Category: Blog

The cost to install a water softener varies widely, totaling anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

The lower-priced softeners might seem attractive at first glance, as everyone likes (and needs) to save money. However, going with the cheapest option is rarely the best way to provide your family with clean, soft water.

Then again, the most expensive softening system may not be what you need either. Depending upon the size of your household, the hardness of your water and the impurities it contains, a mid-priced model could serve you well for years or decades to come.

So, what’s the best way to select a water softener that provides a good, long-term value?

Factors that Affect Water Softener Costs

The wide range in pricing for softening systems is due to the differences in the products. Water softener costs are based upon:

• System capacity – As a general rule, the more grains of total hardness a softener can remove, measured in grains per gallon, the higher the price of the system.
• Component quality – Higher-quality parts and the latest technological advances create softening systems that are more reliable, which is reflected in the cost.
• Operational design – On-demand functionality boosts efficiency, and two-tank models allow for uninterrupted water supply, both of which are features found in high-end softeners.
• Water impurities – In some cases, filtration or treatment is a necessary step to softener installation in order to address contaminant concerns and provide clean, safe water for drinking and cooking.
• Labor considerations – Professional installation comes with labor costs, and the charges are increased for removal of an old softening system and for projects that require plumbing modifications.

Comparing Prices for Water Softener Systems

On the lower end of the price scale are off-the-shelf softeners, which you can install yourself – if, that is, you have plumbing knowledge and are comfortable cutting and joining pipes. However, rock-bottom pricing typically means lower-quality components and a limited warranty.

High-end water softening systems can provide a better long-term value. Selecting the right softener to meet your household needs and installing it correctly is more difficult than you may think – and because of the importance of having clean, soft water, that isn’t a task you want to take lightly. Plus, if you don’t have training, knowledge and expertise in softener installation, you could face plumbing problems if you attempt the job yourself.

Choosing the Right Water Softener System

For long-term value – and for your peace of mind – consulting with a water treatment expert and opting for professional softener installation is in your best interest. And with Kinetico, you can count on getting a high-quality softening system that meets your needs.

Kinetico Utah, based in Draper and serving the greater Salt Lake City and northern Utah area, is a decades-long industry leader providing innovative, efficient and affordable water treatment solutions. For more information on our products, or to schedule a free consultation and estimate for water softener installation, contact us today.

Water softener systems work magic at your home or business, especially with the challenges posed by northern Utah’s notoriously hard water.

When something goes wrong with a softening or filtration system, however, it can be difficult to determine what the problem is. In fact, you may not even know you have a problem until you begin to notice unpleasant changes in your water supply.

To determine whether you need water softener repair, consider these key factors.

The Age of Your Water Softening System

Some systems last longer than others and, inevitably, all systems will eventually wear out or break down. The challenge is knowing how long your particular system is designed to last. Traditional, single-tank systems typically last about 10 years or so.

Other systems, such as those installed by Kinetico, can easily last twice that long, thanks to its innovative design.

If you have a traditional system that is more than five years old, it’s probably wise to have it checked out by a water softener repair specialist.

The Way Your Water Softener Has Been Maintained

The type and frequency of maintenance your water softener requires is, again, dependent on the make and model of the system. Traditional systems require more frequent maintenance to remain reliable.

If you purchased a home that already had a system in place, it may be difficult to determine how well the softener was maintained by the previous owner. A repair expert can inspect and evaluate the system and make recommendations accordingly.

The Quality of Your Water

One of the biggest indicators of a problem is the sudden appearance of scale buildup as well as a less-than-clean feeling on your skin and hair after a shower. Your laundry may become dingy or your glassware may develop water spotting.

Sometimes these changes are gradual but, in the case of a major issue with your system, they can also develop more quickly.

The Opinion of a Water Softener Expert

The best way to determine whether your water softener needs maintenance or repair is to consult an expert.

At Kinetico, we design and install softeners and water filtration systems that are designed to require minimal maintenance or repair. Our systems are designed to have a long lifespan (20 years or more) and to produce an abundant flow of soft water.

Our systems have been carefully designed and engineered to stand the test of time with little time or effort on your part. Unlike traditional single-tank systems, our innovative design does not require electricity and you’ll never have to mess with settings or adjustments.

We serve customers throughout northern Utah, providing expert service and the best equipment in the industry. Contact us today to learn more, especially if you suspect your current water softener may need to be repaired or replaced.

Kinetico serves customers throughout northern Utah, including the Salt Lake City metro area, Provo, Bountiful and Ogden. We specialize in advanced water treatment options, including whole-home softening and filtration systems. Our innovative systems are long-lasting, highly effective and affordable. And, as they don’t use electricity, you never have to worry about having a bountiful supply of soft, healthy water.

Contact Kinetico today to schedule your personal consultation water testing. We look forward to helping you banish scale buildup forever at your Utah home or business.

In Utah, hard water is to blame for the constant proliferation of scale buildup on your plumbing fixtures, faucets and in the shower.

As annoying as these problems are, imagine all the areas that you can’t see, like inside your water-using home appliances and plumbing fixtures.

Eliminating scale buildup takes a constant effort and a fair amount of elbow grease, unless you’re inclined to use potentially harsh chemicals. If you want to banish this problem forever – and relieve the pressure it puts on your water-using appliances and plumbing system – consider installing a whole-home water softener system.

What Is Scale Buildup?

The high mineral content of our northern Utah water causes a myriad of problems. When exposed to the surfactants in soaps and detergents, the minerals disengage from the water and form a substance that we know as scale (sometimes called limescale).

The effects of scale accumulation can be seen throughout your house in the form of tile discoloration, a white hazy appearance on shower glass and the telltale white grit that forms on metal plumbing fixtures. You also see its effects on clogged shower heads and rings in toilet bowls.

What you also may not see with your eyes are the effects that scale has on your skin, hair, laundry, dishes and anything else you try to clean.

How Can You Get Rid of Scale Buildup?

If you experience this phenomenon at your home, you already know the challenges of cleaning scale buildup.

Some natural cleaning experts recommend using a light acid, such as lemon juice or white vinegar, to tackle these stains. You can also use a cleaning product meant for dealing with calcium deposits, limescale and rust. However, these products – including the natural options – can cause skin irritation.
In some cases, you can scrub, wipe and clean for eternity and not make any progress. On shower glass, for example, limescale can actually cause microscopic etching in the glass surface. That damage is permanent, leaving a hazy, cloudy surface in its wake.

And, as tempted as you might be to try eradicating scale with an abrasive cleanser or cleaning pad, you’ll only damage the surface you’re working on, in most cases.

Preventing Scale Buildup Solves Your Challenges

The most effective, long-term solution to scale problems is prevention.

Water softener systems remove the calcium and magnesium from your water so you don’t get the buildup, dry skin and spotting throughout your home.

Kinetico serves customers throughout northern Utah, including the Salt Lake City metro area, Provo, Bountiful and Ogden. We specialize in advanced water treatment options, including whole-home softening and filtration systems. Our innovative systems are long-lasting, highly effective and affordable. And, as they don’t use electricity, you never have to worry about having a bountiful supply of soft, healthy water.

Contact Kinetico today to schedule your personal consultation water testing. We look forward to helping you banish scale buildup forever at your Utah home or business.

Water filtration systems and softeners are popular with Utah homeowners and businesses alike.

Unfortunately, many questions and myths surround these systems. If you try to find answers online, it’s easy to get even more confused, because it’s difficult to determine whether information is accurate or simply part of someone’s sales pitch.

For anyone who may be considering adding a filtration system at their home or business, one of the questions we receive is about the amount of water waste these systems potentially produce.

How Much Water Do RO Systems Waste?

Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration systems are the gold-standard for removing pretty much everything but water from your water – including pathogens, organic and inorganic elements, scale and even radioactive contaminants.

To accomplish this objective, RO systems use a complex process of transfer through semi-permeable membranes and special filters. The process does produce some waste but, in exchange for the exceptional results RO systems produce, its usually not enough to outweigh the benefits.

Some systems – such as the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station – use innovative technology to minimize waste while still producing the best Utah drinking water available today.

How Much Water Do Whole-Home Filtration Systems Waste?

Whole-home filtration systems use a different process and different types of filters than RO systems use. And, while they don’t provide the ultra-filtered results that reverse osmosis does, they do an exceptional job at removing chlorine and other chemicals.

They also don’t waste water in most cases.

As you might imagine, you have dozens (maybe hundreds) of different filtration systems to choose from. Your results will depend on the type of filtration system you choose. The Kinetico Whole House Filtration system uses cutting-edge carbon filtration technology to remove smelly, bad-tasting and potentially harmful chemicals and also includes a water softener to remove the hard water minerals. And, as effective as the carbon filter is, it can last for up to ten years under normal use.

Choosing the Right Water Filtration System for You

The right answer for you might be a combination of solutions, depending on your goals and the specific issues you have at your location.

If your water quality is particularly poor – meaning it contains chlorine and other contaminants in addition to having a high mineral content – you may want to consider installing an RO system at your kitchen sink. This way, you will have exceptional quality water handy for drinking and cooking purposes. This is also ideal for giving your glassware a final rinse, to eliminate those annoying water spots.

Adding a whole-home filtration or soft water system will improve your water sufficiently to reduce wear and tear on plumbing fixtures, faucets and appliances. Your skin and hair will feel better, you’ll use less soap and shampoo, and your laundry will get cleaner than ever before.

And, by choosing this combination of filtration systems, you’ll minimize water waste and save money too.

Start by determining the specific issues present in your water. Kinetico offers water testing for homeowners and businesses throughout northern Utah. Based on the results, we can recommend the most efficient and water-wise options for your needs and your budget.

Contact us today to request an estimate for your Utah water filtration or softener system.

Soft water systems work to remove minerals – primarily magnesium and calcium – from water.

Soft water helps your laundry to be cleaner and brighter, your clothing and linens will last longer and you’ll use substantially less detergent, shampoo and soap. Your home appliances – including the dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker and water heater – will last longer and you’ll finally get to stop fighting the never-ending buildup of soap scum on sinks, tubs, showers, etc.

When it comes to choosing the right softener system for you it’s easy to become confused. Should you choose an electric or mechanical (non-electric) soft water system? Understanding the difference can help make your decision easier.

Water softeners remove the hard minerals from the water and replace them with a small amount of sodium. Every few days the water softener has to go through a process called regeneration to flush the minerals it’s removed down the drain and restore its ability to continue softening the water. In order to do this all water softeners have a control valve to determine the frequency of the regeneration cycle and to control the various steps it needs to go through to restore its ability to soften water.

Most water softeners uses a controller similar to a sprinkler timer box and valve system (electrical) where as others work more like the flow meter (mechanical or nonelectric).

What Is an Electric Soft Water System?

Electric water softeners are the most common type available and work well for many families. With an electrical system there is a microprocessor that controls the frequency of the regeneration of the water softener. When the water softener is installed in the home the technician will program some data in the control valve, such as the time of day, time of night the system will regenerate, number of people in the home and the hardness of the water. Based on this data, when the water softener estimates when you’ve used approximately 70% of the softening capacity of the water softener it will then regenerate at 2 am. There reason it regenerates in the middle of the night is if you were to use water during the regeneration cycle you’d be supplied hard water. The theory is that most people aren’t using a lot of water in the middle of the night so that’s the best time to do that.

Often, the moist conditions under which electric softeners operate can cause deterioration of electronic components. This may mean more frequent repairs and a shorter equipment lifespan.

Also, during periods of higher consumption, you will run out soft water because the system isn’t able to regenerate until 2am.

What Is a Non-Electric Soft Water System?

Typically called mechanical softeners, this design eliminates virtually all the pitfalls associated with electrically powered systems while providing the same or better results.

Mechanical systems don’t rely on a timer. Rather, these systems measure the volume of water you use. Non-electric softeners keep pace with your usage and demand without wasting water, power or salt.

With a mechanical softening system, you’ll never have to worry about programming or bypassing the equipment if you leave for vacation. These systems require very little maintenance, as compared to electric systems, and have a substantially longer life expectancy. They will also use a lot less salt and water in regeneration.

Choosing the Right Soft Water System for You

No single softener design is right for everyone but, as you can see, mechanical softener systems offer a variety of advantages at a highly affordable price point.

The first step to choosing the right softener or filtration system for you is to determine the exact nature of your water problems. And the best way to achieve that is to schedule a professional hard water analysis.

In northern Utah, including Provo, Salt Lake City, Ogden, Bountiful and the surrounding communities, Kinetico is the expert in water filtration and softening systems. Contact us today to learn more about our innovative, affordable non-electric soft water systems.

When you invest in a home water filtration system, you want it to work well and last as long as possible. But does that mean you’ll have to spend a lot of time maintaining your equipment?

You can choose from a wide range of single-tap and whole-home filtration and water purification systems – and the amount of maintenance required depends on the system you select.

Whether you get your water from a well or the municipal system, filtration systems can be highly effective for improving the quality of your home’s water. But, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, failure to maintain a water filtration system correctly can cause more harm than good.

Maintaining a Reverse-Osmosis Filtration System

Reverse-osmosis (RO) filtration systems use a combination of filters and membranes in multiple stages to remove minerals, heavy metals, and contaminants such as bacteria and chemicals.

Depending on your system, you may have a carbon filter and a sediment pre-filter. The manufacturer typically provides a recommendation for replacement – typically every 6 to 12 months – but this schedule does not consider how much water you are actually using.

And, if these filters don’t get changed frequently enough, the reverse osmosis membrane will require more frequent replacement.

In most cases, you may not have any way to determine whether you’re changing your filters often enough until the quality of your water deteriorates. The Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station has a patented feature called MAC(Metered Automatic Cartridge) Guard, which measures the gallons of water between filter changes and will let you know when it’s time to change the filters. This allows you to get the longest life out of your filters.

What About Zero-Maintenance Water Treatment Systems?

With Utah’s notorious hard water problem, is it really possible to find a system that requires no maintenance?

When you choose Kinetico for your home’s water filtration, you will enjoy all the soft, filtered water you need, thanks to our state-of-the-art equipment that requires virtually no maintenance.

Our reverse-osmosis systems – including our revolutionary K5 drinking water station – removes more contaminants than any other system. The K5 system can be fully customized to your needs and, with its exclusive MAC Guard filter, it is easy to accurately determine when its time to change the filter.

Our whole-home water softener system is truly maintenance-free, with no settings, dials or programming to mess with. This non-electric system lasts longer than any other system on the market and provides a continuous supply of water, no matter how much you use.

We provide free water filtration estimates for Utah homes and businesses. Contact us today to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation home water quality test.

At Kinetico, the filtration and softening of water for your entire home is a service we’re proud to provide. We’ll keep you and your family supplied with soft, filtered water at every tap.

In many cases, our clients are in the process of building a new home and want to ensure they have proper water softening and filtration systems installed from the day they move in. If this describes you lets address a few common concerns you may have about the water in your new home.

Hard Water

One of the most common water issues new homeowners in Utah have is hard water, or water containing high quantities of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Not only can hard water be rougher on the skin and, perhaps most importantly from a homebuilding standpoint, can cause significant buildup of lime scale that diminish the lifespan of appliances.

Luckily, we can provide simple water softening solutions to completely eliminate this potential problem by removing the minerals from your water before it ever reaches your skin, your appliances or your beautiful new fixtures.

Chlorine Removal

Chlorine is often found in the water supply of new homes, and it can create a few issues. It’s known to leave a poor taste and smell behind, changing the way beverages like water, coffee, tea taste. It can also leave hair and skin feeling dry, and can even be inhaled through shower vapors and adsorbed through the skin causing health concerns.

Kinetico Filter Softener Systems include chlorine filters that completely remove the chlorine from all of the water in your home.

Drinking and Cooking

Our reverse osmosis water purification systems provide clean, pure water for cooking and drinking and can be installed under the kitchen sink or in a basement. The purified water can also be supplied to the refrigerator so your ice will not only be crystal clear but it will also taste great.

For more on avoiding common water issues while building a new home, or to learn about any of our water softeners or filtration systems, speak to the pros at Kinetico today.

When we talk about hard water the conversation in generally about how hard water damages toilets, faucets and water using appliances. Or we talk about how hard water affects your dishes and causes dry itchy skin.

Water is a vital component of any cooking or baking process, and while you might not think the waters hardness or softness impacts your processes, but they really do. Let’s go over a few important reasons why cooking with soft water is beneficial.

Taste Considerations

It’s well known that softer, purer water helps ingredients maintain their flavors in the foods you cook. One example is if you’re baking dough – hard water has a significant impact on yeast, making the gluten structure far too tough and creating dough that’s stiff and hard. In addition, pH levels even out the standard acidity found in yeast fermentation, which will impact the final taste of your baked goods.

Liquids and Sauces

If you regularly enjoy beverages like tea or coffee, know that their taste will be significantly impacted by whether you use hard or soft water. Soft water has lower (or even no) limescale content, which can significantly detract from taste in these kinds of beverages.

In addition, research has shown that soft water will “accept” flavors more easily than hard water. If you’re using hard water when you make soups, sauces or similar liquids, then, you’re risking an impurity concentration over twice as high as if you were using soft water. Some beverages will even turn cloudy or dark when using hard water, such as when brewing ice tea.

Cooking Vegetables

Cooking vegetables can add to their flavor, but you’re limiting yourself if you use hard water. First of all, hard water makes it take longer to cook veggies – it makes their skins tougher, meaning you have to overcook them and they’re often bland in taste as a result. Using soft water, on the other hand, takes less time and brings a softer, purer flavor. It also optimizes the vitamin content you get from them.

Harder Skins

Many foods that have skins – not only veggies – are susceptible to hard water. Consider dried beans, whose skins will become much tougher when submerged in hard water and will be much more difficult to cook.

In fact, Van Camp used to advertise that their beans were better because they are cooked in soft water.

For more on cooking with hard versus soft water, or to learn about any of our water softening or water treatment solutions, speak to the pros at Kinetico today.

Hard water, or water containing high amounts of calcium and magnesium, can create a white or cream colored build up on any of your plumbing fixtures, water using appliances and dishes. These stains can be tough to remove and are particularly problematic on the toilet.

At Kinetico, we have water softening systems that make sure you and your family don’t have to deal with these kinds of stains. If you’re still waiting on a water softener installation and need some help cleaning tough hard water stains from your toilet there are a few methods you can try.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

Using these two basic household products, you can usually get rid of most basic stains. Pour a cup of vinegar into the toilet and use a brush to swirl it around a bit, let it sit for a minute or so and add a cup of baking soda, now quickly add another couple cups or vinegar to create a fizzing solution. Let this sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.

From here, use the brush to swirl the solution around to make sure all of the stains get ample contact with the solution. Do this for about 30 minutes total, regularly moving the solution around. Many stains will go away, if they don’t, use the toilet brush or a nylon brush to scrub.

Borax and Vinegar

Borax is a common cleaning product that can help remove hard water stains on plumbing fixtures. Pour a quarter cup of Borax into your toilet and swish it around, add a cup of vinegar and let the solution sit for 20 minutes. Then scrub the bowl to get rid of the stains.

Borax Paste

If your stain is a bit stubborn and won’t come off using the above methods, consider a Borax paste. First shut off your water to the toilet and flush it, then mix a half-cup of Borax with as much vinegar as you need to form a thicker paste. Quickly spread this onto your stains in the toilet until they’re completely covered – the paste will harden fast. Let it sit for 20 minutes and then scrub the area(s) with a stiff brush.

Sandpaper Scrub

For the toughest stains, you might consider fine grades of steel wool sandpaper. You can use this either with plain water or with other household cleaners. We recommend 0000-grade wool, which is the finest grade and will not scratch your porcelain.

Chemical Cleaners

And finally, if nothing else works, you can purchase chemical cleaners like limescale remover, toilet bowl cleaner or other similar products. Make sure you know the safety recommendations and be sure none of these chemicals will damage any of your plumbing fixutres.

For more on ridding your toilet of hard water stains, or to learn about any of our water softener or water filtration systems, speak to the pros at Kinetico today.