Frequently Asked Questions About Water Softeners

Yes, we do offer salt-free water treatment options, but it’s important to understand what they can and cannot do before choosing one.

Salt-free systems are technically water conditioners, not true water softeners. They do not remove hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water. Instead, they change the way those minerals behave so they’re less likely to stick to surfaces. That means they can help reduce some scale buildup, but they won’t give you the full benefits of softened water like spot-free dishes, softer laundry, or extended appliance life.

For homeowners dealing with serious hard water problems, a traditional water softener system is usually the better long-term solution. We walk every customer through the pros and cons so you don’t end up with a system that sounds good online but doesn’t actually fix your water.

Yes, we do. Our reverse osmosis drinking water system is called the RainSoft Ultrefiner II, and it’s designed to provide clean, great-tasting water right at your tap.

The Ultrefiner II uses two carbon filters and a high-performance reverse osmosis membrane to remove chlorine, sediment, dissolved solids, and many common contaminants that affect taste and water quality. Filtered water is stored in a 4-gallon holding tank, so you always have fresh drinking water available for cooking, coffee, ice makers, and refrigerators.

We recommend changing the filters annually to keep the system performing at its best. When properly maintained, a reverse osmosis system like the Ultrefiner II significantly reduces the need for bottled water and pairs perfectly with a whole house water filtration system or water softener for complete home water treatment.

If you’re looking for reliable, consistent drinking water quality, reverse osmosis is one of the most effective solutions available.

In many cases, yes.

Our technicians regularly service and repair other brands of water softeners and filtration systems, even if we didn’t install them originally. That includes diagnosing issues like hard water breakthrough, salt usage problems, valve failures, or systems that simply aren’t performing the way they should.

If a repair makes sense, we’ll fix it. If the system is outdated, inefficient, or beyond its useful life, we’ll explain your options clearly so you can decide whether repair or replacement is the smarter move. Our goal is always to fix your water problem, not just sell equipment.

Yes, we offer salt delivery service for water softeners, with a 4 bag minimum.

Running out of salt is one of the most common reasons a water softener stops working properly. With scheduled salt delivery, you don’t have to lift heavy bags, remember refill schedules, or wonder why your water suddenly feels hard again.

We deliver high-quality softener salt and make sure your water softener system stays properly maintained so it continues protecting your plumbing, appliances, and fixtures.

Yes. We offer whole house water filtration systems designed to treat all the water entering your home, not just what comes out of the kitchen faucet.

A whole house water filtration system removes common contaminants such as chlorine, sediment, and unwanted tastes and odors before the water reaches your plumbing, appliances, showers, and faucets. This means cleaner water for bathing, cooking, laundry, and drinking throughout the entire home.

Unlike point-of-use filters, a whole house system protects your plumbing, water heater, appliances, and fixtures while improving overall water quality. Many homeowners choose to pair a whole house water filtration system with a water softener to address both water quality issues and hard water problems for complete home water treatment.

Every home’s water is different, which is why we start with professional water testing to determine the right filtration solution based on your water source, usage, and specific concerns.

No, we don’t sell bottled water, and that’s by design.

Instead of delivering heavy bottles or dealing with recurring bottle costs, we offer bottleless water cooler systems for businesses that connect directly to your existing water supply. These systems use advanced filtration to provide clean, great-tasting drinking water on demand without the storage, waste, or hassle of bottled water delivery.

Bottleless water coolers are a popular option for offices, medical facilities, schools, and commercial spaces that want a more reliable and cost-effective drinking water solution. When paired with proper filtration, they deliver consistent water quality while reducing plastic waste and ongoing expenses.

For homes, we focus on whole house water filtration systems, water softeners, and reverse osmosis drinking water systems so your tap water is clean, safe, and better than anything that comes in a bottle.

Yes. We provide water testing for both residential and commercial properties, with a focus on identifying issues that affect water quality, system performance, and everyday use.

We test for secondary contaminants and heavy metals only, including things like hard water minerals, chlorine, sediment, iron, sulfur odors, and other common water quality problems. This type of testing allows us to accurately recommend the right whole house water filtration system, water softener, reverse osmosis system, or bottleless water cooler, without guessing or overselling equipment.

Primary contamination testing, such as E. coli, coliform bacteria, and other biological contaminants, must be performed by a certified laboratory, such as your local Health Department. These tests require specialized lab analysis and are outside the scope of in-home testing.

For businesses, water testing is especially important when selecting drinking water solutions. Proper testing ensures that bottleless water cooler systems and filtration equipment are correctly matched to the incoming water supply for consistent, great-tasting results.

Whether you’re on city water or well water, water testing is the first step toward choosing the most effective whole home or commercial water treatment system for your property.

In properly designed systems, water softener discharge does not harm household septic tanks.

A water softener regenerates periodically by flushing a small amount of brine and water through the system. This discharge is diluted once it enters the septic tank and does not damage the tank, pipes, or drain field when the softener is correctly sized and functioning properly.

In fact, softened water can actually benefit homes on septic systems. By reducing hard water minerals, a water softener system helps prevent scale buildup in plumbing, improves appliance efficiency, and allows soaps and detergents to rinse more cleanly, which can reduce residue entering the septic system.

Problems typically arise only when a water softener is improperly sized, malfunctioning, or regenerating far more often than necessary. That’s why professional water testing and correct system programming are important, especially for homes using septic systems.

If you’re concerned about septic compatibility, we evaluate water usage, hardness levels, and household size to ensure your whole home water treatment system operates efficiently and responsibly.

Most modern bottleless water coolers are very energy efficient and use a relatively small amount of electricity.

On average, a water cooler consumes about the same amount of energy as a small household appliance, such as a coffee maker or microwave clock. Actual electricity usage depends on whether the unit provides hot water, cold water, or both, and how frequently it’s used throughout the day.

Bottleless water cooler systems are designed to heat and cool water only as needed, which helps minimize energy consumption. Many models also include energy-saving or sleep modes that reduce power usage during evenings and weekends, making them a cost-effective option for offices and commercial spaces.

When compared to the ongoing costs of bottled water delivery, storage, and handling, bottleless water coolers offer a more efficient and economical long-term drinking water solution. Paired with proper filtration, they provide consistent, great-tasting water with minimal impact on utility costs.

A water softener and a whole house water filtration system solve different water problems, and many homes benefit from having both.

A water softener is designed specifically to address hard water. It removes hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium through an ion exchange process. This helps prevent scale buildup in plumbing, improves soap efficiency, protects appliances, and results in softer skin, hair, and laundry.

A whole house water filtration system focuses on water quality, not hardness. Filtration systems are designed to reduce or remove contaminants such as chlorine, sediment, chemicals, and unwanted tastes or odors from the water entering your home.

In many homes, the most effective solution is a combination system, where water is filtered first for cleanliness and then softened for mineral removal. This approach provides clean, great-tasting water at every tap while also protecting plumbing and appliances from hard water damage.

With proper installation and maintenance, water softeners and whole house water filtration systems are long-term investments.

Our sytems come with anywhere from a 5 year to a limited lifetime warranty. The EC4 and EC5 have a limited lifetime warranty for the original purchaser. A key factor in determining the warranty is the purchase date. 

Regular maintenance, professional servicing, and routine water testing help ensure your system performs efficiently throughout its lifespan.

*Exclusion apply*

City water is treated to meet minimum safety standards, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ideal for everyday household use.

Municipal treatment focuses on making water safe to distribute, not on improving taste, protecting plumbing, or removing all contaminants. Many city water supplies still contain chlorine, chloramines, sediment, and other substances that affect water quality and contribute to hard water problems.

A whole house water filtration system improves the quality of city water by reducing these additives and contaminants before they enter your home. When combined with a water softener, it helps protect appliances, plumbing, and fixtures while providing cleaner, better-tasting water at every tap.

City-treated water is safe, but for many homeowners, it’s not optimal without additional filtration and softening.

Mold growth inside a properly functioning water softener system is extremely uncommon.

Water softeners are sealed systems that continuously move water through the resin tank, which makes it difficult for mold to grow. In rare cases, mold or bacteria may develop if the system sits unused for long periods, experiences poor water quality, or is not maintained properly.

Routine use, correct salt levels, and periodic servicing help prevent any biological growth. If a system develops odors or performance issues, professional inspection and cleaning can quickly resolve the problem.

Properly installed and maintained water softeners are safe and hygienic for household use.

Yes, it is possible to add too much salt to a water softener brine tank, but it’s a common and easily avoided issue.

Overfilling the brine tank can lead to salt bridging or mushing, where salt hardens or dissolves unevenly. This prevents proper regeneration and can cause the water softener to stop removing hardness minerals effectively.

The good news is that water softeners do not require constant topping off. Most systems work best when the salt level is kept below the top of the tank and checked periodically rather than filled to the brim.

A general rule of thumb is to keep two bags of salt in your tank at all times. 

Yes, you can move with your system. We offer un-installing and re-installing your equipment. Taking the system with you, allows you to keep the limited lifetime warranty that comes with being the original purchaser. 

However, in some cases, homeowners choose to leave the system behind as a value-add for the home and install a new system tailored specifically to the water at their new location.

We recommend an evaluation before moving any system. Proper water testing at the new home ensures the equipment will perform correctly and continue protecting plumbing, appliances, and water quality.