Homeowners who have hard water face a number of issues as a result, including staining and discoloration on their clothing, build-up on their plumbing fixtures, shorter lifespans for appliances that use water and water that might have an off taste. When it comes to fixing hard water, one of the best ways to get the job done is with a water softener. Whether you are getting a water softener for the first time or concerned about the new unit you are picking out, we are here to help bust myths and give you the facts about water softeners. Here’s what you need to know about the seven most common questions we get about these units and the facts about water softeners.

How Big Are the Water Softening Systems?

Many people associate water softening with the bulky units that used to be popular decades ago, but today water softener units look quite different. There are many different types of water softening units, including compact units designed specifically for homes that don’t have much space available. Depending on the other types of water treatment that your home requires, we can help you to find the right single unit to handle the job of two or three pieces of water treatment equipment.

The WaterMax® system offered by Hague Quality Water of Maryland is designed to streamline water softening through a multi-compartment media tank. A single water conditioner can do the job of four or more other pieces of equipment, and that’s only one of the benefits of getting the facts about water softeners from our team. The unit also comes with a 25-year Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty, so you can have the peace of mind that if something goes wrong, we will be here to help fix it.

Where Will the Water Softener Backwash?

Some homeowners are concerned that the backwash from their water softening system will end up coming into their home or being a nuisance. One of the facts about water softeners is that the backwash will typically be directed into a septic tank or drain field. The regeneration process will not interfere with percolation, and we can help you explore your options if you are concerned about introducing salt water into your septic tank. Two of the most popular options are a separate drywell or running a line from the treatment discharge to the drain field.

How Much Salt Does a Water Softener Use? How Often Does It Need to Be Refilled?

Depending on the amount of contaminants in your water and how much water you use, you might need to change the amount of salt that you need to maintain your system. We can help to test your water and determine the right amount of salt for you depending on your average monthly usage.

Do I Need More Than One Type of Water Treatment?

While you might think that one will get the job done, that will depend on the quality of your existing water and what contaminants might be lurking in it. In most cases, a multi-step treatment is the only way that you can remove all contaminants and not deal with hard water. We can work with you to get the facts about water softeners and what is right for your home to ensure that you are making an informed decision about your water quality and safety.

How Can I Maintain My Water Softener?

Salt is critical to the proper operation of your water softener, and adding the right type of salt is important. You should make sure to have regular maintenance performed and have repairs completed if there is a noticeable or sudden change in water quality. We can help retest your water and ensure there is nothing wrong.

Does Hard Water Damage Appliances?

One of the most important facts about water softeners is that without them, your appliances that use water are getting unnecessary wear and tear. Dishwashers, water heaters and washing machines will get excessive wear and tear from the high levels of calcium in the water. Some appliances also have a threshold for the amount of hardness that they can be subject to before the warranty is considered voided. If you do not take proper care of the hardness levels in your water, you might be putting your machine at risk if something happens, even during the warranty period.

Can a Water Softener Remove Iron?

If your water has elevated iron content, one of the most important things to know is what type of iron it is. In Maryland, some water supplies have ferrous iron while others contain iron algae or iron bacteria. We can pinpoint the type of iron present in your water and determine the right treatment or combination of treatments to remove it. For example, a water softener will only remove ferrous iron and not iron bacteria. When you complete convenient water testing with Hague Quality Water of Maryland we will determine the best methods for supplying your family with healthy, treated water that you feel good about drinking. If you have iron bacteria or iron algae present in your water and they are not treated before your water softener treats the water, it will lead to premature malfunction of your water softener unit, so getting it right the first time is key.  

Get the Facts About Water Softeners and Enjoy Delicious Water with Hague Quality Water of Maryland

If you are concerned about the quality and contents of your water, we are here to help with your water improvement projects. Whether you need the Hague WaterMax® System, to replace your water softener system, or explore additional filtration systems and devices beyond that, our team cares deeply about the health and safety of your family. For your convenience, we now offer a water testing kit that can be mailed directly to your home. To purchase your in-home water testing kit today, click here. For additional assistance, call Hague Quality Water of Maryland at (410) 757-2992.