Hard water affects homes throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley and Eastern Pennsylvania because of the region’s limestone bedrock. This water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can cause limescale buildup on fixtures, reduced appliance efficiency, and dry skin and hair. Water with 61-120 mg/L of dissolved minerals is moderately hard, while levels exceeding 180 mg/L are considered very hard.
Knowing how to tell if your water is hard — and getting it tested — helps you determine whether you need treatment. From there, you need to understand what water softening systems do and the types to choose from to make the right decision for your property.
Types of Water Softening Solutions
Ion exchange water softeners are the most common type of water softening system. Resin beads inside the tank carry a negative charge that attracts positively charged calcium and magnesium ions. Sodium or potassium ions are released to replace the hard minerals, effectively removing them from your water supply.
Common ion exchange systems may include:
Water Refiners for Salt-Based Softening
True softening occurs by actually removing minerals from the water. This process differs from salt-free refiners or descalers, which prevent scale from sticking but don’t remove the minerals themselves. For homes in Pennsylvania with very hard water, salt-based systems deliver better results.
Water Conditioners for Well Water
These salt-based systems are optimized for well water, handling iron and sediment in addition to softening.
Regeneration Cycles
The system flushes the resin tank with brine to recharge the beads. Timer-based systems regenerate at set intervals, which can waste salt if your water usage varies. Demand-initiated systems regenerate based on actual water consumption, making them more efficient.
Comparing Refiners vs. Conditioners
Efficiency ratings help you choose the most cost-effective option. Look for grains removed per pound of salt — higher efficiency means less salt and water used during regeneration and lower operating costs. Compare the following softening systems to see which would be best for your property:
Water Refiners
Refiners provide true softening by removing minerals and chlorine, providing dishes without limescale and softer laundry. It can also extend the life of pipes, faucets and appliances such as water heaters. However, these systems require salt and electricity, and have ongoing maintenance costs to consider. Their best use is with city water customers who want comprehensive treatment addressing both hardness and municipal treatment chemicals.
Water Conditioners
Conditioners are designed for well water softening, providing extra filtration for sediment and iron. However, they do not remove bacteria or chlorine, they require regular filter changes, and sediment build up means they need frequent maintenance.
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are designed for drinking water purification. An RO system pairs perfectly with a water softener for wells because it removes bacteria and other contaminants from your drinking water.
The Benefits of Professional Installation and Setup
Professional installation ensures your system works correctly from day one. DIY attempts can lead to incorrect plumbing loops, voided warranties and potential leaks. Licensed installers know local building codes and can identify the best placement for your specific home layout.
Your water softener needs access to three key elements. It connects to the main water line before the water heater, requires a drain for the backwash cycle and uses a standard electrical outlet. Trained technicians should also handle local permitting requirements, saving you time and ensuring compliance.
The ideal installation location depends on your home’s design. Basements are the most common spot, providing easy access to plumbing and protection from temperature extremes. Garages work well if they’re insulated against freezing. Utility rooms offer convenient access while keeping the system out of the main living areas. The location must be dry, level and accessible for salt refills and maintenance.
A professional can help you calculate the perfect sizing for your needs by multiplying the number of people in your home by their average daily water usage and your water’s grain hardness. Undersized systems can run out of soft water, while oversized units waste space and money. Choosing the right system size ensures you always have soft water when you need it.
General Maintenance and Operating Tips
Regular maintenance keeps your water softening system running efficiently for years. Follow these key maintenance tasks to ensure optimal performance:
- Daily monitoring: Listen for continuous running water, which could indicate a stuck valve requiring attention.
- Brine tank checks: Depending on your usage, you should regularly check your brine tank. Keep salt levels about half-full and watch for salt bridging, where a hard crust forms above water, and mushing, where dissolved salt creates sludge at the bottom. Breaking up bridges and cleaning out mush keeps your system regenerating properly.
- Filter replacements: Filters protect the resin and improve water quality, but lose effectiveness over time. For replacement timing, follow manufacturer recommendations for your specific system, which typically range from three months to one year, depending on water quality and usage.
- Annual sanitization: Manufacturers generally recommend you sanitize the brine tank at least once a year to prevent bacterial growth. This simple step keeps your water clean and your system running efficiently.
- Professional service: If you notice spots on dishes or a drop in water pressure, your system may need attention. Signs of hard water returning mean you should call for professional service to restore proper function.
Long-Term System Management
Water softeners last up to 20 years with proper care. Consider upgrading when you’re facing frequent repairs, noticing inefficient salt use, or wanting to take advantage of new technologies like Wi-Fi monitoring. Modern systems often pay for themselves through improved efficiency and reduced maintenance needs compared to older systems with worn-out internal components.
Using app-based monitoring helps you track system performance in real time. You’ll know exactly when to add salt, when filters need changing and if any issues arise. This proactive approach prevents problems before they affect your water quality. Local service support makes a significant difference in system longevity. You’ll need a reliable, experienced company to provide ongoing maintenance and warranty coverage.
Get Expert Water Softening Solutions From Long’s EcoWater Systems, Inc.
Long’s EcoWater Systems has been serving the Greater Lehigh Valley since 1949 and is a 2023 Premier EcoWater Dealer. We customize water treatment solutions for your home, whether you have well or city water. Our certified technicians handle everything from water hardness testing to professional installation, ongoing maintenance and warranty coverage.
With advanced EcoWater technology, the systems we provide offer the following solutions tailored to your water source:
- Water refiners for city water: These systems both soften and remove chlorine and chloramines. These chemicals can dry out your skin and fade clothing, so removing them improves water quality beyond just softening.
- Water conditioners for well water: Built specifically for well water, these systems tackle the iron and sediment common in Pennsylvania wells while also providing softening benefits.
- HydroLink Wi-Fi monitoring: This feature allows you to monitor your system remotely via Wi-Fi. You can track water usage, check salt levels and receive alerts about maintenance needs right from your smartphone.
Contact us today for a free water consultation and discover how the right water softening system can improve your home’s water quality in Northampton and Lehigh counties and other areas in Pennsylvania.
