The Best Water Softener For Tankless Water Heater That Extends System Life

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

Why You Really Need a Water Softener

Ever wondered why your tankless water heater isn't living its best life? Well, folks, the secret might just lie in using a water softener. These nifty devices don't just save your plumbing from those pesky scale buildups; they also bring a whole load of goods to your home.

Sweet Perks of Using Water Softeners

1. Guard Your Plumbing & Appliances: Hard water - the endless tormentor of your pipes - carries loads of calcium and magnesium. This nasty duo loves wreaking havoc on your appliances (Water Heaters Now). A water softener sends them packing, ensuring your heater and other gadgets stay hunky-dory.

2. Make Appliances Last Longer: No scales, no worries. Water softeners extend the life of tankless water heaters - your wallet will thank you (Parker & Sons).

3. Keep Your Home Spick and Span: Tired of cleaning stubborn stains off your sinks and tubs? Soft water keeps these fixtures gleaming, making you proud of your castle.

4. Pamper Your Skin and Hair: Soft water is a beauty secret hiding in plain sight. It’s kinder on your skin and hair, leaving you feeling fabulous.

5. Smile at Your Laundry & Dishes: With soft water, your clothes will look brighter, and dishes sparkle brighter, plus your soaps work like pros.

For more juicy info, take a gander at our article on the best home water softener and filter system.

The Water Softening Squad

Picking the perfect water softener isn't rocket science, but it does help to know what your options are. You're looking at salt-based, salt-free, and dual-tank varieties.

1. Salt-Based Water Bouncers: These are the bouncers of the water world, swapping out calcium and magnesium with sodium. They're top-notch at fighting hard water, though they need some TLC and a steady salt diet. For budget-minded folks, see our best salt-based water softener.

2. Salt-Free Water Magicians: Magic without the salt! These don't remove minerals but tweak their structure so they can't cause trouble. Low maintenance and green, but might need backup in areas with mega-hard water. Curious? Check our best salt-free water softener.

3. Dual-Tank Water Warriors: Perfect for the Brady Bunch-sized homes, these twin tanks make sure you never run dry of soft water, even if one’s busy regenerating. They're a bit pricier, but totally worth it. Get the scoop with our best dual-tank water softener.

Water Type	What It Offers	Who's It For	Maintenance
Salt-Based	Top regular support	Medium hard water	Yes
Salt-Free	Easy on you & planet	Light hard water	No
Dual-Tank	Never runs dry	Big families	Yes

Each water softener has its thing. Evaluate what suits you best by checking out our whole house water filter softener system.

By wrapping your head around these benefits and choices, you’ll be ready to snag the perfect water softener, giving your tankless water heater a fighting chance to last long and strong.

Choosing The Right Water Softener

Picking the right water softener for a tankless water heater is like picking the best tool for the job. We've got some handy tips to simplify your decision-making process. Let's hop right into it, shall we?

Considerations for Tankless Water Heaters

When it comes to deciding on a water softener for your electric tankless heater, keep an eye out for these bits:

1. Water Hardness Level: Pop a test on your water and see how much mineral jazz is floating around. This is measured in gpg (grains per gallon).
2. Softener Capacity: Make sure that bad boy is ready to handle the amount of water your home guzzles daily.
3. Maintenance Requirements: No one wants to be stuck with a high-maintenance system. Pick something that jives with your upkeep style.
4. System Compatibility: It should be a match made in heaven with your tankless heater—as smooth as peanut butter on toast.

A good softener can seriously extend the life of a tankless heater, and your pipes will thank you, too. They guard against the enemy: scale buildup, plus it's better for your pocket in the long run. Curious? More on this over at our house-wide water treatment page.

Factors to Evaluate in Water Softeners

So, you've been bitten by the water softening bug? Here's what to scope out:

1. Type of Water Softener: Different strokes for different folks, here's the lowdown:

• Salt-Based Water Softeners: These guys kick out those pesky minerals with plain ol' salt. Work like a charm but come with a bit of upkeep. For our top picks, head over to salt-based water softener suggestions.
• Salt-Free Water Conditioners: These eco-friendly champs skip the salt and just fend off buildup. If you're curious, explore more at salt-free wonders section.

1. Softener Efficiency: Opt for systems that are eagle-eyed on saving—be it on water, salt, or cash.

2. Technological Features: Bells and whistles alert! Newer systems come decked out with:

• Smart Regeneration Technology: Think of this as cruise control for your water system.
• Flow Rate Matching: Keeps the water flowing nice and steady.

1. Installation and Space Needs: Before installing, ensure it’s got a cozy corner to sit in, and if you fancy DIY, check the DIY water softener guide.

Here’s a laid-back comparison of SoftPro systems for you:

Water Softener	Main Win	Best For	Uses
SoftPro ECO	Easy on the budget	Thrifty folks	City and well water
SoftPro Elite	Top-notch performance	Value hunters	City and well water
SoftPro Smart Home+	Fancy tech stuff	Gadget lovers	City and well water

For more gory details, mozy on over to our best rated water softeners page.

Remember, water softeners aren’t just nice-to-haves; they can save your wallet a ton over time on heater repairs. More nuggets of wisdom over at our combined filter and softener page.

By chewing over these pointers, you're all set to snag the best water softener for your setup, giving your water heater a much-deserved upgrade. Wanna dive in even deeper? Our complete soft water guide has got you covered.