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Do You Need a Water Filtration System or a Water Softener?

Water filtration Salt Lake City, water softener Salt Lake City

Many Salt Lake City homeowners assume that they should get a water softener, but, at least in some cases, a water filtration system would better meet their needs – and in some cases, the opposite is true. So how do you know what’s right for your Utah home?

The decision on whether to invest in a water filtration system or a water softener depends mainly upon your goals and objectives, as well as the quality of your household water supply. Different types of equipment perform different functions

Here’s what you need to know to make a decision on the best water treatment approach for you.

Why Might You Need a Water Softener?

Softeners are designed to filter out calcium and magnesium ions, which are the primary minerals that make water hard. Hardness isn’t a health hazard, but it can bring about several unpleasant issues, including:

  • Limescale or soap scum deposits on faucets and showerheads
  • Rust-colored staining in and around sinks and toilets
  • Residue on clothing after it goes through the washing machine
  • Dry, itchy and irritated skin and dingy, dull-looking hair
  • Appliances becoming less efficient, leading to higher energy bills and shorter lifespans

If you suspect that your Salt Lake City home has hard water, a softener may be what you need to resolve these problems. However, keep in mind that installing a softening system won’t ensure that what’s flowing from your taps is necessarily pleasant or safe to drink.

Why Might You Need a Whole-Home Water Filtration System?

Filtration systems, particularly whole-home water filtration systems, are effective for removing sediment and particles. Even more important, a filtration system can remove chlorine from your water. In Salt Lake City, whole home filtration for chlorine removal is a very popular option, due to the unpleasant nature of our municipal water supply.

So, while a softener system will help with spotty glassware and scale buildup on plumbing fixtures, filtration systems will provide you with water that looks cleaner and tastes (and smells) much better.

Filtration systems can also help neutralize high acidity levels. In some cases, highly acidic water can cause excess corrosion in the home’s plumbing system, including pipes, faucets and fixtures.

What About Water Purification Systems?

Purification systems are designed to remove the majority of harmful particulates and impurities. These systems typically use reverse osmosis (RO) technology, which is capable of trapping many different types of pollutants. Some of the contaminants that a reverse osmosis system can eliminate from your household supply include:

  • Viruses
  • Bacteria
  • Protozoa
  • Lead
  • Arsenic
  • Nitrate
  • Metal ions
  • Sulfate

If you’re concerned about the safety of your household drinking water, you might also want to want to invest in a reverse osmosis filtration system. These systems are typically installed at the kitchen sink, so you have it conveniently available for cooking and drinking. However, the nature of RO systems don’t facilitate the filtration of large volumes.

Get the Right Water Treatment System for You

If you want to have the best possible drinking water, you could install our exclusive reverse osmosis K5 drinking water station. To improve the quality and safety of the water throughout your home, talk to us about installing Kinetico’s whole home water filtration system.

To reach the right decision, you’ll need to get a clear picture of your household water quality – and the expert team at Kinetico Utah can perform a test at no cost to you. Once we see the results, we can recommend a treatment option. We offer a range of effective and efficient filtration systems and top-of-the-line water softeners, all of which come with our industry-leading warranty.

Call on Kinetico Utah, and we’ll find a solution that meets your needs and fits your budget. We’d be happy to come to your Salt Lake City are home to provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation and discuss our highly efficient and cost-effective water filtration and water softening systems.

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Is It Time to Replace Your Water Softener in Utah?

Water softener replacement Utah

Is it time for water softener replacement? Utah homeowners usually need to replace their softening systems about every ten years – but if you have extremely hard water or your household usage is high, you may need to get a new softener sooner.

No one can tell you exactly how long a water softener will last, so you’ll benefit from learning how to tell if yours is on its last leg. You’ll find that information below, along with tips on how to select the right water softening system for your Utah home.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Softener

When your softener is reaching the end of its life, you may experience a range of issues. Warning signs that it may be time to replace your water softener include:

  • Scale buildup around your faucets and fixtures
  • Mineral spots on your dishes and glassware
  • Needing to use more soap to create enough lather
  • Laundry comes out stiff and isn’t fully clean
  • Skin feels itchier and dryer than normal

Be aware that the above-mentioned red flags may indicate a need for softener repair, not that a replacement unit is necessary. But in any case, you shouldn’t hesitate to have a professional inspect your water softening system.

How to Choose a New Water Softener for Your Utah Home

If you do end up needing to replace your softener, you’ll want to make a smart choice. That may prove to be a challenge, as modern water softening systems may be quite different than the one you have.

For that reason, the process of shopping for a replacement softener should involve the same steps you took when you first bought a water softening system. By that we mean doing your homework, choosing a few reputable local water treatment professionals and scheduling consultations. Ask plenty of questions and get help comparing your options, then decide which company can best meet your needs.

Turn to Kinetico for Water Softener Replacement in Utah

If you think that you may need to replace your softener, give Kinetico a call. We serve homeowners throughout northern Utah, and our friendly team is known for providing expert service.

Kinetico is a trusted industry leader, and we design on-demand water softening systems that require minimal maintenance. Our softeners are engineered to operate for decades – without electricity and with much less salt than systems designed by other manufacturers. With us, you’ll have peace of mind, too, as we back our products with a comprehensive warranty.

To learn more about what Kinetico has to offer, or to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss water softener replacement in Utah, complete our online contact form or call our office today.

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Water Softener Regeneration – What You Need to Know

Water softener Provo

Why do water softeners need to regenerate? What happens during the regeneration process? And how often should it take place?

When you have questions about softening systems, Kinetico is your source for answers. Below, we explain the basics on regeneration, the two different types – scheduled and on-demand regeneration – and the benefits of investing in a Kinetico water softener.

Why Water Softeners Regenerate

Softening systems work by passing water through a bed of resin beads, removing calcium and magnesium ions and replacing them with sodium ions. With the mineral contaminants no longer present you have soft water.

Over time, the resin beads become saturated with minerals – and to continue softening, the system must regenerate. During the regeneration process, mineral ions are flushed out, refreshing the resin beads and restoring their ability to function.

Scheduled Softener Regeneration

Most softening systems regenerate at specific times. A microprocessor controls the process, but a treatment professional determines how frequently regeneration occurs. This is based upon household usage and water quality.

While scheduled regeneration can be effective, it has drawbacks. A softener may regenerate too early, when the resin beads aren’t fully saturated – and that’s wasteful. Or, the timed intervals may be too far apart to ensure a continual supply of soft water.

On-Demand Softener Regeneration

Kinetico water softening systems regenerate on demand. A meter tracks household usage, measuring the volume of water that flows through the softener. The resin beads are refreshed when necessary, in pace with the demand.

On-demand regeneration is more efficient than regenerating at timed intervals, and softeners that are designed to regenerate on an as-needed basis also use less salt and water. Also soft water is always available for use, even when the amount of water used increases.

Why Choose a Kinetico Water Softener?

Kinetico softening systems feature on-demand regeneration – but that’s far from the only reason our softeners are the ideal choice. Kinetico offers:

  • Non-electric operation
  • Low salt usage
  • Twin-tank design
  • Compact size

In addition, Kinetico water softeners are engineered to provide 20 to 30 years of trouble-free service, with very little maintenance. Additionally, our softening systems come with a comprehensive 10 year warranty – and our warranty coverage is among the best in the industry.

With Kinetico, you can be certain that you’re getting a high-quality softening system. Homeowners in Provo and the surrounding northern Utah area have been turning to us for decades, and we’re known for both affordable, innovative products and exceptional customer service.

To learn more about water softener regeneration, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation for installing a water softener, contact Kinetico today.

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How a Reverse Osmosis System Will Benefit Your Family

Reverse Osmosis System

Have you thought about installing a reverse osmosis system?

When it comes to your family’s drinking water, you have your choice of a few different types of filtration systems. The best feature RO technology, purifying water by using pressure to push it through a semi-permeable membrane. To see what makes reverse osmosis the ideal water treatment solution, read on.

Safer and Cleaner Water Supply

One of the greatest advantages of installing a reverse osmosis system is knowing that your household has water that’s nearly free of impurities. The RO process can remove up to 99 percent of common contaminants, including arsenic, lead, nitrate, bacteria, viruses and particulates.

Great-Tasting Drinking Water

With an RO system removing unwanted contaminants from your water, every glass you drink will have a clear, refreshing taste. Water filtered through reverse osmosis is widely considered to be the best for drinking and cooking, and you’ll love having a virtually unlimited supply.

Savings that Quickly Add Up

You can say goodbye to bottled water after installing an RO system, and by doing so, you can save quite a bit of your hard-earned money. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on single-use bottles each year, you’ll be getting your drinking water for just a few pennies per gallon.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Plastic is recyclable, but did you know that roughly 70 percent of the water bottles we use end up in a landfill? Install an RO system, and you’ll be doing your part to benefit the environment – you won’t need to buy single-use bottles, and that means your family will produce less plastic waste.

Ready to Reap the Benefits of Reverse Osmosis?

If your home is in Salt Lake City or the surrounding area, Kinetico Utah is the water treatment company to call. Our innovative RO systems outperform others on the market in several ways, as they’re designed to:

  • Provide a constant flow, delivering water at about twice the speed as other filtration systems
  • Conserve water, using up to 93 percent less than filtration systems made by other manufacturers
  • Make maintenance easy, as you can change filters with a simple twist – and the indicator lets you know when it’s time for filter replacement

In addition, Kinetico RO systems are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation to remove more contaminants than any other system you can buy. Choose Kinetico, and you’ll feel confident in not only the quality of your family’s drinking water, but also in the quality of your filtration system. Ours are made to operate for up to twenty years, but for your peace of mind, we also provide an industry-leading warranty.

For more information on water filtration, or to schedule a free consultation to discuss the benefits of installing a reverse osmosis system with the Kinetico Utah team, contact us today.

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Where Can a Water Softener Be Installed in Your Utah Home?

Utah water softener installation

You know that installing a water softener will solve your hard water problems. No more spotty dishes and soap scum, no more scale buildup on your faucets and fixtures, no more dingy clothes – all of these issues will disappear once your softening system is in place.

But, where should that place be?

The ideal location is one that has adequate space and access to plumbing and a drain. The spot must also meet any code restrictions and temperature requirements of the water treatment equipment. Below, the Kinetico team shares examples of where water softeners are commonly installed in northern Utah homes.

Basement

Most Utah homeowners choose to place their softening systems in the basement. There’s plenty of space to accommodate a water softener of any size, and installing it near the water heater keeps the treatment equipment centralized.

Crawl Space

Some Utah homes have crawl spaces that are suitable locations for a softening system, but the size of the area can limit the size of the softener installed. And for this location to work, the brine tank must be easily accessible for salt refills.

Garage

The garage can be a good spot for water softener installation in Utah homes that are without basements or crawl spaces. Attention to temperature control and additional plumbing work may be necessary, but garage spaces are typically rather convenient.

Utility Room

Owners of cabins and other Utah homes constructed on a slab sometimes opt to install softening systems in a utility room. The spaces are small and may require extra work to create a drain, but with creative problem solving, the location can absolutely work.

Consult with an Experienced Water Treatment Professional

Before you make any decisions about where to install your softening system, talk to the water treatment experts at Kinetico Utah. We can determine what size of softener your household needs, and that information will help you figure out the best location. In addition, our experienced team can explain your equipment options and offer advice on which softener you should install.

Kinetico is a trusted brand, a company that’s been at the forefront of the water treatment industry for several decades. Softening systems designed by Kinetico don’t require electricity, regenerate only when necessary and use much less salt than softeners from other manufacturers. Utah homeowners who install Kinetico systems enjoy 20 to 30 years of trouble-free operation – and Kinetico water softeners require very little maintenance.

If you live in Salt Lake City or the surrounding northern Utah area, we’d love to provide you with more information on our water treatment systems. For expert advice and answers to all of your questions about water softener installation, contact Kinetico Utah and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.

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Water Filters vs. Water Softeners – What’s the Difference?

Should you get a water softener or a water filter?

If you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water, you could invest in a high-tech water filter – reverse osmosis filtration systems are quite effective for Utah homes. But is installing a water softener a better idea?

To figure out the answer to that question, you need to understand how the two treatment options differ.

Water Filter Systems

Water filters, as you might expect, filter out harmful pollutants and contaminants from your household supply.

Carbon filters capture large particulates, and they can be formulated to address specific contamination concerns like arsenic or chlorine. High-quality reverse osmosis purification systems – like those made by Kinetico — can efficiently eliminate these along with a wide range of other impurities. As such, a reverse osmosis filtration system is likely to improve the quality of what’s flowing from your tap more than a carbon filtration system.

Water Softener Systems

Water softeners are filters – but instead of removing harmful contaminants, they filter out minerals that create hard water.

Hardness may not be hazardous to your health, but the effects can be problematic. The calcium and magnesium ions hard water contains cause soap scum buildup, dingy laundry and dry, itchy skin. Plus, the minerals leave limescale deposits in your pipes –which not only wreaks havoc on your plumbing system, but also shortens the lifespan of your washing machine, dishwasher and any other household appliance that uses water. Softeners do away with these issues, and Kinetico’s non-electric, on-demand softening systems feature a compact twin-tank design and use much less salt than softeners made by other brands.

Do You Need a Water Filter or Water Softener?

Depending upon where you live in Utah, you may have a number of contaminants threatening your household water supply. And while mineral composition differs from region to region, hardness is also a problem throughout much of the state.

The easiest way to decide on a treatment solution is to get your supply tested for impurities and minerals. After a thorough analysis, you’ll know exactly what it contains – and a treatment specialist can recommend a cost-effective system that solves your quality problems.

That may be a reverse osmosis filtration system, a softening system – or both. Homeowners don’t have to choose one or the other, and installing a reverse osmosis system in addition to a softener is often the ideal solution.

At Kinetico Utah, a decade-long industry leader serving Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah area offers a selection of innovative filtration and softening systems. We’re known for providing advanced treatment solutions at affordable prices, and our commitment to customer service is second to none.

The Kinetico Utah team is always happy to answer questions, and we’d love to help make sure you and your family have a steady supply of safe, soft water. For more information on the products and services we offer, or to schedule a free, no-obligation quality test and consultation to determine if you need a water filter, water softener or both, contact our office in Draper, Utah, today.

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Do You Need a Water Softener? Here’s How to Tell

Utah water softeners

If you have hard water, you should seriously consider installing a water softener. Without one, mineral buildup can create plumbing issues, reduce the lifespan of your appliances and increase your home energy costs.

So, how do you know if you have hard water? Here are the telltale signs that you could benefit from water softener installation.

Scale Residue

Take a look at your faucets, fixtures and showerheads. If you see limescale or mineral deposits, you probably have hard water. The same is true if you notice rust-colored stains in your sinks or toilets, and in either case, the solution lies in a softening system.

Appliance Problems

If your dishwasher isn’t getting your dishes as clean as it used to – or if your washing machine seems to be leaving a residue on your clothing — hard water is the likely culprit. Install a softening system, and you can have cleaner dishes and clothes.

Itchy Dry Skin

If anyone in your household has noticed their skin getting dry and itchy, you could be in need of a water softener. Bathing or showering in hard water can cause skin irritation, particularly in those with eczema and other skin issues.

Dull or Dingy Hair

Using water that contains a high mineral content to wash and condition your hair makes thoroughly rinsing away the products quite difficult. And when residue is left behind, the result is limp, dull-looking hair.

Higher Energy Bills

As your appliances become less efficient and your pipes have to work harder, your water bills rise. If you’ve noticed that your monthly bill is rising, installing a water softener can help bring your costs down. And if you get yours from Kinetico, you’ll see even greater energy savings, as our softening systems don’t use electricity.

If you live in northern Utah and want to learn more about the benefits of installing a water softener – or if you ready to explore your softening system options – turn to the professional team at Kinetico Utah.

Kinetico has been an industry leader for decades, known for innovative and affordable solutions to hard water problems. And, we’re always happy to answer questions, offer advice and help home and business owners find effective ways to meet their treatment needs. For more information on our products, or to schedule a free professional consultation to discuss water softener installation with the Kinetico Utah team, contact our Draper office today.

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How Do Kinetico Water Softeners So Little Salt?

How much salt does a water softener use

One key reason many people choose Kinetico water softeners is that they use about 70 percent less salt than competing brands. Investing in one means not having to pay for or lug around nearly as many bags of salt, something everyone appreciates.

But, many of our customers want to know why our softening systems don’t need much salt. If you’re curious, read on to learn about the three features of Kinetico water softeners that cut down on salt usage.

Regeneration Based on Real-Time Water Use

Traditional softening systems have computerized controls that are set to regenerate at specific times. They cannot soften water and regenerate at the same time, so the regeneration has to happen when no one is using water, like in the middle of the night.

The problem is, these types of softeners regenerate as scheduled, whether or not they actually need regeneration – and that results in burning through as much as 25 to 30 percent more salt than really necessary.

Kinetico softeners don’t regenerate on any schedule. The advanced engineering allows for regeneration at any time, without any effect on their softening capacity. As such, no salt is wasted with a Kinetico system.

Innovative Countercurrent Regeneration Process

The regeneration process for a traditional softening system starts at the top of the brine tank and moves downward. This is not an efficient approach – we’d compare it to cleaning a sink full of greasy pots and pans, then using the same dishwater to wash glassware.

How so? The concentration of hard water contaminants is highest at the top of the tank, so the top-down approach basically regenerates contaminated water with contaminated water.

Kinetico softeners feature counter current regeneration, starting at the bottom of the brine tank and working its way upward. This technology cuts unnecessary salt use by roughly 25 percent.

System Regeneration Process Uses Soft Water

Traditional water softeners use hard water in the regeneration process. And as you might expect, this is counterproductive – and wastes a great deal of salt.

Kinetico softening systems don’t operate this way. Instead, they regenerate with soft water, which makes a world of difference. In fact, this state-of-the-art design feature cuts down on salt usage by 20 percent.

Now you know why Kinetico water softeners use much less salt – and if you’d like to learn more about our high-quality, innovative softening systems, reach out to Kinetico Utah today.

A trusted local industry leader for over 30 years, Kinetico Utah has helped countless homeowners enjoy better household water quality. Contact us and schedule a free, no-pressure consultation to discuss the many benefits of Kinetico water softeners today!

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How Water Softeners Work

technician

As a homeowner or renter, chances are you’ve heard a lot about hard and soft water. These are definitions that describe the content of hard minerals in a given sample of water, with “hard” water referring to samples with higher quantities of these minerals and “soft” water referring to samples with lower (or absent) quantities.

At Kinetico, we offer the best water softener solutions around to turn tough, hard water that may aggravate the skin and cause several other issues into soft, clean water that’s both healthier and more comfortable for basic bodily use. Let’s look into the details of how a water softener works once you’ve had one installed in your home or business.

Hard Water Definitions and Statistics

The thresholds for hard and soft water are measured using the levels of hard water minerals in milligrams per liter of water. For water to be considered soft, it must contain less than 17.1 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of hard water minerals – anything above is considered some form of hard water.

Hard water varies in its definitions, however. Water in the 120 mg/L range is moderately hard, but becomes fully hard at about 180 mg/L. Anything above 180 is considered “very hard” water.

The prevalence of hard water in the United States is greater than many are aware of. Roughly 85 percent of US households are in hard water areas.

Ion Exchange

A water softener works using a process called ion exchange. The water softener contains resin beads that hold ion of either sodium or potassium – when hard water is passed through it, this resin captures dissolved rock ion (the hard particles we’re trying to eliminate). The resin then uses the sodium or potassium as a substitute, exchanging it for the dissolved rock ion.

Recharging

When all the resin in the water softener has picked up dissolved rock ions, it is now saturated. From here, the saturated softener is “recharged” with a saline rinse, which washes dissolved rock ions down a given drain and starts the process over again. The resin resets with fresh sodium or potassium, and is ready to soften water once again.

For more on how water softeners work, or to schedule water softener installation, speak to the pros at Kinetico today.

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Three Little Known Benefits of Water Softeners

Cute little girl washing face and hands in bathroom

If you have hard water in your home and are considering water softeners from Kinetico Utah, we want you to make the best choice for your family. Our goal is to educate you about all the benefits that come from installing a water softener.  Here we have several little known benefits of using water softeners.

Brighter, Longer-Lasting Clothing

Hard water is hard on your laundry, and using soft water ensures that your clothes stay brighter and last longer. If you’re raising kids and it seems like you do several loads of laundry each day, this can greatly cut back on fading and wear and tear that is common when clothes are washed.  You will also have soft fluffy towels again, instead of the hard crunchy ones you now have.

Along with your clothing, your washing machine may last longer because the buildup of deposits and minerals that are common with hard water are eliminated. This not only improves the function of your machine, but saves you money in the long run.

Softer Skin

Hard water contains minerals that can be hard on your skin. With soft water, those minerals are removed, ensuring that skin is softer and smoother after you wash it. Hard water creates a dingy film that resides on the skin, and soft water ensures that your skin is clear and fresh every time you bathe.

Stronger Plumbing Systems

As with your washing machine, your other water using appliances, pipes and fixtures may have scale buildup in them, if you have hard water in your home. After several years, this can wear on your plumbing. If you hate clogged jets in your dishwasher, leaky faucets and hard water rings on your toilets, a water softener may solve your problems. A water softener removes minerals like calcium and magnesium that buildup in your homes plumbing.

Call Kinetico Utah Today

If you want to know more about the benefits of water softeners, give us a call today at 800-969-4420.