Getting Started with Salt and Time in Austin, TX

Being a homeowner can be an exciting and challenging journey, but that journey only lasts if you keep up with routine home maintenance. One of the most common maintenance issues homeowners face is their plumbing system, and salt and time are two important factors for keeping plumbing running properly. Here are a few tips for homeowners in Austin, Texas looking to get started with salt and time.

Testing the Water Hardness

The hardness of the water is important to understand because salt affects how it behaves in the plumbing. The harder the water, the more salt you will need to treat it. It is important to note that although soft water may be more preferable for drinking and cleaning dishes, it is often more corrosive to plumbing fixtures and pipes leading to home damage. To test the hardness of the water, grab a water testing strip from a local hardware store. Follow the instructions on the packaging to find out how hard or soft your water is.

Salt-Based Softeners

Salt-based water softeners are one of the most common solutions to hard water. These devices are used to treat hard water before it enters the home, softening it and removing minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause the water to be hard. There are a few different types of salt-based softeners that can be purchased. These are:

Demand-initiated Regeneration (DIR) systems: These systems have a sensor that measures the water and determines when regeneration is needed.

Metered systems: These systems measure the amount of water that passes through the pipes and trigger regeneration when needed.

Time-initiated Regeneration (TIR) systems: These systems regenerate on a predetermined schedule.

When installing a salt-based softener, you will also need to purchase the appropriate type and amount of salt for the system. This can be found at any hardware store.

Maintenance of Salt-Based Softeners

To get the most out of your salt-based softener, regular maintenance should become part of your home maintenance routine. It is important to check the system regularly to make sure it is in good condition. This includes checking and cleaning the screens, cleaning the backwash, and checking the salt levels. If you notice any issues, contact a professional plumbing technician right away. Additionally, you should consider testing the water hardness every few months to make sure the system is working properly.

Salt-Free Water Softeners

Salt-free water softeners are another option for treating hard water. Unlike salt-based softeners, these systems do not remove minerals but instead prevent them from building up and causing issues. This type of system works by using a process called Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) which turns the minerals into harmless crystals that pass through the plumbing without causing any damage. These systems are cost-effective and require less maintenance than salt-based softeners, making them a good option for homeowners who are looking for an easy solution.

Salt-Based Softeners

Salt-Free Water Softeners

Water Hardness