Are you unsure if your water softener is set correctly? Determining the correct hardness settings for a water softener can be confusing, especially considering the differences between well water and city water. Perhaps your current settings are causing unnecessary wastage of salt and water. But wait, aren't the hardness settings already pre-set at the factory? Does it even matter? Don't worry, we've got answers for you right now!
In this blog post, certified water specialist Gary the Water Guy will simplify the process of finding the ideal water softener hardness settings for your family. Whether you're a homeowner, plumber, or water filtration specialist, this blog is tailored to provide you with the necessary knowledge. Soon enough, you'll have a clear understanding of how to set the correct hardness settings for your water softener. So let's get started on conquering crappy water for your family!
WATER SOFTENER BASICS
Modern water softeners are far easier to program and as a result, are far more efficient than ever before. However, unless you set the correct hardness settings, you’ll just be throwing all that away or the water softener just won’t be softening your water properly at all!
It is easier to understand what’s to come if you know the basics of how a water softener works. In case you don’t know, check out my YouTube video here!
DETERMINING YOUR HARDNESS SETTING
Step 1) To calculate your hardness settings, you’ll need the following information:
Hardness in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm). To convert parts per million (ppm), just divide your number by 17 for the total gpg of hardness.
How do you know your water’s hardness? If you are on a city or municipal water source, just call the water works department and ask them. If you are on well water, you need to have the water tested. I have more info on water testing here — or you can mail us your water sample and we can test it for you for FREE!
Mail to: Water Store, 1004 King Street, Midland, Ontario, Canada L4R 0B8
Step 2) If you're on well water, you’ll also need to know:
Iron in ppm - ex 1.5
Manganese in ppm - ex 0.5
If you’ve invested in a relatively modern water softener like one of our HUM Water Care water softeners, which are all metered and come pre-programmed, you just need to calculate the compensated hardness number as follows and add that number to the settings.
Step 3) Add that number to the water softener settings.
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