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Water Softeners: Everything You Need to Know

Water Softeners | Ohio | Ohio Valley Pure Water - iStock-184617384Owning a home is one of the biggest investments we will ever make. Keeping your home at top-notch for resale purposes is something we should not take lightly. Investing in a high quality American made water softener system is a great start. That’s why homeowners in the Greater Cincinnati market rely on Cincinnati’s highest rated water treatment provider, Ohio Valley Pure Water, for all their water softener needs. With our state-of-the-art water softeners, we can turn your hard water to soft water with an easy installation. Let’s take a look at the advantages of a water softener system for your home.

What a Water Softener Does For Your Home

To understand how a water softener contributes to your home's water supply, you must first understand the difference between hard and soft water. Hard water is water that contains calcium and magnesium, ranking higher than 2 grains per gallon (gpg) on the hardness scale. Though it won’t harm you, it does play a significant factor in how clean your home is as well as  how often you place water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and many other plumbing appliances. In contrast, soft water tests less than 1 grain hard, and is free of hard water (dissolved minerals). Soft water will have all your plumbing appliances lasting for years longer and using up to 80% less soaps.

A water softener is used to remove calcium and magnesium from your water—the dissolved minerals that assist in creating hard water. When you install a water softener system into your home, hard water enters from the main water pipe or well and travels into the water softener tank. The resin of the tank attracts and removes the dissolved minerals from the water, leaving smoother, softer water to flow through your plumbing.

With soft water running through your pipes and appliances, you not only will notice a cleaner feel on clothes and dishes, but will notice a lessened strain on your wallet. That’s right, by installing a water softener you can save money on appliance replacements and potential  plumbing disasters.

The Average Lifespan of a Water Softener

Water softeners come in all shapes, sizes, and brands, which can make it difficult to know which one will last the longest. One of the biggest factors in choosing a water softener is the price. A lot of consumers look for the cheaper option—let’s be honest, we’re all trying to find a deal when we shop. But, going the cheaper route in regards to large home appliances, is not always the smartest option. Cheaper appliances, like anything else you purchase for a deal, don’t last as long and come with extensive repairs down the road.

Big-box stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, Sears, and others, all compete with lowest prices. These water softeners are typically replaced 75% more often than a high-quality American made water softener. Why? Most people buy them for their extremely low price without realizing they A) only last a few years, B) there are no local service companies to service them, and C) most people do not have the technical experience to service their own water softener as needed. Most people would agree quality control is always sacrificed to meet the lowest price. Unfortunately, online stores are no different than the big-box stores. All competing with lowest prices, customers fall into the same trap as the big-box stores—a cheap water softener that doesn’t last long and no one to service them. 

At Ohio Valley Pure Water, we offer high quality American made whole home water softeners at wholesale prices. On average, 50-75% less than our competitors. Our high efficiency salt-based water softener comes in four different models to choose from and starts at $2,198, including a standard installation. Better yet, this will likely be the last water softener you ever buy because when something breaks down we replace the part, not the whole water softener. Ohio Valley Pure Water customers get an average of 25 year lifespan out of their water softener. 

Signs Your Water Softener Isn’t Working Properly

Just like other key appliances in your home such as HVAC systems and water heaters, your water softener won’t last the full lifespan if not properly maintained. Whether you’ve had your water softener for multiple years or just installed a new one, it’s important to understand the factors to look out for when your water softener reaches the end of its life.

The most common way to know your water softener is working is because your soap will not lather up, causing you to use more soap and cleaning products. You will also notice dry itchy skin.

Other signs your water softener isn’t working properly include:

  • Changes in water pressure
  • Hard water spots on glassware
  • Clothes no longer feel soft
  • Mineral buildup

When to Replace Your Water Softener

Depending on the year, make, and model of a water softener will depend on how often you replace it. Your big-box stores and online water softeners will need to be replaced on average about every five years. A high quality American made water softener should last 20 years or more when properly maintained. Only a trained manufacturer service technician is in a position to inform a customer when their water softener needs replacement.

Ohio Valley Knows Water: Let Us Help You

Don’t let your pipes clog, water appliances break down, or believe water spots are the new normal. Instead, let the professionals at Ohio Valley Pure Water install an American made high-efficiency water softener that will grant you soft water for years to come. Our installation technicians offer you personalized attention, prompt service and close attention to detail to get the job done right. Take pride in the water you’re supplying to your home by installing a water softener from Ohio Valley Pure Water that will last for over 20 years.

Cincinnati’s Highest-Rated Water Treatment Company

As a family-owned and operated water filtration company for over 30 years, Ohio Valley Pure Water is dedicated to serving Cincinnati and the surrounding areas with exceptional service. We go the extra mile in providing all our customers with honest advice about how to solve their water problems. If you have experienced a consistent water softener break down or are in the market for a new one, contact us today to schedule an installation appointment.

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