Water Softeners (17 items found)

Although not harmful, hard water minerals can be annoying without proper water treatment. Shop water softeners at Ace Hardware, a smart all-around solution for better water quality.

Why Use a Home Water Softener?

Hard water contains a high mineral content dominated by calcium and magnesium. Hard water doesn’t pose any health risks, but its mineral makeup can wreak havoc on your skin and stress your plumbing. Additionally, sediment can build up in your water heater, making heating less efficient. You can “soften” your home’s hard water by using a water softener system.

How is Hard Water Measured?

Hard water is usually measured in grains per gallon (GPG) or parts per million (PPM). 1 GPG equals about 17.1PPM. It can range from “slightly” hard to “extremely” hard. The higher the rating, the harder the water is. Water hardness varies throughout the United States.

Identifying Hard Water in Your Home

Unsure if you have hard water? If you can’t have your water tested for its hardness level, there are various signs you can watch out for, including:

• Dry Skin and Hair: Hard water makes it more difficult to rinse off soap, which can potentially dry out and irritate your skin and hair.
• Water stains on dishes: Whether you’re handwashing or using your dishwasher, hard water deposits of calcium carbonate build up on silverware, glasses, and other dishes, leaving unseemly spots.
• Buildup on faucets: Hard water buildup on faucets and shower heads can have an unsightly appearance and disrupt the flow of water.
• Mineral stains on clothing: If you’ve ever noticed mysterious stains on freshly washed clothes, it could be because your washing machine is using hard water. Washing with soft water helps clothes last longer.
• Plumbing issues: When minerals in hard water build up inside your plumbing pipes, it can reduce water pressure and cause blockages, broken pipes and costly repairs.

If you experience any of these signs, you probably have hard water. Fret not—a home water softener can help. Find a range of salt and salt-free water softener systems online today.

How Home Water Softeners Work

Water softeners filter out minerals in hard water by using resin pellets coated with positively charged sodium ions. Install a system for the whole home or directly where you need it most.

Our selection of water softener systems typically includes:

• Under-counter water softener systems: These cost-effective water softeners are ideal for kitchens and laundry rooms.
• Whole-house water softeners: A whole-house water softener can protect your plumbing and help prevent residue in all areas of your home.
• Smart water softener systems: These systems allow you to monitor salt and water levels remotely. You can track water flow rates and daily water usage totals with your smartphone.

Choosing the Right Water Softener System

Home water softeners require regular addition of softening chemicals like sodium pellets—or potassium pellets for a salt-free water softener—to keep the resin properly charged for the best filtration.

If your home uses a septic tank, you may need extra septic chemicals to properly balance pH levels. Water softener pellets and septic tank chemicals are available online or at your neighborhood Ace store.

Shop Water Softeners at Ace Hardware

Shop our selection online to improve your home plumbing today. If you’re not sure what you need, shop water softeners near you at Ace, where our helpful staff can offer sharp insight on what might be the best option for you. Browse options from brands such as EcoPure, WaterBoss and NuvoH20, and explore accessories like water filters to help you remove contaminants and impurities from your water.