Water softener

[JJJ]

I am really looking into getting a water softener install. I do have a few questions. Since it does contain salt is the water drinkable? How about to water the plants? Also, when taking a shower will the salt be able to soak inside you? Sorry if they seem like silly questions but I'm new with this topic.

Also which one is recommended?

Any input will be appreciated

[gja1000]

I think you can get a softener installed so that it does not soften the water in certain areas of the house, e.g., the kitchen, so you are not drinking it. The water does contain a certain amount of sodium and I don't like the taste of softened water at all, but others say they can't taste it. Of course, if the water in the kitchen does not go through the softener, then it doesn't do the dishwasher any good.

We've never had a softener, but our kids have, so I don't know too much about them.

[Janet]

We've had to have a water softener for 36 years because we have well water. Use do use a water softener salt, and yes...you are able to drink the water. It does have a bit of a different taste if you're not use to it.

About the shower part.....soaking inside you.....well...lol...maybe that's why I'm so fat...lolol

They do have new models now that don't use salt....I would just do some research and even talk with a company salesman to learn about different models, but also shop around for the best model you can afford.

[gja1000]

I forgot to respond to the "soaking inside you" part, Jessica. No, it won't soak inside you, don't worry about that. My husband can't drink softened water (with salt) because of his heart failure and salt restriction. We have very hard water, but we can't use a softener. Some of them use potassium instead of salt, but he can't have that either.

[Janet]

I didn't know some used potassium......Mom needs more of that. The pills are giving her fits and she just doesn't eat enough to do the job.

Sorry about the 'soaking inside you' joke....I really thought you were kidding. It does really make my skin soft though and it's nicer for my hair instead of hard water.

[JJJ]

Lol Janet, I thought it was a silly question but your literally showering in salt so I thought I get it out of my system

I did look up potassium but it cost 3x more

I like the part of only certain areas of the house, thanks Gayle

[Janet]

We have it in all areas except one faucet in the back room. Our well water could do some real damage to dishwashers, washers, toilets mechanisms, etc. So we have to have a softener.

[Marilyn]

If you do want a softener, and it's too costly to pipe the drinking water separate from the rest of the house, I believe a reverse osmosis system on the drinking water will remove the sodium. We don't have a softener, but do have a reverse osmosis unit at our kitchen sink to remove the contaminants from our drinking water. I believe it removes almost everything. The water is very clear and clean looking and it tastes great!! Our RO unit is made by Kinetico. You can get filter units for it that will add calcium back in if you want to, but I haven't bothered with this.

Not sure where you live, but where we are, people run separate outside water lines that come off before the softener so that they have hard water to water the lawn with. You will want to be able to use soft water to wash the car though.

Hope this helps in some way!!

[judy]

Hi Marilyn! Good to see ya!

[DianaB]

Sorry, I'm no help on this subject!!

Marilyn.....it is good to have you back!!!!

[JJJ]

Originally Posted by Marilyn

If you do want a softener, and it's too costly to pipe the drinking water separate from the rest of the house, I believe a reverse osmosis system on the drinking water will remove the sodium. We don't have a softener, but do have a reverse osmosis unit at our kitchen sink to remove the contaminants from our drinking water. I believe it removes almost everything. The water is very clear and clean looking and it tastes great!! Our RO unit is made by Kinetico. You can get filter units for it that will add calcium back in if you want to, but I haven't bothered with this.

Not sure where you live, but where we are, people run separate outside water lines that come off before the softener so that they have hard water to water the lawn with. You will want to be able to use soft water to wash the car though.

Hope this helps in some way!!

Thanks!!!

That's another option I will look into.