What to Look for in a Commercial Water Softener

A commercial water softener is a smart investment for any business. But with so many options,brands,and sizes to choose from,it can be difficult to know where to start.

Here’s what to look for as you begin evaluating your options.

What is Hard Water,Anyway?

Hard water has minerals that measure above 3.5 grain per gallon (GPG). Here’s why it matters.

• Small businesses invest between $10,000 and $125,000 (or more) on plumbing,appliances and other water-related equipment. Hard water is the leading cause of appliance and plumbing fixture buildup and deterioration. The minerals in hard water also cause staining and plumbing breakdowns,which can cost as much as $200 an hour for repairs or replacement. Scale-buildup can also increase utility bills by more than 10%. Instead of getting the full lifespan of your costly equipment,you’ll be replacing it early.

• Hard water is also damaging to the environment. The harder your water source,the more detergent a business owner uses. Cleaning agent usage increases by 12% for every 3.5 GPG. The impurities return to the water stream where it harms the environment greatly.

• Depending on your type of business,hard water is also difficult for your employees and customers as well. Hard water on the skin can cause itching,flaking,and drying. Calcium,magnesium,and iron clog the pores and cause acne. It breaks down the collagen as well.

Test for Hard Water Experiment

Do you want to hear a funny water joke?

Well,we’re all dried up with jokes (get it?) … but here’s a test for hard water experiment that helps you figure out if you should invest in a softener system.

Tip: Get a plastic 16-ounce bottle and fill it. Put ten to fifteen drops of soap in it. Put the lid on and shake. If you only have a few bubbles,it is a clear indication that your water source is mineral-filled. You can then repeat the process using more soap to check for accuracy. Is the water cloudy as well? Wasn’t this much more fun than our water joke?

You can also get a free water score report by clicking here!

How a Commercial Water Softener Works

When you install a water softener system,it uses ion-exchange resin to removethe minerals from your water source.

With high-quality water treatment,you can protect your business assets and reduce the need for expensive repairs or replacements.

Commercial Water Softener System Recommendations

• Brand Reputation: When evaluating water softeners,it’s best to stick with trusted,well-rated manufacturers. Take the time to research the company’s reputation by looking them up online and evaluating reviews from other customers.

• Size Options: Size matters when it comes to water systems. Size typically refers to the grain capacity and water flow rates – and these options should be selected based on the needs of the business (water flow demands,hardness,etc.). Commercial water softener systems can range anywhere from 15,000 grains to 1,000,000+. We strongly recommend using this calculator to determine the right size for your needs.

• Efficiency: Higher-efficiency water softener systems can save you money (and time) on salt and water. These systems typically have a higher upfront cost,but they can sometimes pay for themselves with the money you save in the long term.
  

• Metered vs. Timed Systems:

  • Metered water softeners are highly efficient as they operate based on the actual water volume flowing through the system. So,they regenerate only when needed.

• A timed water softener is set to activate on schedule,such as once a day. This can be ideal for locations that have predictable water demands every day. But it’s typically not as efficient as metered systems since the system will always regenerate as scheduled,even if it’s not needed.

• Price: With the right supplier,you’ll benefit from not having to throw money down the drain. You should factor the price of quality water treatment into your buying decision. Some business owners tend to want budget-friendly water softener systems. Others think long-term and invest in a top-of-the-line product that comes with all the bells and whistles.

• Warranty: You should always ask about a water softener system warranty. The average warranty for a water softener system is just one to three years. Brands like Fleck come with a five-year warranty. Some brands,like SoftPro,come with lifetime warranties for maximum peace of mind.

Which commercial water softener is right for you?

Use this calculator to get matched with systems based on your needs and water hardness. Learn More Here: Commercial Water Softener