Water Softeners

Why do I need a water softener?

Arizona has some of the hardest water in the United States, which is why water softeners are a fantastic thing. Hard water has a high mineral content consisting primarily of calcium and magnesium ions (and sometimes additional dissolved compounds such as bicarbonates and sulfates) in contrast with soft water, which is low in both. Calcium usually enters the water as either calcium carbonate (CaCO3), in the form of limestone and chalk, or calcium sulfate (CaSO4), in the form of other mineral deposits. The predominant source of magnesium is dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2). Hard water is generally not harmful to one’s health.

The simplest way to determine the hardness of water is by performing the lather/froth test: soap or toothpaste, when agitated, lathers easily in soft water but not in hard water.

A water softener removes the hard minerals from your water and stops the buildup in your pipes and calcium deposit buildup in showers, baths, and faucets. Glasses will no longer have the frosty look to them, clothes will stay brighter and you will be able to use up to 50% less detergent for both the washing machine and dishwasher.

How to Select the Proper Softener

The proper water softener for any business of home is going to be a full flow water softener. Most hardware stores carry water softeners, but often times the valve on the softener is not a full flow valve. This means that as the water enters the valve, the flow rate is reduced so you will have less pressure as the water comes out of the fixture. This may not be possible to notice at the faucet, but will be noticeable in the shower or bathtub as the water dribbles out.

Call Zippy Zebra today for an estimate. No loop? No Problem. A Zippy Zebra Professional can show you how a water softener can be installed with your current plumbing while avoiding damage to the irrigation lines.

Water Softener Repairs

Depending on the age of the softener and the brand, most can be repaired. In some cases the valve may need to be replaced or the inside may need to be replaced. Call Zippy Zebra today and we will come test your softener to see if it is working properly. It could be as simple as adding more salt to make it work properly. Contact Us Today for more info or to schedule service.

Proudly serving the East Valley areas of Mesa, Gold Canyon, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Chandler and Tempe.