What to Avoid Doing When Installing a Water Softener

When you have hard water, it can be difficult to wash the dishes, do laundry, or even bathe. This is because hard water barely lathers with soap, which means you use more water than usual for your basic tasks. This can increase your water consumption and lead to a higher water bill. 

But with a water softener, your hard water problems can be solved. A water softener is a useful appliance that helps soften hard water by removing hard minerals from the water. But to ensure your water softener works properly, you should follow the right installation process and avoid cutting corners. Our residential heating oil team at Burch Oil shares what you should avoid doing: 

Having Poor/Inadequate Preparation

Failing to prepare the water softener installation adequately is a common mistake and a process many people oversee. Before installation, ensure that your central water supply system suits the work and that you have the right equipment for the job. Your water softener should also have all the necessary components needed. For instance, if you don’t have the right fasteners for your water softener, it will lead to water leaks and other problems later on!

Not Getting the Right Size

While you may already be considering a salt-based or saltless water softener for your home, it’s still important to determine what size is appropriate for your home. The rule of thumb shows that each person uses approximately 80 gallons of water a day. You’ll get the total number of gallons your home uses by multiplying the approximate usage by the number of people in your household. 

Let’s say you’re a family of four, so your home roughly uses 160 gallons of water daily. Multiply that number by the grains of hardness in your water, which can be determined through a water-testing kit. The number you’ll get determines how big your water softener should be. You can also consult with your trusted professional in plumbing and HVAC services to help you determine which size should benefit your home.

Not Hiring a Professional for the Job

Installing a water softener is not as easy as you might think. There are instructions to follow and precautions to take to ensure a smooth installation. This is why it helps to hire a professional who knows how to properly install your water softener. Some warranties may also require a professional installation, as this also saves time since they have the right experience for the job.

Burch Oil is the best expert to call for your water softener, heating oil and delivery services. To get started, call us at (301) 373-2131 or fill out our convenient online contact form.