Plumbing — FAQ
How long do water softeners last?
Quality units last 10-15 years with proper maintenance. Resin beads typically need replacement after 10 years. Digital control heads often fail before tanks — look for 5+ year head warranties.
Can I install a water softener myself?
Yes, if you have basic plumbing skills. Most units include bypass valves and fittings. You'll need to cut pipes, solder or use SharkBite connectors, and run a drain line. Budget 2-4 hours for first-time install.
How much salt will I use monthly?
A typical family uses 40-80 lbs monthly. Metered units cut usage by 30%. Harder water (15+ GPG) and larger families push consumption toward 100+ lbs. Our top pick averages 50 lbs/month in standard conditions.
Do water softeners remove iron?
Standard softeners remove 2-5 ppm of ferrous iron. For higher iron or bacterial iron, you need a dedicated iron filter before the softener. The Kenmore 350 and 420 models handle moderate iron better than most.
Will softened water taste salty?
No. Properly functioning softeners add only sodium, not salt taste. For every 10 GPG hardness removed, sodium increases by 30 mg/L — less than a slice of bread. Reverse osmosis at the kitchen tap removes sodium if concerned.
What's the difference between timer and metered controls?
Timer models regenerate on a fixed schedule, wasting salt when you use less water. Metered controls track actual usage and regenerate only when needed, cutting salt costs by 30-40% and preventing waste.
