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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about water softeners, drinking water systems, and water treatment solutions.

Water Softeners

What makes EcoWater different from other brands?

The biggest advantage we offer is our patented AI regeneration algorithm. EcoWater water softeners are designed to learn how much water your family uses and adapt, meaning fewer regeneration cycles and less salt that needs to be added to your system. EcoWater has been perfecting water softeners for nearly 100 years with relentless research and development.

What is hard water and how does a water softener work?

Hard water has a high mineral content from calcium and magnesium. A water softener system treats your water at the point it enters the home, removing these hardness impurities before the water travels through your pipes and into your appliances. Soft water is less than 1 gpg, whereas hard water is anything above 7gpg. Over 85% of households live in hard water areas.

Why does my skin feel slippery after showering with soft water?

An EcoWater water softener system removes the impurities in your water so your skin is rinsed without hard water minerals left behind. There is no residue on your skin to trap traces of soap, dead skin cells and other particles. The slippery, softness you feel is exactly how clean skin is supposed to feel. Soaps will lather better and you'll be able to use half as much.

Do I need a water softener if I have city water?

Most municipalities treat water by using chlorine to disinfect and kill bacteria, however, few cities soften water and the ones that do so often meet only minimum requirements. EcoWater offers water softeners and refining systems that can reduce the hardness minerals and sediments that weren't removed by your city, while also removing chlorine taste and odor.

What are the benefits of a water softener?

Your authorized EcoWater Pro can evaluate your water and recommend a customized solution. Benefits include:

Reduced scale build-up on pipes, faucets and water-using appliances, providing energy savings
Reduced iron stains, tastes and odors
Cleaner, brighter laundry
Lower use of soaps and detergents, saving money
Eliminated spots on glassware and silverware
Softer skin and hair

Does salt soften my water?

One of the biggest misconceptions about water softeners is that the salt is what softens your water. What actually softens the water are the thousands of resin beads inside your softener that filter out hard water minerals. Water softeners use a negatively charged ion exchange resin to collect the impurities from your water. The salt in the water softener isn't what softens the water; it is what enables the resin to collect and remove the hardness from your water.

Drinking Water Systems

Why do I need a drinking water system if I have city water?

The quality of your home's water may meet local standards, but it might not meet your own. Reverse osmosis drinking water purification systems are usually used in the kitchen, where you are most apt to get your drinking water, and where you prepare all of your food and beverages. The methods used to treat municipal water – including chlorine – could be impacting the smell and taste of your mixed beverages and your cooking.

What contaminants does a reverse osmosis system remove?

Ordinary tap water can contain dissolved metals, such as iron or lead. It might contain chlorine, nitrates and mineral salts. Or it could have sulfates, mercury, asbestos or arsenic in it. A reverse osmosis water treatment system from EcoWater reduces more than 95% of dissolved solids, including many harmful contaminants.

What are "forever chemicals" and can EcoWater remove them?

"Forever chemicals" are a class of over 9,000 synthetic chemicals known as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals were created to have uncanny resistance for use in consumer products such as waterproof clothing, nonstick cookware and food packaging. Select reverse osmosis systems from EcoWater are NSF-certified to reduce PFOA and PFOS, two of the most common PFAS known to negatively impact water.

How often do I need to change the filters?

Your authorized EcoWater Pro can talk to you about how often the filters need to be changed, based on your home's water and your water use. Talk to your EcoWater Pro about service program options that might include routine filter replacements.

Installation & Maintenance

How do I know which system is right for my home?

The right product for your home is determined by testing your water, considering how many people are living in your home, understanding your normal water usage, taking into account the number of bathrooms you have, and understanding the water-using appliances in your home. Authorized EcoWater Pros are water treatment professionals trained to understand your family's needs and determine the right product for your home.

Is it normal to have water in the bottom of my salt tank?

It is normal to have water in the bottom of your salt tank. If there is more than five inches, or if you suspect a leak, contact your EcoWater Pro, who will assess the situation.

Will a water softener affect my septic system?

A study released at WQA Aquatech USA indicates that the use of efficiently operated water softeners improves septic tank performance. The Water Quality Research Foundation commissioned Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to conduct this independent study in 2012, which resulted in an official report, "Changes in Septic Tank Effluent Due to Water Softener Use."