Water Softeners

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The San Antonio area is known for having “hard” water.  According to San Antonio Water Systems, “Hardness is defined as the concentration of calcium and magnesium in the water, which is expressed in terms of calcium carbonate. Calcium Carbonate in water from the Edwards and the Trinity Aquifers is naturally occurring. As water moves through soil and rock, it dissolves small amounts of minerals that make water "hard”........The typical hardness in the water provided by SAWS ranges from 17 to 25 gpg (grains per gallon).” Soft water is typically 3 grains or less of calcium carbonate.

So…..what does “hard” water mean in layman's terms?  The higher the amount of calcium & magnesium found in water, the more build-up, which then restricts water flow.  Over a period of time this build up will cause appliances and fixtures to break down, causing a break down on the wallet, as well.  Water softeners are nearly a necessity in the San Antonio area. With a water softener, your shower heads will not become restricted, your water heater will provide more hot water over it’s life, you will use less soap, your skin & hair will be cleaner and retain moisture, and many other benefits.  Why not have a water softener? When a water softener is properly installed, and serviced the hardness should maintain 0-3 grains per gallon.

Not all softeners or companies are created equal!  Be cautious when a “salesman” is trying to tell you that your supply piping will become clogged with calcium if you do not have a water softener.  If this were the case, all of the city water mains would become clogged over time, slowly reducing the water flow to nothing. You need not worry, this is completely false.  Calcium carbonate mineral deposits only happen when the mineral is extracted from the water. In simple terms, when your water is heated, dried, or evaporated leaving the mineral behind.  As long as your supply piping is full of water and pressurized, there is no way to extract the mineral.

Carefully consider the type of softener, and where you purchase your softener.  There are many new “salt-free softeners” on the market now. Keep in mind these units should not be considered water softeners, only scale inhibitors.  They have there place, but know what the results will be if you purchase “salt-free” system. Many of these units will only reduce the scale build-up and make it easier to clean.  If you are truly wanting “soft” water, the salt based ion exchange process (traditional softener) is the only way to go. If there were a “salt-free” system that performed as well, the traditional softener would go away unless you like hauling salt for exercise. 🙂   Be sure the company you purchase from will be able to install, program, service, maintain, and repair the unit as needed, otherwise we call those softeners disposable. When something goes wrong, you must throw it out and purchase a new one. As a rule of thumb, many companies only service and repair their proprietary softener.

Quest installs high quality (ion exchange) water softeners designed and installed to meet the needs of your specific situation.  We will be here to service, maintain, and repair as needed. When you choose Quest for your water softener, your skin, fixtures, and appliances will not be disappointed.