Total Newbie Well Water Softening question

[EZoolander]

I'm purchasing a home that has a well system on it. The previous owners did not have a water softener/filtration system on the home as they believed "They really didn't need it".

From everything I'm reading, however, it sounds like they're a good idea. So I'm thinking of getting one. But, I have no idea what I'm looking at when I search for water softeners, filtration systems, etc. And I'd like to make sure I make a good investment. I'm also not finding a lot of things other than ads on google or people trying to sell systems.

Can anyone offer me some guidance on what I ought be looking for? it's a 4BR house, and I assume I'm looking for a whole home softening and purification system? Are the ones you find at Home Depot/etc worth it, should I hire someone, what would be your best advice?

 

[Twowaxhack]

Have the water tested and see if you need treatment and if you do, the test would tell you what kind of treatment to start with.

 

[EZoolander]

Have the water tested and see if you need treatment and if you do, the test would tell you what kind of treatment to start with.

Does all well water need treatment? Are there scenarios where it's good out of the ground - and the previous owners really didn't need anything? Or is that just negligence on their part from a homeowner standpoint?

 

[wpns]

Does all well water need treatment? Are there scenarios where it's good out of the ground - and the previous owners really didn't need anything? Or is that just negligence on their part from a homeowner standpoint?

It could be fine, you can't tell without testing it, which fortunately is pretty cheap. Adding a water softener if you don't need it will just increase complexity, maintenance, and cost.

 

[RS]

Regardless of whether or not you install a softener, I would recommend a filter, ahead of a softener if you chose to install one. You will have less trouble with a softener if the water is filtered first. And if the water is really pure, you will seldom have to change the filter element. I think the softeners from the bib box stores are just fine, if you get the right one. A water test is the first step.

 

[Aggie83]

At my last house,we did not have softener on the well water as tests showed it was low in suspended minerals. I moved 200 miles and am planning to have water softener and filter because this water is super hard. As noted,have water tested for minerals,etc. Biologic contamination is a different matter and check with health department to see where to have it tested for that.

 

[Ferdinand]

One thing to watch out for if you're installing a water softener, the salt may react badly with the magnesium anode in your water heater, as I found out a few years ago. Switching to an aluminum anode cured that problem. See this previous thread: www.plumbingforums.com/threads/air-in-hot-water-heater.14268/