The Ultimate Guide For Buying The Best Water Softener For Septic Systems

Water softeners have become essential to us, especially in areas where there is excessive hardness in the water. It has also raised the question as to the use of water softeners, how it improves the quality of life, and how it is linked to the septic systems.

But, before understanding how hard water can affect septic tanks, let us understand all about hard water and the need for water softeners. 

Hard Water and Its Effects

Hard water is water that has a large number of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. It also has other heavy metals that are harmful and cause several problems to our homes and our health. It causes scaling on household appliances, pipes, and plumbing. It leaves us with dry and itchy skin, dull hair, and an increase in the use of soaps and cleaning solutions.

The impact of using water softeners?

Water softeners help improve the quality of water by removing magnesium and calcium through a process called ion exchange with sodium. Sodium chloride gets added to the water softener system as a source of sodium ions.
However, it also increases the sodium chloride levels in the water that is used in this regeneration process. The backwash also has high concentration levels of magnesium and calcium.  

Water softeners come with a media tank and a brine tank. The resin beads in the media tank trap the particulates and minerals. The brine tank has salt or potassium to clean the resin so that the hard minerals can be sent into the drain, and a new batch of minerals can be trapped. This process is repeated each time, ensuring that only softened water is distributed into your home. 

To understand the connection between hard water and septic systems, let us review the components of a septic system.

Components of a septic system

A septic system includes a septic tank, a distribution box, and a drain field. They are all connected through pipes. The wastewater flows through these pipes and reaches the septic tank, where the sludge sinks to the bottom, leaving the scum to float. The bacteria that occur due to human waste works on the sludge and scum to initiate the decomposing process.

As more and more water gets released into the septic tank, the partially decomposed water drains and enters the drain field. 

When you have hard water, you tend to use a greater amount of soap and cleaning solutions to get the required lather or soap suds. When only hard water enters the septic tank, it comes with other consequences such as the higher level of cleaning solutions used in the house, the detergents and chemicals, etc.

Just as the hard water affects the plumbing and pipes inside the house and from the main water supply, it can also affect the components of the septic tank.

While the water softeners can minimise the drainage of strong cleaning solutions into the septic tank, they could increase the sodium chloride levels flowing into the septic tank. The regenerated backwash causes increased salinity that can damage concrete septic tanks over time. It can also alter the pH levels required for the bacteria to work efficiently. The bacteria from human waste help digest the organic waste in the septic tank. When the bacteria are affected, wastewater treatment becomes ineffective. 

Having hard water in homes, using water softeners, and how they affect septic tank systems are all connected. 

Why do you need demand initiated water softener for septic systems?

There are two types of water softeners – demand-initiated regeneration (DIR) and timer-based systems. The DIR water softener measures the water usage, average water hardness and determines when it should regenerate.
The demand-initiated regeneration water softeners are more efficient and save water and salt usage. It is why DIR water softeners are the better choice for septic systems.

The volume of water discharged by a DIR system is around the same amount of water as a load of laundry. Moreover, since the DIR only regenerates when necessary, there is no overload of backwash from the softener. The discharged solution has a greater ratio of magnesium and calcium ions to sodium. 

On the other hand, the timer-based water softeners work on a predetermined timeframe, which is not always accurate.

Which is the best water softener for septic systems in 2022?

After considerable testing and review, we have found that the Tier1 Everyday Series 48,000 Grain Water Softener is the best and especially suited for septic systems in 2021. Our review and selection are based on available water softeners in the market suitable for working with septic systems. 

Why you should trust us?

We look beyond the brand names and customer popularity. By studying the market and understanding the qualities of hard water and how it can damage household appliances and your health, septic systems, and their types, we have selected the top six water softeners that are best suited for septic systems. 

List of 6 Best DIR Water Softener For Septic Systems

Most water softeners allow you to set the length of the regeneration cycle. However, the default regeneration cycles take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. It is a practical time frame for most households.

If the regeneration cycle is too short, it could result in ineffective resin beads, and if the cycle is too long, it will increase the time you go without soft water.

Why it is important to have high performing water softener for septic systems?

The performance of a water softener can have an impact on the septic system. A high-performing water softener is essential for septic systems because it prevents excess brine solution during the regeneration cycle. Studies show that salt can affect bacteria in the septic system, thereby affecting the breakdown of solids in the wastewater. 

If you have a septic tank and a water softener, it’s vital to ensure that both systems work efficiently. This is why a high-performance water softener must be optimized for your needs.

How to maintain your septic system safely?   

⮞ Routine maintenance is an important part of an efficient septic system. Apart from regular maintenance, there are ways to prevent damage to the septic system. 
⮞ Pump the water in the septic tank. When more people use more water in the household, the septic tank will fill up that much faster. Therefore, it needs frequent pumping. 
⮞ Keep the lid of the septic tank closed firmly. An open septic tank can be a health hazard. It is also good to ensure that the covers are not cracked or show wear and tear over time. 
⮞ Be economical with water. Conserving water is good on many levels, including the lifespan of the septic system.

There are a few don’ts if you want to keep the septic system working at its optimum.

⮞ Ensure that you don’t flush anything that should go into the garbage disposal.
⮞ Ensure that household chemicals don’t go down the drain. These chemicals can destroy the bacteria in the septic tank. 
⮞ It is best to avoid using septic tank additives.

There are a few don’ts if you want to keep the septic system working at its optimum.

The Verdict

Our verdict is that Tier1 Everyday Series 48,000 Grain Water Softener is the best water softener for septic systems in 2021. It has a manual regeneration option and can be installed inside or outside the home regardless of freezing temperatures. The bypass valve allows you to divert the water away during regular maintenance. It is also suitable for small spaces. 

A close runner-up is Whirlpool WHES30E 30,000 Grain Softener. It is good value for money and is efficient. It has salt-saving technology, high resin capacity, and is ideal for small families. 

If your water contains very high amounts of minerals, it might require a higher-than-normal salt dose. 

Conclusion

After considerable research and review, we have compiled pertinent information on the best water softener for septic systems and how it can eliminate scale build-up. With so many brands and water softeners in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. You may find it easier to make a selection now that you have a shortlist of systems that cover the product details and their pros and cons.