Intricacies of a Soft Water Loop

Intricacies of a Soft Water Loop - Cascadian Water

Gabe Ergler |

1. The Intricacies of a Soft Water Loop

Introduction

Have you ever wondered about the quality of water in your home and how it's determined? While the water supply might seem like a straightforward concept, it's more complex than you might think. One key aspect of this complexity is the soft water loop.

2. The Genesis of Soft Water Loops

The concept of a soft water loop emerged when salt-based water softeners were the only available solution for water treatment in households. To optimize the benefits of softened water while avoiding its drawbacks, builders started plumbing homes with a soft water loop.

3. Variations in Plumbing a Soft Water Loop

Plumbing a soft water loop is not a one-size-fits-all process. In some homes, the inside and outside are separated to ensure only the interior gets soft water. In others, the soft water loop segregates the kitchen's cold water and the outside water from the rest of the house.

4. Why a Soft Water Loop?

The Benefits of Separation

The primary purpose of a soft water loop is to address the problems caused by salt based softeners, such as dietary issues and the harmful effects on plants and gardens. By isolating areas that receive treated water, homeowners can avoid these issues while saving on water treatment costs.

5. The Hidden Side of Salt Based Softeners

Issues with Salt Based Softeners

While salt based softeners provide certain advantages, they also come with a fair share of drawbacks. These problems can range from changes in water taste to potential health risks for individuals on salt-restricted diets and even pets.

6. Common Problems Caused by a Salt Based Softener

Salt based softeners can be damaging to plants, affect the taste of beverages, and cause potential harm to individuals on a sodium-restricted diet. Additionally, some pets may not tolerate or drink the water due to the increased salt content.

7. The Intervention of Reverse Osmosis Systems

The Concept of RO

To combat the problems associated with salt based softeners, the use of reverse osmosis (RO) systems has become common. An RO system installed under the kitchen sink can produce water suitable for drinking, cooking, and watering plants.

8. Enter ICS-TPU: An Eco-Friendly Solution

Benefits of ICS-TPU

The ICS-TPU, a smaller version of the popular ICS-TP whole house salt free softener, can improve your water quality without the drawbacks of salt based systems. It can eliminate bad chlorine taste and soften water effectively, making it a viable replacement for an expensive and wasteful RO system. 

Another benefit is how much smaller the ICS-TPU is compared to the under sink RO. The smaller ICS-TPU will not take up so much of the space under your sink making it available for other uses. 

Take a look and see how much smaller a ICS-TPU treatment system is when compared to a reverse osmosis system under the sink.

9. Detecting a Soft Water Loop in Your Home

Identifying a soft water loop in your home can be as simple as observing your home's plumbing, checking labels, or turning off the water at your softener to see if water still flows from certain faucets.

10. Salt Free Softeners: The Future of Soft Water Loops

Why Go Salt Free?

Salt free water softeners eliminate the need for a soft water loop altogether. They provide all the benefits of softened water without the drawbacks of salt-based systems, making them an increasingly popular choice among homeowners.

11. Finding the Right Salt Free Softener

Steps to Finding the Right Softener

When searching for a salt free softener, it's essential to verify third-party certifications, understand operating conditions, check the manufacturer's satisfaction policy, and ensure all your questions are answered before making a purchase.

12. Conclusion

Understanding the intricacies of your home's water supply, including the concept of a soft water loop and the issues with salt-based softeners, is vital. With the advent of salt free softeners like the ICS-TPU, you can enjoy the benefits of softened water without the associated problems.

FAQs

  • What is a soft water loop?
A soft water loop is a plumbing setup designed to separate areas of the home that receive softened water from areas that do not.
  • Why was the soft water loop concept introduced?
The concept was introduced to optimize the benefits of salt based softeners while minimizing their drawbacks.
  • What are some problems caused by salt based softeners?
Salt based softeners can harm plants, alter the taste of water and beverages, and pose potential health risks for individuals on sodium-restricted diets and pets.
  • What is an alternative to salt based softeners?
Salt free softeners like the ICS-TPU offer an environmentally friendly alternative to salt-based systems.
  • How can I detect a soft water loop in my home?
You can detect a soft water loop by observing your home's plumbing, checking labels, or seeing if water still flows from certain faucets when you turn off the water at your softener.