FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To understand soft water, we need to know what makes water hard. Hard water is water that has a high mineral content. It’s a natural result of minerals like calcium and magnesium accumulating during the water cycle, and it can happen with well water and even city water.  The more calcium and magnesium dissolved in the water, the harder the water becomes. This is why certain cities and counties within the same state can have varying degrees of water hardness. A water softener system treats your water at the point it enters the home. Having soft water means removing these hardness impurities before the water travels through your pipes and into your water-using appliances, and before you draw water from the taps of your bathrooms and kitchen.  Soft water is less than 1 gpg, whereas hard water is anything above 7gpg. Over 85% of households live in hardwater areas. EcoWater of Spokane's whole home filtration systems offer you a water softener system and reverse osmosis drinking water system, creating the healthiest water for all uses. 

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. And no residue left behind that dries your skin. The slippery, softness you feel is exactly how clean skin is supposed to feel. In the same way that soft water eliminates water spots that dry onto your glassware and silverware, it allows your bath soaps to lather better and rinse off completely.  Soaps will lather better and you’ll be able to use half as much.

Most municipalities treat water by using chlorine to kill bacteria. Some might even soften the water, but only to meet minimum requirements. That doesn’t mean it is ideal for your family. An EcoWater Systems water refiner softens your family’s water by removing the hard minerals and sediments that weren’t removed by the municipality, and it also removes the chlorine taste and odor. 

EcoWater Systems of Spokane can evaluate your water and recommend a water softener system or whole home filtration system customized to treat your home’s water. The 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.

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, understanding the water-using appliances in your home, etc. EcoWater of Spokane's water experts are water treatment professionals trained to understand your family’s needs and determine the right product for your home.  

An EcoWater softener or refiner is one of the most efficient filtration systems on the market, so you won't go through as much salt as another brand used. If you feel like your water isn’t soft, and the level of salt is not decreasing at all, consult your EcoWater Systems of Spokane for your complimentary water quality analysis. 

Can I use a water filter for my shower, and where can I find a water conditioner shower head?

You can find water softener shower heads online or at local home improvement stores. However, you'll want to consider that shower head softeners may be costly to repair and aren't as reliable as a whole-house water softening system. 

A whole-house water conditioner provides your entire home with soft water, not just your shower. All your water-using appliances and plumbing benefit from the advantages of soft water, extending their lifespan and improving overall performance. Contact us at EcoWater Spokane to receive expert insight on water treatment. 

What does a water conditioner do for well water? What is the best whole-home filter for well water?

A water softener significantly improves well water quality, removing hard minerals and softening hard water. Hard water causes scaling, staining, and appliance inefficiency. 

The best water softener for well water depends on the water chemistry and hardness levels. We at EcoWater Spokane offer complimentary water testing. We'll help you determine the best water system for your home. 

What is the difference between water softener salt and potassium chloride water softener?

Sodium chloride, commonly known as softener salt, is the most frequently used regenerant in salt-based softening systems. This salt removes hard minerals from your supply through ion exchange. Alternatively, potassium chloride is another option for these systems. It's often the preferred choice for those on a low-sodium diet or with environmental concerns regarding sodium discharge.

Both sodium chloride and potassium chloride options are effective in conditioning your supply, but the best choice depends on personal preferences and specific health or environmental considerations. Consulting with one of our water treatment experts is advisable if you're uncertain about the right option for your needs.

What is a salt-free water softener, and how do saltless water softeners work?

A salt-free water softener, also known as a saltless water softener or salt-free water conditioner, is a water treatment system that does not use salt or potassium chloride for softening. These systems use alternative methods, such as template-assisted crystallization (TAC) or electronic descaling to alter the structure of hard minerals. While salt-free water softeners do not entirely remove hard minerals, they can be an eco-friendly and low-maintenance option for reducing scale buildup.

We at EcoWater Spokane will do a complimentary analysis of your water and find the most effective water-softening system to meet your home needs.

How do sodium systems impact the environment? What are the benefits of saltless water conditioners? 

Traditional salt-based water softener systems can have negative environmental impacts due to the salt discharge they produce. They can affect water sources and ecosystems. 

Saltless water softeners are an eco-friendly alternative, also known as salt-free or potassium chloride water softeners. They don't use salt or potassium chloride and don't produce brine discharge. This makes them a more sustainable option. Saltless water softeners require less maintenance compared to traditional systems. If you're concerned about the environmental impact of water softening systems, reach us at EcoWater Spokane for more information. 

What should I consider when choosing the best water softener system for my home? 

The ideal water conditioning system for you depends on your water's hardness level, the size of your household, budget constraints, and any particular environmental or health requirements you may have. Reach us and we'll find the perfect water system for your household. 

How can I find a water softener service near me for maintenance and repairs?

If you are looking for a water softener service near you, contact us at EcoWater Spokane. We have served the Inland Northwest since 1949. We offer comprehensive water softener maintenance and repair services. 

What is the process of water softener installation near me? What should I expect?

We at EcoWater Spokane service Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. Reach out to us to receive a complimentary water analysis. We'll find the perfect system for you, and install and service your water system.

Selecting a company involves evaluating their expertise and years of experience. Opt for a company with a team of licensed, trained professionals who possess comprehensive knowledge about various types of systems. This includes both salt-based and salt-free models. EcoWater Systems of Spokane prides itself on a team capable of servicing all models and makes, and they offer a lifetime warranty on their softener resins.

Regular upkeep is essential to ensure your system functions optimally. Maintenance tasks vary depending on your system type. Some tasks include monitoring and refilling salt levels, cleaning the brine tank, and arranging regular check-ups with a professional firm like EcoWater. With consistent maintenance, your system will continue to supply you with pure, soft water for many years. 

What is the expected lifespan of EcoWater Spokane's water treatment equipment?

The expected lifespan of EcoWater Spokane's water treatment equipment varies depending on the specific product and usage. However, with proper maintenance and care, many of our products can last for several years. Contact us to learn more about the expected lifespan of the product you are interested in.

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. You need the healthiest and best-tasting water available. Also, the methods used to treat municipal water, including chlorine, could be impacting the smell and taste of your mixed beverages and your cooking. A drinking water system provides bottled water quality, without the bottled water price paid at the store.

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. Add an answer to this item. 

EcoWater offers a microbiological drinking water purification system that is certified to reduce 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses, and 99.95% of cysts, such as giardia and cryptosporidium. 

EcoWater Systems of Spokane 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. 

Ask your EcoWater Systems of Spokane Pro about what you are experiencing. You could be due for a filter change. Or maybe something has changed with your water, and it will be better served by a different type of filter cartridge in your drinking water system. A conversation with your EcoWater Pro is your safest bet in finding a solution. Schedule a time for your local EcoWater Pro to inspect your system and ensure your water is perfected.