Water softeners have become popular in many American households. They can significantly improve bathing routines and housekeeping chores while preserving indoor plumbing. If you’re considering installing one, you might wonder, “What size water softener do I need?”
As your trusted plumber in Narberth, PA, MVP Plumbing answers this and other questions about water softener installation. We can help you find the perfect system for your home or business. Read below to brush up your knowledge before reaching out to our plumbers.
What’s All the Fuss About Water Softeners?
Water softener services involve installing and maintaining the water softener. These devices remove excessive hard minerals from your fresh water supply. Many property owners install water softeners to:
- Protect their plumbing pipes and fixtures from mineral buildup
- Maintain cleaner clothes and dishes
- Prevent skin and hair dryness
“Sign me up! What size water softener do I need?” Let’s explore the proper size for your building below.
What Size Water Softener Do I Need in My Home in Narberth, Pennsylvania?
Most plumbers look at three factors when matching water softeners to buildings. They need to know about your average water usage, the number of mineral particles in your fresh water supply, and how many appliances you might use at one time. Learn more about each factor below.
How Much Water Do You Use Daily?
Your daily household water usage depends on your home’s occupants and how often you use your dishwasher, washing machine, and other plumbing appliances. A plumber will typically multiply the number of occupants under one roof by 80.
80 represents the average number of gallons one person uses. So, a family of four might use about 320 gallons of water daily. They might round up to 400 to account for appliances.
How Hard Is Your Water Supply?
“What size water softener do I need based on water hardness?” The water hardness levels in Narberth, Pennsylvania, rank between moderate to hard. That means your local freshwater supply contains a considerable number of mineral particles.
Your plumber will measure your household water supply in gallons per grain. Narberth properties tend to clock in between 3.5 and 10.5 GPG. From there, they’ll determine an appropriate grain capacity to sufficiently remove the minerals before the softener regenerates.
Now, what does regeneration mean? Many water softeners, such as ion-exchange models, contain bits of resin to soak up the excess minerals. Once the softener reaches a full resin volume, it rinses the beads with a saline formula to remove the minerals.
What’s Your Household Flow Rate?
The final factor that influences your water softener tank size is your household’s maximum flow rate. The number of household occupants and fixtures running at one time will determine the flow rate. If you have a heavy flow rate, you’ll either need a higher regeneration frequency or bigger resin beads to absorb the minerals before they make it to your fixtures.
What Else Should I Know About Installing a Water Softener?
“Now that I have a better idea about what size water softener I need, can you tell me anything else about choosing the best model?” Our plumbers are glad you asked.
Every household has different preferences, even for basic plumbing essentials. Choosing additional fixtures, like softeners, means exploring your options in depth.
Traditional vs. Salt-Free
The average water softener utilizes salt to rinse the resin beads free of minerals. However, some areas restrict their usage because the sodium has an adverse impact on their local habitats. Other people prefer not to use them because it may impact blood pressure conditions.
You can purchase a salt-free model. However, it won’t technically soften the water. Instead, it changes the mineral’s molecule structure, which can prevent issues associated with water hardness.
Choosing the Wrong Size
Let’s say you accidentally pick an oversized water softener. While it can still fulfill your basic needs, it may reduce the resin’s functionality and efficiency. Meanwhile, an undersized model may not last as long while becoming a sinkhole for salt.
Installing High-Efficiency Models
High-efficiency water softeners are the way to go. They adjust to fluctuating mineral levels, which means fewer salt refills and regeneration cycles. You’ll pay less throughout the softener’s lifespan.
MVP Plumbing Makes It Easy With Water Softener Installation in Narberth, Pennsylvania
Stop wondering, “What size water softener do I need?” and contact MVP Plumbing to find out.
Leave the calculations to our plumbers in Narberth, Pennsylvania. Book an installation consultation, and read more on understanding water softeners and filters while you wait.