Water softeners can solve common problems related to the use of hard water such as stained surfaces, clogged pipes, visible rings on bathtubs, build up on tea kettles, and less lathering. But with so many options, it may be difficult to get the best water softener system. So to help you take a decision, here are some reviews on these appliances.
So why is hard water so undesirable? This kind of water has no health hazards, but contains different minerals, including calcium and magnesium. And these minerals are responsible for making the water ‘hard’. Hard water causes spotting and filming on appliances like bathtubs, shower tiles, kettles, metal boilers, crockery, and pipes to name a few. Overtime, equipment such as water pipes may become partially or completely clogged with limescale, which is nothing but lime deposited from hard water. And this may reduce the efficiency of appliances such as water heaters, kettles, etc. The most common problem that people face is reduced lather forming and cleaning capabilities of soaps and detergents when they are used with hard water. With 85% of the United States affected with the problem of hard water, it is imperative for them to make use of water softeners.
Top Rated Water Softeners on the Market
Culligan Water Softener
A promising player in the water softener industry is the Culigan high efficiency water softener. The main factors which have made this product reliable among most consumers include the quality of the water treated by the machine, easy maintenance, and the company’s customer service. Most people have appreciated the appliance’s Dial-a-Softness® Valve that allows the user to adjust the quality of the water, so that it does not feel too hard or too soft. Other benefits are as follows:
☛ The appliance scores low when it comes to the cost of electricity, salt and water. This is because, the machine regenerates only when it detects any changes in water conditions.
☛ People may also go for the remote display feature in the appliance. With its aid, users can control the appliance from anywhere in the house. This feature is optional though.
☛ With the Culigan water softener you do not have to constantly monitor the salt levels. The machine itself does that for you, and gives you an estimate of the amount of salt remaining in the system.
☛ System malfunctions are a common issue with most machines. But if they are diagnosed at an initial stage, then the machine can be kept from becoming non-functional. If any malfunction occurs in the Culligan water softener, it notifies you beforehand so that the issue can be fixed at the earliest.
Kinetico 2020c
If space crunch in your house is keeping you from buying a water softener, then the Kinetico 2020c may be the right choice for you. Its miniature size allows it to sit even under the kitchen sink. It also allows the user to choose between block salt or table salt for softening the water. It does not run on electricity, and thanks to its twin cylinder feature, it ensures uninterrupted water supply. Also, the machine switches between the cylinders automatically. Other pros of using this machine are as follows:
☛ Apart from its zero contribution in electricity bills, the water softener also saves huge on water and salt bills. This it does by regenerating only when required thus, preventing wastage of salt and water.
☛ The Kinetico 2020c is built with a technology that detects low water flow, and accordingly maintains the supply of soft water.
☛ The valves and tanks of the machine are corrosion resistance.
☛ And because the appliance does not need electricity to function, it frees you from working with plugs, timers and buttons.
nuvoH2O Home Complete Salt-Free Water Softening System
This machine converts hard water into soft water without using any kind of salt. This amazingly small machine is great for places with compromised space. With no requirement of electricity, salt, or constant maintenance, its installation only involves attaching the nuvoH2O cartridge to the water supply. The benefits that you can enjoy after buying this eco-friendly device are as follows:
☛ No salt and no electricity mean great savings. You only need to change the cartridge every 6 months. And installing the same hardly takes minutes. So no sweat!
☛ According to most consumers, using this tiny appliance helps extend the life of water appliances by 30%.
☛ Lack of salt in the machine makes every shower clean and fresh for the user. This is unlike other softeners where the water has a slippery feel to it.
☛ Moreover, the company offers a 90 days money back guarantee.
Pelican NaturSoft Salt Free Water Softener
Another water softener that does not use salt or electricity for its operation is the Pelican NaturSoft Salt Free Water Softener. The appliance not only prevents the formation of hard water scales in water appliances, but it also removes any existing scales from the same. The media that this device uses, is coated with micro crystals of calcium carbonate. And this is what that softens the hard water. The other important benefits of using this water softener are as follows:The appliance softens hard water, and leaves essential minerals behind, while keeping the pH balanced.
☛ You won’t find the slippery feel of the water that is conditioned using the Pelican water softener.
☛ The device works on the principle of zero wastage of water, and it comes in ready-to-install package.
☛ The system also comes with a pre-filter. The advantage of having this added feature is, it removes any harmful sediments from the water supply as it enters the house.
☛ Most people prefer buying this water softener because of its eco-friendly benefits. The operation of the appliance does not release any salt into the environment, and the water treated by it is safe to be used on plants and vegetation.
Other Popular Water Softener Brands
- RainDance Water Systems
- GMX Water Softeners
- Hardness Master Water Softeners
- Hague
Types of Water Softeners
Salt Free Water Softener System
This type makes use of nanotechnology to convert dissolved magnesium and calcium into microscopic crystals. Unlike the traditional systems, this one does not react with the water, thus, does not affect the minerals and nutrients. As the microscopic crystals do not stick to pipes or any other mediums, a substantial amount of savings can be done in the long run, as it prevents any damage to the water pipes.
Ion Exchange Water Softener System
The technology employed in this device replaces the minerals (especially calcium and magnesium ions) in the water which cause the hardness, with sodium and magnesium ions. Water which is softened by this machine helps maintain the quality of clothes, thus, increasing their life span. One drawback of this device is related to its sodium infusion in the water. The sodium intake may not be safe for some people, especially those with medical problems like high blood pressure.
Magnetic Water Softener System
This one makes no use of chemicals, thereby, preserving the vitamins and nutrients in the treated water. Here, magnets are placed inside or outside the water pipes. This arrangement makes the water flow through a magnetic field. This process alters the molecular structure of the water, thereby, making it lose its hardness. This non-chemical treatment of hard water is low on maintenance. The only downside is the degree of efficiency, which can be consistent or random.
Reverse Osmosis Water Softener System
As the name suggests, this system works with the help of a semi-permeable membrane, which is supposed to remove 98% of unwanted molecules from the water. However, this process may leave the water with no essential minerals. And this is the reason why, water softened by this system is appropriate for all purposes, except drinking, cooking or for watering plants, and feeding animals.
That would be all for the reviews on some popular water softeners used by most people. Such products are a major household investment thus, they must be durable, and perform with consistency. So before you invest on your desired product, understand its features well, and reconcile them with your requirement and that of your family’s. This would help you get the best deal on the market.