The Business Side of Things

Should You Get A Water Softener Or A Water Conditioner?

Are you not happy with the quality of the water in your home? If so, you may be looking into some sort of whole-home water treatment system that can help fix it. Two potential solutions that are often confused are water conditioners and water softeners. Here is what you need to know about these two home water treatment options before you make a purchasing decision.

Water Softeners

The purpose of a water softener is to remove minerals from your water, such as magnesium, calcium, and barium. Those minerals are then replaced with softer minerals, such as potassium and sodium. It is known as an ion exchange process, and it helps make the water softer and benefit your whole home. 

One of the main benefits people see with soft water is that their dishes get much cleaner when washed by hand or run through the dishwasher. Water fixtures are also going to look a lot cleaner, since you won't have that ugly stain that comes from hard water drying on a metal handle. Your toilets are going to not have a weird stain around the bowl where the water level rests during the day. In addition, laundry will be softer when it comes out of the washing machine, rather than feeling stiff.

The downside to water softening is that it can waste more water in order to produce soft water. This may be problematic if you are trying to cut down on your water bills, or if you use well water that tends to be in limited supply. Contact a water softening equipment supplier to learn more.

Water Conditioners

Water conditioners will not soften the water but will remove harmful chemicals that are typically found in the water. Water conditioners are commonly used when people want to remove chlorine from their main water source. This makes the water safer for drinking, cooking and bathing since the water is treated throughout your entire home. The process also does not waste water like water softening does, which may be a concern.

Be aware that water conditioners do not eliminate hard water, but it does help to reduce the hardness of the water that flows through a water conditioner. This may be just enough to make the water a little bit better for cleaning and bathing.

Are you looking for more information on a whole home water softener or water conditioner? Reach out to a specialist in your area that specializes in these types of water treatment systems.