hard water is primarily characterized by its high mineral content—typically calcium and magnesium. These minerals are harmless for human consumption but can cause a plethora of problems in domestic settings. One commonly observed issue is the formation of limescale deposits in plumbing systems, water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers, significantly reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Another telltale sign of hard water is difficulty in lathering soap and detergents, resulting in less effective cleaning and laundry. Not only that but, hard water can leave spots on glassware and dishes and cause skin and hair to feel dry and dull after bathing. It's clear that the inconveniences caused by hard water can add up over time, making a solution like a water softener an attractive proposition for homeowners.

The Concept of Water Softening

Water softening is a process that involves reducing the concentration of these minerals. A water softener works by passing hard water through a tank filled with resin beads that are covered with sodium ions. As hard water flows over the beads, the calcium and magnesium ions are attracted to the resin, displacing the sodium ions in a process known as ion exchange. This effectively removes the 'hardness' from the water, leaving you with 'soft' water. The benefits of soft water are numerous and investing in one can lead to significant long-term savings and improve your quality of life.

Benefits of Using a Water Softener

Improved Water Quality

One of the immediate benefits of using a water softener is the noticeable improvement in water quality. Soft water helps to maintain cleaner and shinier silverware, glassware, and mirrors, as there are no limescale deposits or soap scum left behind.

Cost Savings

A water softener can lead to significant cost savings in multiple ways. For instance, soft water prolongs the lifespan of appliances by preventing scale buildup, reducing the need for frequent replacements. It also enhances the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, reducing the amount you need for cleaning tasks. Furthermore, soft water requires less energy to heat compared to hard water, which can contribute to lower energy bills.

Longer Lasting Appliances

The longevity of a home's appliances is drastically increased when a water softener is employed. The absence of mineral deposits in appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters ensures they operate efficiently for a more extended period. By preventing limescale build-ups, soft water helps maintain the optimal performance of these appliances, reducing the frequency of maintenance and repairs. This equates to less hassle for homeowners and, more importantly, significant financial savings in the long run. Thus, a water softener system is a worthy addition to any home suffering from the impacts of hard water.

Better For Your Hair and Skin

Another important benefit of a water softener is its positive impact on your hair and skin. Soft water is known to keep the skin softer and smoother by maintaining its natural oils. Similarly, it helps retain the natural moisture of the hair, making it shinier and healthier. By eliminating the harsh impact of hard water, a water softener can enhance your overall skin and hair health.

Contact Kinetico Today To Get Your Water Softener

Don't let hard water issues compromise your quality of life and your home's efficiency. Invest in a Kinetico water softener and begin reaping the benefits of soft water today. Say goodbye to limescale, dry skin and hair, and frequent appliance repairs. Kinetico offers a variety of water softening solutions tailored to meet your specific needs and budget. Contact us today to schedule a free water test and consultation. Experience the Kinetico difference and transform your hard water woes into soft water wins.

November 13, 2023

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Water Softeners

Water is an essential element in our day-to-day lives, but not all water is created equal. Depending on your geographical location and source of water, you might be dealing with ‘hard’ water, containing high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While this doesn’t pose health risks, it can cause a variety of household issues, from clogged pipes to less effective soaps and detergents. This is where water softeners come in, providing a solution to these problems. Water softeners remove these minerals, transforming hard water into ‘soft’ water. This blog aims to answer five of the most frequently asked questions about water softeners, providing you with the information you need to decide whether a water softener is right for your home. Let’s jump right into it:

1) What is soft water?

‘Soft water’ is water that has undergone a process to remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which are commonly found in ‘hard’ water. The result is water that is less harsh on your home’s plumbing system and is more compatible with soaps and detergents. Soft water creates fewer build-ups in pipes and appliances, thus increasing their lifespan and efficiency. Additionally, it enhances the effectiveness of soaps, resulting in cleaner dishes, softer clothes, and less soap scum in bathrooms. It’s also gentler on the skin and hair, making showers and baths more pleasant. It’s important to note that while soft water is beneficial for household use, it’s not necessarily better for drinking.

2) Is a water softener necessary?

The necessity of a water softener largely depends on the hardness of your water and your personal preferences. If your household water source yields hard water, which leads to scale build-up, reduced soap effectiveness, and wear on your appliances and plumbing system, then a water softener can be a worthwhile investment. It can increase the lifespan of home appliances, improve the effectiveness of soaps, and enhance the quality of washing clothes and dishes. However, if your water is naturally soft or you’re comfortable with the current state of your water, then a water softener might not be necessary. It’s always good to get a water hardness test to understand the extent of hardness and make an informed decision. Remember, the implementation of a water softener should align with your needs, preferences, and budget.

3) What are the benefits of a water softener?

Water softeners offer several benefits, adding value to your home and lifestyle. Notably, they reduce limescale buildup, extending the lifespan of appliances and plumbing systems. They improve the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, leading to cleaner dishes and clothes. Soft water is also gentler on skin and hair, providing a better bathing experience. Additionally, water softeners can contribute to energy savings through enhanced efficiency of water heaters.

4) How long does a water softener last?

The lifespan of a water softener can vary greatly depending on the quality, usage, and maintenance. Typically, a well-maintained unit can last between 10 to 20 years. A typical water softener, if it’s pretty good quality, will last about 10 years. A Kinetico system will last closer to 20 years.

5) How do water softeners work?

Water softeners work on a principle known as ‘ion exchange.’ They’re filled with resin beads that carry a negative charge. When hard water passes through the resin tank, the positively charged calcium and magnesium ions are attracted to the negatively charged resin beads, effectively ‘sticking’ to them. In exchange, the resin releases sodium ions into the water. This process effectively removes the hardness from the water, turning it into ‘soft’ water. Over time, the resin beads become saturated with hardness ions and need to be regenerated. This is typically accomplished using a brine solution, which flushes the hardness ions off the beads and replaces them with sodium ions, ready for the next cycle of softening.

10 Reasons Why You Need a Water Softener

Water is a vital resource in our everyday life, yet not all water is created equal. Hard water, which is high in minerals like calcium and magnesium, can cause myriad problems in the home and for your health. While it’s not harmful to drink, the long-term effects on your plumbing and appliances can be devastating. This is where a water softener comes into play. It’s not just a luxury but a necessity for anyone dealing with hard water issues. In this blog, we delve into ten compelling reasons why you need a water softener, shedding light on the benefits it can bring to your home and your lifestyle.

1) Soft Water is Better For Your Skin

Soft water is gentle, nurturing, and better for your skin. Hard water can dry out your skin, leaving it feeling itchy and irritated, and can exacerbate conditions like eczema. The minerals in hard water can also clog your pores, leading to breakouts and acne. By contrast, soft water can leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and refreshed. Plus, you’ll likely find you need less soap with soft water, which can also reduce skin irritation.

2) Soft Water Makes For a Lower Energy Bill

Because there’s less of a mineral build-up, soft water allows appliances to operate more efficiently. This means less energy is needed to heat up your shower or washing machine, and as such, you’ll notice a decrease in your energy bill.

3) Soft Water is Better For Your Clothes

Hard water interacts negatively with laundry detergent, reducing its cleaning power and causing your clothes to appear dingy and worn out. Over time, the minerals in hard water can damage the fibers in your clothes, making them feel stiff and scratchy. With soft water, your clothes will stay vibrant and soft for longer.

4) A Water Softener Means Longer Lasting Plumbing

The minerals in hard water build up over time, causing corrosion and clogs in your home’s plumbing. This can lead to costly repairs and reduced lifespan of your pipes. A water softener helps prevent this buildup, extending the life of your plumbing system.

5) Soft Water is Better For Your Hair

Just like with your skin, hard water can wreak havoc on your hair. The minerals can build up and make your hair feel rough, dry, and less manageable. Soft water, on the other hand, can enhance the texture of your hair, making it softer, shinier, and healthier.

6) Soft Water Doesn’t Leave Stains Like Hard Water

Hard water often leaves unsightly mineral stains on your fixtures and surfaces over time. These can be tough to clean and can tarnish the appearance of your sinks, bathtubs, and faucets. Soft water, in contrast, doesn’t leave such deposits, keeping your fixtures shining and stain-free.

7) Soft Water Leaves Your Dishes Cleaner

One of the most noticeable benefits of soft water is the way it improves dishwashing. Hard water can leave your dishes and glassware with spots and film even after a thorough wash. In contrast, soft water helps your dish detergent dissolve fully and rinse off completely, resulting in cleaner, spot-free dishes.

8) Soft Water is Better For The Environment

Soft water results in less soap and detergent usage, leading to a decline in the amount of chemicals released into the environment. Moreover, it enhances the efficiency of appliances, reducing energy consumption and contributing to a smaller carbon footprint.

9) A Water Softener Can Save You Money

In the long run, a water softener can indeed save you money. The reduction in energy bills, lessened soap and detergent usage, elongated lifespan of appliances, and minimized plumbing repairs all contribute to significant savings. This makes the investment in a water softener worthwhile, providing not just softer water, but also a softer hit to your wallet.

10) Soft Water Saves You Time

Soft water significantly reduces the time spent on cleaning. Hard water stains and build-up require constant attention and scrubbing, which can be time-consuming. Soft water, on the other hand, eliminates these problems, freeing up your time for other tasks. Furthermore, you’ll spend less time shopping for detergents and soaps as you use less with soft water. Thus, having a water softener not only provides softer water but also adds extra time to your schedule.

Let Kinetico Install Your Water Softener Today

The benefits of installing a water softener in your home are clear. From saving you money and promoting a healthier lifestyle, to extending the life of your appliances and even saving the environment, there’s no denying the advantage of soft water. Don’t let hard water diminish your quality of life. Make the switch to soft water and feel the difference. Contact Kinetico today to have your water softener installed, and start enjoying the many benefits of soft water.

May 9, 2023May 25, 2023

Soft Water vs. Hard Water: What Makes Them Different?

Water – the fundamental necessity of life. It is easy to assume that all water is created equal, especially when we use it for daily tasks such as cleaning, bathing, and drinking. However, you may have heard of hard and soft water and might be wondering about the differences between the two. The truth is that the dissimilarities go beyond just taste and texture. Despite being an integral part of our lives, we don’t usually pay attention to the variance in the quality of water we use. So, in this blog, we’ll delve deeper and understand why all water is not the same.

When it comes to water, there are two distinct types: hard and soft. It’s essential to understand which type you have in your home, as they have different properties and characteristics. Are you curious to know more about hard and soft water? Keep reading to find out what sets them apart.

What is Hard Water?

Water can accumulate tiny particles as it travels from its source to your faucet. The level of these minerals present determines the water’s position on the hardness scale. Excessive amounts of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, cause it to become hard.

Is Hard Water Bad For You?

Fortunately, consuming hard water poses no direct health risks, despite variations in its taste due to varying mineral content. Although hard water is not detrimental when ingested, it can negatively impact your hair, skin, and your home.

Hard water can harm your body by removing natural oils and leaving mineral buildup on your skin and hair. Despite washing with shampoo and soap, you may not feel clean. Additionally, hard water can cause hair to become stiff and limp and even cause increased hair loss. Skin conditions can also worsen when in direct and prolonged contact with hard water minerals.

Upon contact with surfaces, hard water deposits sediment that appears scaly, leaving residues on showerheads, shower doors, and dishes. The evaporation process causes these mineral deposits to accumulate, resulting in unsightly white film or spots on silverware and plates. These deposits also cause streaks on surfaces. Besides being an eyesore, hard water residue also creates additional cleaning costs and time.

The accumulation of sediment can lead to expensive and time-consuming repairs. Exposure to hard water results in the buildup of minerals, which can obstruct pipes and valves, leading to their malfunction. Consequently, appliances like your refrigerator and laundry machine that rely on water may experience a reduced lifespan. The minerals present in hard water are abrasive, and even the tiniest sediment can escalate into a major issue for your household.

Despite its lack of direct harm from being ingested, hard water may create issues that require extensive resources to solve. From spending more on cleaning supplies to repeatedly seeking plumbing assistance for appliances, hard water can bring about additional challenges for your household. You may be experiencing these difficulties if you have hard water. Fortunately, the solution lies in soft water.

What is Soft Water?

Hard water contains an overabundance of calcium and magnesium, which can be harmful to both your home and body. On the other hand, soft water is devoid of these harsh minerals and is much more gentle. Water softener systems work to remove calcium and magnesium, resulting in water that is safer and healthier for you and your home.

Benefits of Soft Water

By removing hard water minerals at the point of entry to your home, you can extend the lifespan of your pipes and appliances. By eliminating sediment particles before they reach your dishwasher or water heater, they remain free from buildup and operate effectively for longer periods of time.

The presence of minerals in hard water can impede the effectiveness of soap, resulting in the need for excessive use of soap or shampoo to produce lather. This explains why it may be challenging to foam up soap while in the shower or when washing your hands, potentially causing you to purchase soap or detergents more frequently. The installation of a water softener system can both enhance the performance of your soap and decrease the frequency of cleaning required to combat stains.

Water softeners are essential in mitigating the unfavorable effects of hard water in your household. They promote a safe and healthy environment for your body and save you time and money on maintenance and cleaning. If you’re interested in investing in a water softener to experience the benefits of softer water, contact the team at Kinetico today to learn more.

April 11, 2023May 3, 2023

5 Benefits of a Water Softener

Investing in a product, such as a water softener, requires careful consideration of the benefits it can provide. It’s essential to comprehend how a water softener can be advantageous and make your daily activities much easier. Knowing the advantages of soft water is essential to making a wise purchase decision. Adding a water softener to your household can bring numerous benefits that will enhance your daily life. Especially in regions where hard water is prevalent, a water softener can be exceptionally useful.

Water that is high in calcium and magnesium ions, known as hard water, can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing while also making soaps and cleaning products less effective. However, the solution is simple – opting for soft water. Households that invest in water softeners can save significant amounts of money by avoiding costly repairs and enjoying the benefits of more effective cleaning products. In this blog, we’ll take a look at 5 of the greatest benefits of investing in a water softener.

Save Money on Cleaning Products

The presence of magnesium and calcium ions in hard water can make cleaning a challenging task. With soap and other cleaning agents, creating suds can be tough, resulting in suboptimal cleaning results. Whether it’s washing your hands, your car, your clothes, or your dishes, hard water can cause problems for all. Fortunately, soft water is treated to eliminate these impurities, resulting in a superior cleaning experience. With soft water, you can achieve the same level of cleanliness using less detergent and lower water temperatures. This means you’ll have to use fewer cleaning agents overall, resulting in a cost-effective, efficient cleaning solution.

Improve Your Water Heater’s Efficiency

Do you ever wonder why your water heating system seems to be struggling? The culprit could be hard water, which can cause scum and scale deposits that can block your pipes and damage your boiler. Imagine an extra layer of insulation preventing your system from heating up your water efficiently. These deposits can reduce your system’s efficiency by up to 50%. Don’t let hard water ruin your water heating system! By opting for soft water, you can dissolve away scale and have your system running smoothly again.

Help Your Skin

Studies show that using soft water can make a huge difference in the health and appearance of your skin. Unlike hard water, soft water is gentle and won’t exacerbate eczema or other dry skin conditions. Hard water can produce soap scum, which can irritate your skin and even leave unsightly particles on your clothing. But with soft water, your clothes will feel softer, and your skin will be free from irritation. All of these reasons point to a water softener being the answer to all of your skincare prayers.

Reduce Cleaning Time

Cleaning can often require a lot of effort, but did you know that the type of water you use can make a big difference? Soft water is a game-changer when it comes to removing dirt and grime from surfaces around your home. Its magical powers make it easier to rinse dirt away, leaving no unsightly streaks or residue. On the other hand, hard water can make cleaning harder than it needs to be. Not only does hard water struggle to create a frothy lather, but it also leaves behind pesky mineral deposits that can give surfaces a spotted and unkempt appearance. So, if you want to make cleaning a breeze, embrace the power of soft water.

Protect Your Appliances

Concerned about the build-up of limescale in your plumbing? Hard water can be the culprit, clogging pipes and causing headaches. But fear not! Soft water can be the perfect solution for tackling these deposits in the long term. By installing a water softener, over time, the softer water can gradually dissolve these pesky deposits and eliminate the issue altogether. Say goodbye to blockages and hello to hassle-free plumbing.

Soft water is a great way to reduce costs, improve your skin health and hygiene, save time on cleaning tasks, and protect your appliances. Investing in a water softener can help you reap the benefits of softer water that will last for years to come. Whether you’re looking for an effective cleaning solution or want to maintain plumbing efficiency, opting for soft water could be just the thing you need. With all these advantages combined, it’s no wonder why more people are making the switch from hard to soft water! To get started on the process of installing a water softener in your home, contact the team of experts at Kinetico, and we’ll help get you on the path to reaping the benefits of a water softener.

May 10, 2022May 6, 2022

4 Signs You Need a Water Softener

In Utah, our water is considered hard, especially compared to other areas of the country. Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of minerals, chiefly calcium and magnesium. But not everyone is aware of the effects of hard water. They may believe their skin problems and other issues are due to another cause. The team at Kinetico wants you to know the warning signs of hard water. If you have these bothersome issues in your home, a water softener can help.

1. Dry Skin & Hair

Hard water is drying, and showering with hard water can dry out your skin and hair, leaving you flaky and itchy. Moisturizing and conditioning can help, but it’s an issue many people in the Salt Lake City area fight constantly.

It has not been scientifically proven that hard water causes eczema, but most dermatologists agree that it can exacerbate the condition. Additionally, hard water can cause or worsen acne. Soft water is kinder to the skin and hair.

2. Appliances Break Down

Any appliances in your home that use water — the hot water tank, clothes washer, icemaker, dishwater — can break down more frequently if your home has hard water. That’s because of limescale, a chalky substance that builds up in these machines, as well as other parts such as sprayers, nozzles and drain hoses.

Soft water helps appliances last longer.

3. Plumbing Problems

Especially in older homes, scale and minerals can build up so thickly in pipes that the space for water to flow is reduced to the size of a pencil. This affects water pressure and makes it easier for pipes to become clogged.

With hard water, clogs can also form in the showerhead and faucets in your home. If you’re frequently calling the plumber for help with clogs, hard water may be to blame.

4. Dingy Laundry

Minerals make soap less effective, making it harder to clean your skin, your clothes and anything else in your home. After a while, your laundry will look dingy and stains will remain stubbornly behind. Minerals will also stay behind in your clothes, making them feel stiff. Additionally, your clothes will not last as long because the minerals break down the fabrics faster.

Have you noticed any of these signs in your home? Contact Kinetico today to schedule water softener installation. We serve Salt Lake City, Herriman, Bountiful, Ogden, Park City, Toole and the surrounding areas.

March 8, 2022March 27, 2022

How Do You Maintain a Water Softener?

If you’re considering buying a water softener, you may wonder how much maintenance it requires and if it’s difficult to do. The answer is, thankfully, that although water softeners do require some maintenance, it’s minimal and usually easily accomplished by the homeowner. When Kinetico installs water softeners in Utah, we ensure that homeowners know everything they need to know about water softener maintenance.

How Do Water Softeners Work?

Water softeners essentially filter water, removing the calcium and magnesium that makes water hard. Homeowners don’t like hard water because it makes cleaning more difficult, whether it is your clothes, your body or your home. It can also cause buildup in pipes and appliances, resulting in breakdowns sooner than expected and leaving stains in sinks, tubs and toilets.

Water softeners work by using negatively charged resin balls to attract positively charged calcium and magnesium molecules. Periodically, the resin beads in your water softener tank need to be purged of their calcium and magnesium molecules — but you don’t have to do it! Water softening systems include a second tank containing salt, and the salt molecules detach the calcium and magnesium ions from the resins, then wash them away as waste.

However, homeowners who live in an area with iron-rich water may want to periodically clean their water softener tanks with a product that removes iron deposits.

What Homeowners Need to Do for Water Softeners

The most important — and easiest — part of water softener maintenance is adding salt to the brine tank. How much salt to add and how often is dependent upon your water usage. Generally speaking, Kinetico recommends a bag per month. If you forget to add salt and your brine tank runs out, your water softener will stop working and your water will be hard again.

Sometimes salt can build up in the brine tank, forming a crusty barrier that prevents the salt water from getting into the water softener tank. You can usually fix this problem fairly easily by breaking up the “salt bridge” and removing the chunks of salt from the tank. After you clean out the tank, just add more salt and water and the problem should be resolved.

How Long Do Water Softeners Last?

With proper maintenance, water softeners can last for decades. And as you can see, water softeners are not particularly onerous to maintain, which makes them a particularly useful and popular device in your home. They save homeowners a lot of money over the years by preventing damage to appliances and clothing in your home.

For tips on making your water softener last as long as possible, contact the team at Kinetico. We’re here to help Utah homeowners throughout northern Utah reverse the negative effects of hard water in their homes.

January 11, 2022April 27, 2023

Is Water Softener Necessary?

Wondering if a water softener is necessary in your Utah home? Hard water dries skin and hair, shortens the life span and effectiveness of appliances and plumbing fixtures, and leaves a build up on shower stalls and dishes. So while there are no state regulations mandating water softeners, many Utah residents choose to get them on their own from Kinetico Water Systems.

How Hard Is Hard?

According to the Water Systems Council, a nonprofit established in 1932 to make well water safer to drink, water hardness is determined by how many parts per million of minerals there are in a sample of water. According to the council, 0-17.1 ppm is soft water, 17.2-60 is slightly hard, 61-120 is moderately hard and 121-180 is very hard.

In northern Utah, many cities and towns have extremely hard water. These include:

American Fork: 256
Bountiful: 513
Brigham City: 324
Draper: 657
Herriman: 359
Layton: 352
Lehi: 200
Logan: 272
Ogden: 170
Orem: 239
Park City: 444
Provo: 164
Salt Lake City: 158
Sandy: 307
South Jordan: 145
Spanish Fork: 427
Tooele: 310
West Jordan: 148
West Valley City: 170

What Is Hard Water?

Water is considered “hard” if it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Groundwater passes over rocks underground before it is pumped into your home, and during the process, water picks up minerals from the rocks. Northern Utah has some of the hardest water in the country.

What’s So Bad About Hard Water?

Hard water is not hazardous to your health, but it could do in your good looks. Hard water is bad for your skin because the minerals in the water react with soap, making it hard to rinse off. The residue builds up causing dry skin and may lead to acne, dermatitis and eczema. Hard water is also bad for your hair and scalp, causing them to dry out and become dull and itchy.

If you have hard water in your home, you may notice that your soap doesn’t lather in your hands as easily. For this reason, hard water doesn’t clean as well. Your laundry is dingier and not as clean, and your clothes and linens may feel scratchy.

The minerals in hard water can also stain bathroom fixtures and appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.

What to Do About Hard Water

When customers in Salt Lake City, Provo and Ogden learn about how hard the water is in their homes, they often opt to buy a water softener. Water softeners are extremely common in homes in Bountiful, Herriman, Park City and Toole, where the water is much harder.

A water softener works by removing the calcium, magnesium and other minerals from your water supply and adding salt. When you opt to get soft water in your Salt Lake City home or any other location in northern Utah, you will notice the difference right away.

To learn more about getting a water softener in your Utah home, contact Kinetico today.

November 9, 2021December 6, 2021

Is Water Softener Water Safe to Drink?

When homeowners in Salt Lake City and the surrounding area are considering getting a water softener for their home, some of them wonder if it will impact their drinking water. Is water softener water safe to drink? Will it taste different? The team at Kinetico has answers for you.

What Is Soft Water?

Soft water is water with most of the minerals removed from it. While many minerals are essential to the human diet, ordinary drinking water provides less than 1% of them, so removing minerals from your drinking water does not deprive you of healthy additives.

Soft water also has sodium added to it. Especially here in Utah, where we have the Great Salt Lake, we are aware that drinking saltwater can make you sick. An eight-ounce glass of seawater contains about 9,000 mg of salt — about two teaspoons. Experts recommend we consume no more than one teaspoon of salt per day.

Ordinary drinking water has varying amounts of salt in it based on what types of minerals are found in the ground from which the water is sourced. Softened water has about 20 mg of salt per eight-ounce glass, which is low enough to be imperceptible to most people.

So the short answer is yes, softened water is safe to drink, even for those on a low-sodium diet.

Reverse Osmosis Filters

If for some reason you do not want your drinking water softened, you have options.

Most people who get a water softener in their Utah home do so because of the benefits it provides. These include helping appliances last longer, getting clothes cleaner and making it easier to rinse soap out of hair and off skin. When you have a water softener installed in your home, you won’t need to use as much laundry soap and shampoo. You also will not have to contend with scaling, spotting and stains on dishes and in bathrooms and washing machines.

While water softeners remove minerals from your water supply, they do not remove contaminants such as lead, arsenic and other heavy metals. If you are at all concerned with the quality of your water, you may want us to install a reverse osmosis filter in your home for you.

A reverse osmosis filter removes 95%-99% of contaminants from your drinking water, so you never have to worry about your family ingesting toxins or impurities. The filters are easy to change and the system comes with a 10-year warranty.

Get Soft Water in Your Utah Home

If you’re interested in installing a water softener or a reverse osmosis filter in your home, contact Kinetico today. We serve Salt Lake City, Provo, Herriman, Park City, Tooele, Bountiful and Ogden.