Sizing Your Water Softener: Insights from a Pentair Water Softening Company in Oswego, Illinois

Hard water can be a nuisance for homeowners, as it is generally high in mineral salts — especially calcium and magnesium. These minerals are not bad for your health, but they can leave a cloudy film on your dishes and glasses, make your skin feel dry, flaky, and itchy, and can even damage your plumbing system and home appliances.

Thankfully, a water softener can fix all these problems. But how can you ensure you get the right size water softener for your home? This Pentair water softening company in Oswego, Illinois is going to provide some insight on the topic below.

Know your daily household water usage

When buying a system from a Pentair water softening company in Oswego, Illinois, you should also know your daily household water usage. If you buy a water softener that’s a size too big, you are wasting resources, but if you get a smaller one, it might not work properly. You can check your water bill or install a water meter to learn your daily water use.

Test your water hardness

You should know your water hardness level because it directly affects the size of the water softener you are going to need. Water hardness is usually measured in grains per gallon (GPG) or parts per million (PPM), where 1 GPG equals 17.14 PPM.

Oswego, Illinois has an average water hardness value of 256 PPM. But since water hardness can be different from house to house, you should get your own water tested. You can reach out to your local water utility provider for this information or even use a home test kit for some DIY testing.

Calculate the required grain capacity

For this, you need to multiply your daily household water usage by your water hardness level. For example, if your household uses 200 gallons of water a day and your water hardness value is 10 GPG, you will need a 2,000-grain capacity water softener. With this calculation, you make sure that your new softener will handle your household needs without needing too many regenerations.

Efficiency is important

Not all water softeners are the same — some are more efficient and use less water and salt during regeneration. So, when you are buying a water softener, you should look for models that are known to be efficient. This will save you money over time.

Know your water use habits

You should also think about how you and your family use water every day. If the shower is running, someone is using the dishwasher, and someone is doing laundry all at once, you will need a water softener that can handle these peak usage times.

You should also consider that if you have frequent guests at home, your softener can keep up with the extra water use during those times. If your water use is more spread out, you might not need a big system.

Get the right type of water softener

There are a few different types of water softeners in the market — including time-based, metered, and demand-initiated systems. Time-based water softeners regenerate on a set schedule, regardless of water usage. Metered systems regenerate based on water usage, while demand-initiated water softeners regenerate only when necessary, which is why they are the most efficient ones. Choosing the right type of water softener for your household’s needs will ensure optimal performance and minimal waste.

Get professional help

If you are feeling a little lost with all of this, you can always reach out to a professional Pentair water softening company in Oswego, Illinois. They can test your water, analyze your household needs, and then recommend (and install) the best water softener for you.

Looking for a Pentair Water Softening Company in Oswego, Illinois?

Are you thinking about investing in a new water softener? If so, and if you’re looking to have your new system installed by the best Pentair water softening company in Oswego, Illinois, Johnson Water Conditioning is here to help. Contact us today to request a free estimate.