Hard water is never a welcome experience for homeowners. Containing calcium, magnesium, and other natural minerals, this kind of water can contribute to clogged pipes, limescale buildup, soap scum, and dry skin and hair. To prevent this hardness, homeowners will typically equip their residential water system with a conditioning or softening device. To help you determine which is best for your home, here’s a quick comparison of what each solution can offer.  

Water Softeners vs. Water Conditioners

Process

Softeners are filled with salt pellets that coat a tank of resin beads with sodium. When hard water moves through a softening device, it passes over these sodium-coated beads. At this point, sodium and mineral molecules swap through a natural process known as ionic exchange. The minerals bond to the beads and the liquid moves on without them.

Conditioners don’t rely on salt. Instead of removing minerals, these devices create a catalytic reaction that changes the way molecules behave. When the conditioned liquid comes out, the minerals won’t cling to surfaces. This reaction can be created in several ways—including electrical induction and magnetism.   

Biological Decontamination

While softeners are only designed to remove minerals, conditioners are known to also help break apart biological contaminants—such as bacteria and algae. Removing these contaminants from your residential water system can help prevent the build-up of slimy biofilm on your pipes, appliances, and plumbing fixtures.

Maintenance

Whenever a water softener’s salt reservoir empties, you’ll need to replace it with a pure sodium solution to sustain demineralization capabilities. You’ll also need to clean and rinse the brine tank once a year to remove mineral molecules from the resin beads.

Water conditioners typically don’t need much maintenance. However, regular filter replacement may be necessary according to system directions.

Cost

Water conditioners tend to be a more cost-effective option, as softeners are more expensive to install. If you have a softener, you’ll also need to purchase salt regularly to keep the tank functional.

Providing well planning and installation services in the Oconto Falls, WI, area for over 80 years, Luisier Drilling is a trusted resource for all your residential water system needs. In addition to drilling wells and installing sump pumps, these professionals install high-quality conditioner and softener devices to boost the power of your home’s water. Visit this drilling contractor online to learn more about these solutions and services. If you’re curious about mineral content in your water, call (920) 848-5239 to schedule a free water analysis. You can also call 24/7 for emergency well service.