Water Softener Installation Calgary

Since hard water is essentially any water supply with minerals, a water softener in Calgary works to remove these minerals from your water supply. It does so by using a process called ion exchange, which uses sodium ions to get rid of calcium, magnesium, and iron by replacing them. Sodium has a weaker charge than other minerals, a fact that enables this process.

There are negatively charged zeolite crystals and resin beads attached to salt ions. When hard water passes through the softener, the negatively charged ions exchange sodium for the other minerals. The sodium ions will enter the water while the others will get trapped in the softener.

If you’re worried about your water becoming salty, don’t. With a properly installed water softener, Calgary homeowners won’t have to worry about salty tastes. While this may happen right after the installation, you can rest assured that, over time, your unit will adjust, and the salty taste should diminish.

The first thing you should know about Calgary’s water supply is that it isn’t always the same for every home. Some experience acidic water, while others have very drinkable softer water that comes straight out of the tap. It depends on your location in the city and which water source is used for your neighbourhood or building.

So, how do you tell if you have softened water or what the water hardness is in your home? If you’re reading this, you likely suspect that you have hard water. The signs are quite obvious and include water spots on your glassware and mineral buildup around your sink. Other signs you have hard water in your home include:

• Low water pressure
• Soap doesn’t lather as well
• Clogged pipes
• Dry hair & itchy skin
• Earthy water flavour
• Film on your hands after washing

This is because hard water contains more minerals than soft water does, as it travels through limestone, rock, and metals, picking up magnesium, calcium, and iron as it goes. These minerals can then cause these issues in your home. However, it doesn’t mean soft water is without faults. Soft water is generally more acidic than hard water, as it does not contain the same levels of these minerals. With that said, not all water is safe to drink, and usually, very acidic water should not be consumed, just as water that contains too many minerals should not either.

Calgary residents know the disadvantages of harder water, and as you might imagine, the benefits of soft water are the exact opposite. When choosing to have a service for soft water installation in Calgary, you will experience all the following perks:

• Cleaner Dishes: Did you think spots on your glasses were non-negotiable in Calgary? It turns out that all you need to do is install a water softener, and these spots will go away. You’ll also notice that your dish soap lathers more easily and cleans dishes more effectively.
• Improved Skin & Hair: Say goodbye to dry skin and hair. With soft water, you won’t feel the same tightness on your skin when you get out of the shower or wash your face. You’ll also notice less frizzy hair, more shine, and for blondes, less brassiness.
• Brighter Clothing: After cleaning your clothing in your washing machine, you’ll notice that the colours look brighter. They’ll also be a lot softer since the minerals from the water aren’t leftover in the fibres.
• Savings: While it does cost money to install water softening systems since they help your appliances run more efficiently, they won’t have to work as hard, saving you money on your energy bill each month. In addition, choosing to install water softeners can prevent larger plumbing disasters that would have cost you big time.

A big part of the cost of soft water installation is dependent on the type of water softener you choose to install in your home. For this reason, it is almost impossible to figure out exactly how much your system will cost. That’s why calling our customer care team to schedule a no-obligation consultation is so important. We can walk you through the entire process, help you choose the best product for your needs, and then give you upfront pricing for the job. From there, you can decide if you’d like to schedule a water treatment service.

If you aren’t sure if your existing softener is still working, keep an eye out for signs like salty-tasting water, stiff clothing after washing, a change in your water pressure and water quality, and hard water spots around your faucets or plumbing fixtures.

That said, maintenance, including timely repairs, is important to keep your plumbing systems in optimal condition and prevent a premature need for a replacement water softener. Calgary residents can keep their eyes out for these signs that they may need to schedule a repair service:

• Decreased Effectiveness: If you notice a significant decrease in your water softening system's effectiveness, including problems like soap scum, mineral deposits, or limescale that are indicative of hard water, it's a clear sign that your system needs repair.
• Unusual Noises: Unfamiliar sounds emanating from your water softener can be an indicator of a larger problem, such as a malfunctioning valve or motor. If you’re hearing unusual noises like clanking, grinding, or rattling during the softening process, you should contact a professional plumbing service.
• Leaks: Like with any plumbing installation, the appearance of leaks around your water softener tank is a telltale sign of trouble. It is crucial for these tanks to be completely waterproof. Leaks can arise from various problems such as damaged seals, cracked tanks, or faulty plumbing connections, so any leaks, whether they’re small drips or major flows, demand immediate action.
• Salt Bridges or Salt Mushing: If you find a hard salt crust or solid salt at the bottom of your brine tank, also known as salt bridges or salt marshes, it can disrupt the regeneration process and make your system less effective. Contact a professional plumber to break up the salt bridge or marsh to ensure proper flow and optimal performance of your brine tank.
• Error Codes or Warning Lights: Modern systems will come equipped with diagnostic features like error codes or warning lights. If you notice any error messages or lights on the control panel that indicate issues, you should consult your system's manual or contact a plumbing professional for help.

After scheduling our water softener installation, Calgary homeowners should read this quick guide on how to maintain your system. You are ready to enjoy the reduced mineral buildup in your pipes and appliances, the improved cleaning capacity of your washing machine and dishwasher, and the healthier skin and hair expected of a water softener solution. But how do you keep it that way to ensure your whole home water system stays functioning at its best? Calgary water softener installation experts recommend:

• Checking salt levels monthly and refilling the salt when the tank is less than half full, every 4 to 6 weeks.
• Use only high quality salt to prevent bridging
• Clean the brine tank annually with soap and warm water
• Inspect for salt bridges or mushing every 2 to 3 months
• Clean the brine to resin valve twice a year
• Check and operate the bypass valves monthly
• Monitor your water softness regularly and adjust settings as needed
• Schedule professional inspections annually
• Have a professional clean and recharge your resin beads
• Have them optimize settings for your specific needs

Keeping your water treatment system working properly and checking it frequently will help increase its lifespan and provide you with the best water softener experience possible. When it comes to maintenance following your water softener installation, Calgary plumbers are here to help with reliable solutions and expert advice.

We know that softened water is better for our skin's natural barrier, and that soft water helps preserve the longevity of our appliances, but is it safe to drink? The answer is: Yes, it is safe to drink. The only time this may become an issue is if you are on a low sodium diet. While a water softener adds sodium to the water, it only does so a very small amount, less than that of a single slice of ham. A glass of water contains less than 12.5mg of sodium, which is less than 1% of the average person's daily sodium intake.

Considering installing a water softener? Calgary homeowners might be surprised that afterward their water will have a slightly different taste. This, of course, varies slightly from person to person and their level of sensitivity. The water softener in your home will not cause your water to taste salty, despite increasing the amount of sodium. Salt is used in the regeneration process but never enters the water supply. Calcium and magnesium also alter the taste of your water, so if your home water system contains these before, they may taste noticeably different after you install a new water softener. However, many people agree that a water softener for your home is a good idea if you drink tea or coffee, as softened water tends to have a better taste in those applications.

Having a professional water softener installation in Calgary is a crucial part of ensuring your hard water becomes the soft and kind supply you’ve been looking for. With Calgary’s hard water being rich in minerals like magnesium and calcium, you’ve likely been wanting to switch it up for a while now.

Don’t waste money and time by fumbling through the process; our expert plumbers are here to help. We will help you pick the perfect solution for your home and perform your water softener installation in Calgary efficiently and effectively.

If you live in the local area, such as Haysboro, Acadia, Forest Lawn, Glamorgan, Lincoln Park, or Eagle Ridge, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary today to start the process for your Calgary water softener installation service and say goodbye to hard water problems and enjoy the benefits of soft water in your home.