There are two popular different types of water systems: water softeners and reverses osmosis. Let’s compare them.
3. Average cost
WaterSmart has been installing innovative water solutions for home use since 1994.
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Water Systems: Water Softeners vs Reverse Osmosis
1. How they work
Water softeners use a simple chemical process called ion exchange.
This process exchanges the hard water minerals in your water (magnesium and calcium) for soft water minerals (sodium).
Hard water contains an excessive amount of minerals in it - specifically magnesium and calcium. These two minerals are positively charged ions. A water softener is filled with millions of tiny, negatively charged resin beads.
As water filters through your water softener, the positively charged minerals are attracted to the negative resin beads.
As the minerals attach to the beads, they replace the positive sodium ions. Those sodium ions then enter your water, while the magnesium and calcium ions end up attached to the resin beads.
Reverse osmosis purifies water by forcing pressurized water through a very fine, plastic membrane which removes most of the contaminants in your tap water.
Here’s a handy video to help explain the process.
A reverse osmosis system can improve the taste of water for people who do not like the taste of dissolved mineral solids in their water.
2. pros and cons
Water Softener Pros
A water softener can help eliminate the following hard water problems.
You may notice an unsightly film that forms on your bathroom and kitchen tiles and fixtures. Hard water also affects your glasses and dishes leaving them with a white film or spots after they have been cleaned. A water softener will help get rid of that.
Hard water will also leave behind a soapy film on your skin after showering. It can leave your skin feeling dry. You may find that your shampoo won't rinse out completely so your hair is left looking limp and dull.
You may also get a build-up of scale in your pipes that will eventually decrease your water pressure, especially in your hot water pipes.
That scale is also a poor conductor of heat. Over time, hard water will leave a scale build-up in your hot water heater that will cause it to be less efficient, use more energy, and cost you more in energy bills.
Water Softener COns
The biggest con to installing a water softener is the initial cost.
However, some companies will offer financing options and low monthly payments. If you live in an area that has really hard water it is worth the investment.
They can also be a bit noisy, but you probably won’t notice if it’s in your basement and the regeneration occurs at night.
Additionally, You need to refill your softener with salt on a regular basis. The more water your household uses, the more often you will need to replenish the salt.
We have a selection of high-quality water softeners for you.
Reverse Osmosis Pros
But, there are many advantages to investing in one, including:
Reverse osmosis removes dissolved solids, salts, and minerals that cause hardness, organic chemicals and other impurities.
They can improve the taste of water for people who do not like the taste of dissolved mineral solids.
Furthermore, treated water will not produce scale in kettles and coffee makers.
They’re also noise-free.
Reverse Osmosis cons
A reverse osmosis water purifier is more expensive than using a jug or fridge filter or buying bottled water.
The membranes used in the filtering process need to be replaced regularly, and they use more water than other softening systems to operate
Consider the pros and cons when choosing water systems for the home.
3. Average cost
The average cost of water softeners in 2022 ranges from $800 – $2,500.
With a financing option, for example, you can purchase your water softener at
12 equal payments.
We have a number of high-quality water softeners that are specially designed to solve the hard water challenges of the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
You can feel good about purchasing one of our water softeners because they are made in Canada with domestic and imported parts.
Not only do you get a high-quality product, but you are also supporting our national economy.
The average cost of reverse osmosis ranges from $200 - $10,000.
The price range is pretty wild. Some systems can be purchased for just a couple hundred dollars. On the other hand, certain RO systems sell for over $10,000!
A larger and more complex system is going to cost more than something small and simple, and point-of-use is a huge factor.
Under-sink RO filters are an affordable options, while systems that filter the entire flow of water in the home will cost considerably more.
4. Installation Information
You could attempt to install water systems on your own, but we recommend getting a professional installation to make sure it’s done right.
Any hiccups in the process could cost your more down the road if there are leaks or breakages.
Allow the professionals at WaterSmart take the worry and hassle out of installing your water softener by letting them do.
We know water systems and we can install yours quickly and easily.
WATERSMART WILL:
Deliver your new system
Install the new water system and hook it up to any necessary plumbing
Replace an existing residential water system in the same location within the home
Set-up and program the unit
Remove and haul away the old unit free of charge - unless it is a rental unit
Test to ensure proper operation
Demonstrate how the unit works
Clean up the job site.
In addition, we install our Smart Series water softeners a little differently than the conventional softener to make it more water efficient. This is done when we program the softener.
Someone other than a certified WaterSmart technician would have a hard time both knowing how to do this and figuring it out.
We also install and service Duro Reverse Osmosis.
These high quality systems come with both a pre and a post carbon filter. Click here to learn more about our high quality Duro system.
Get the Best Water Systems
If you need water systems in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, you can trust WaterSmart.
We would be happy to help at a reasonable rate, and we even have financing options if you need a new unit.
Our expert, experienced plumbers will install your new water softener efficiently and at a price that you can afford.
If you purchase a water softener from us, your installation is free!
Contact WaterSmart today for a free quote.
LOCATION:
14-105 Lexington Road, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4R7
Phone: 519-886-7331
We’ve had WaterSmart install a RO drinking system, water softener, electric hot water heater and plumbing for a new dishwasher. They do a great job and are efficient & thorough. Thanks guys!
— Sarah Playford
