Here in Minnesota, almost everybody needs a water softener for their home because our water is naturally very hard. But what kind should you get? There are two types — salt and saltless water softeners. Would a saltless water softener be better for household use? We consider water “hard” when it has an overly-high concentration of certain minerals — calcium and magnesium, in particular. Over time, those minerals can take a toll on our skin, hair, clothes, kitchenware, dishes, plumbing fixtures, and appliances. It’s annoying, to say the least. And it can be costly, too. Soft water prevents these problems,

We’ve all heard that strange noise in our utility closets or mechanical rooms. Sure, it could be your furnace, but it could also be your water softener regenerating. Once you hear it, you wonder if your water softener is regenerating too often, or not frequently enough. Then you ask yourself, how often should my water softener regenerate?

Whether you just moved into a new house, just bought a new water softener, or you’ve had yours for years, you may be wondering when you’re expected to replace it. How long do water softeners last, anyway? And do they require some kind of maintenance? You want your investment to last as long as possible. So, here are some tips to extend your water softeners lifespan.