How Often Should I Replace My Water Softener?

At Aquarius Water Conditioning, we are passionate about water. We think about the water and water softening systems in homes like yours all day, every day! We also understand that most people don’t have nearly as much enthusiasm about these topics as we do. Most families never think about their home’s water or water softener systems until they need maintaining or replacing. But how often should they be replaced? 

There are some hard-and-fast rules of thumb about how often you should replace your water softener, but it is generally a bit more complicated than a set number of years. In this post, we will discuss some of those rules of thumb, as well as other factors to look out for that can help you determine when it is time for a water softener replacement. 

What Type of Water Softener Do You Have?

One key factor in understanding how long your water softener can last before it needs to be replaced is knowing which type of water softener you have. Water softeners that operate using electricity to work can last anywhere between 2-10 years, depending upon the quality of the device. Water softeners that rely on the kinetic energy from water flow can last even longer, about 20 years if they are maintained well. 

If you have an electric water softener, it’s important to get it maintained or repaired every couple of years by a professional to ensure that it is still performing its job as expected. At Aquarius Water Conditioning, however, we prefer the water softeners that use kinetic energy because they tend to have fewer issues, they can go longer without breaking down, and they are more energy-efficient.

Have You Noticed Any Changes In Your Water, Home Goods, or Appliances?

Unless you are actively looking, it can be difficult to detect changes in your home’s water. Regularly monitoring your water and home for the following can help you determine whether it’s time to get your water softener replaced:

Change in Taste

Has your water’s flavor gone from clean and crisp to metallic and musty? If so, your water softener may not be working like it should to remove the minerals that can produce a harsh metallic taste in your drinking water. 

Change in Appearance

Does your water suddenly look cloudy when it used to come out of the tap looking completely clear? Hard water minerals, like calcium and magnesium, can cause your water to change in appearance.

Change in Laundry

Has your laundry become stiff or covered in residue when it comes out of the dryer? Hard water can make your clothing and sheets feel stiff or scratchy, and it can also leave behind an unpleasant film. This can be an indication that your water softener needs replacing, as hard water may be damaging your washing machine. 

Change in Dishes

Have your dishes gone from coming out spotless to being covered in residue? If your glassware constantly looks foggy or your dishes aren’t getting as clean as they used to, this may be a sign that your water softener is out of commission. Hard water reduces the effectiveness of detergent, making your dishwasher less able to get your dishes as clean as you’d like them to be. 

Change in Appliances

Has soap scum started showing up in your bathtub, shower, or sink? If so, this is a good sign that your water softener is no longer effective. Soap scum occurs when hard minerals, especially calcium, chemically react with soap. This chemical reaction makes soap less effective at cleaning, and it also makes it stick to bathtubs, shower walls, and sinks. Another sign of hard water on appliances is mineral buildup, especially in dishwashers, coffee pots, and washing machines. 

Although seeing any of these signs doesn’t guarantee it’s time for a new water softener, they can be somewhat reliable indications that it’s time to at least get your water softener checked by a professional. 

What If I’m Still Not Sure If I Need a Replacement?

If you have answered the above questions, but you still don’t know for sure if it’s time to replace your water softener, contact the pros at Aquarius Water Conditioning. It is our goal to provide your family with the highest quality water possible at the best value, and we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service.

We provide free in-home water tests that can help us figure out whether it is time for a replacement water softener, or if your system is good to go for a few more years. These water analyses can tell us if there are any other contaminants like iron, tannins, or chlorine in your water as well. 

What Water Softeners Are Recommended?

If you do end up needing a replacement, we can help you choose the appropriate equipment that will suit your home’s needs. Kinetico, our preferred water softener brand, makes many models of water softeners that suit the needs of every type of household. All of their water softeners, and other water care devices, are made in America and are available at affordable prices. 

For most homes, we recommend the Kinetico Premier Series of water softeners. These are the most efficient and cost-effective options Kinetico offers, as they run without electricity and maximize water flow rates. These devices also have two tanks, meaning that your home will never run out of soft water to use. We understand that replacing one’s water softener can be an intimidating investment, but fortunately, Kinetico offers the best, most comprehensive warranties in the industry. Some of their water softeners come with a 10-year warranty that remains effective even if you move to a new home and take your device with you. 

How much does a water softener system cost?

Of course, the cost of water softeners varies on the type of system you select and the type of water you have. Most water softener systems start at $1800 up to $6000 installed depending on the type and quality of water you have. If you’d like a quote on a whole home water softener system for your Minnesota or Wisconsin home or cabin, request one.

If you are ready to get your water softener replaced, give us a call at 888-741-9025, and we will be happy to schedule an appointment for you.