Water softeners work through basic chemistry. The main tank of water softener is filled with negatively charged resin beads. Meanwhile, hard water is caused by high amounts of calcium and magnesium, which are both positively charged molecules. As hard water pumps through a water softener, the calcium and magnesium are attracted to the resin beads and removed from your water.

If you’re dealing with the unfavorable effects of hard water — like dry skin and hair, limescale buildup around faucets and showerheads, soap scum on shower walls or too much wear and tear on your water-using appliances — you may need a water softener. That said, remember that not all systems were created equal. With Culligan, you’ll get a full-service partner, quality products with durability and an established brand you can trust.

Culligan offers a full-service installation to make getting started with your new system even easier. Your trained Culligan water expert will expertly connect your water softening system to the water supply, the drain and the salt-filled brine tank, and you’ll be all set. The average installation takes about 2-4 hours.

The cost of a water softener will depend on the type of system, as well as its features, efficiency, durability, capacity and more. Culligan offers flexible payment plans through rentals, purchasing, or financing. Schedule a free, in-home consultation today and a Culligan expert will help you determine what your home needs.

To help determine the appropriate size for your water softener, your local Culligan water expert will assess factors like the hardness of your water, household water usage and flow rate. Schedule a free, in-home consultation today to get custom recommendations based on your home’s needs.

Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium, the minerals that cause hard water. A water conditioner is a general term for any solution that treats your water, but these can have different capabilities. Salt-free conditioners, offered as an alternative to traditional water softeners, do not soften water. They treat hard water minerals by altering their structure to make them less adhesive. So while conditioners can minimize scaling and make buildup easier to wipe away, softeners remove it completely.

It can, but it is typically a slow process that happens over a longer period of time. A consistent flow of soft water, free of the minerals that cause hard water, can help gradually remove existing scale buildup within your plumbing and appliances.

If you don’t notice hard water problems like cloudy shower doors, spots on glasses, buildup around faucets and fixtures, or less lather on your soap and shampoo, it’s likely that your water softener is working properly. However, the best way to ensure your system continues to work properly is to maintain salt levels and schedule regular service as needed.

Yes. Hard water causes scale buildup within appliances, making them less efficient. By removing the minerals in hard water, a softener can help your water heater and other water-using appliances operate better and more efficiently. In fact, 23% less energy is needed to run a typical gas water heater in the U.S. with soft water, meaning you’ll save an average of $115.50 every year in energy costs.