Water Softeners
New Arrivals in Water Softeners
See MoreKenmore Elite Hybrid Water Softener
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Kenmore High-Efficiency Water Softener
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Kenmore Extra High-Efficiency Water Softener
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Kenmore Ultra High-Efficiency Water Softener
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Morton 40 lb. Salt Pellets
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Kenmore 24 oz. Water Softener Cleaner
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Top Selling in Water Softeners
See MoreKenmore Ultra High-Efficiency Water Softener
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Kenmore High-Efficiency Water Softener
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Kenmore Elite Hybrid Water Softener
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Kenmore Extra High-Efficiency Water Softener
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Kenmore 24 oz. Water Softener Cleaner
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Morton 40 lb. Salt Pellets
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Top Rated in Water Softeners
See MoreKenmore 24 oz. Water Softener Cleaner
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Kenmore Ultra High-Efficiency Water Softener
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Kenmore High-Efficiency Water Softener
Sold by Sears
Kenmore Elite Hybrid Water Softener
Sold by Sears
Kenmore Extra High-Efficiency Water Softener
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Morton 40 lb. Salt Pellets
Sold by Sears
Water Softeners Turn Hard Water Soft for Human Consumption
Millions of families live in areas where the ground water is full of minerals. Experts describe mineral-heavy water as "hard" water. While hard water tastes fine to most people and is perfectly safe to drink, it can cause problems within your home's systems. Because of this, water softeners are a popular fix for hard water. There are many reasons why water softeners are a useful addition to modern homes.
If you live in an area that is known for having hard water, you probably already know that it is an issue. If you are unaware of what type of water you have, you can usually determine whether your water is hard by looking at your sink or shower. Hard water creates mineral deposits that can easily be seen over time, including residue on your shower heads. These mineral deposits are the main reason that soft water is preferable; they can build up on appliances such as water heaters and washing machines, damaging the internal workings and causing them to have a shorter life span.
There are several common types of water softeners. While many people select a softener that is installed at the main water line that comes into the house, other people prefer models that only treat the high-use water lines in the home, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Smaller systems, of course, will be less expensive, while whole-house softeners have a higher initial investment. Whatever option you prefer, choosing a quality brand such as Sears' line of Kenmore water softeners is a good move. Kenmore's models are not only affordable but are designed to be highly efficient, decreasing the ongoing cost of using the machine. Using a water softener such as the type Kenmore offers also provides secondary savings; soft water is more efficient at cleaning, meaning you can expect to use less soap, shampoo and laundry detergent to get the same cleaning results.
Depending on the type of water softener you select, expect to have at least some basic maintenance tasks associated with operating the machine. Some models have a fairly permanent filtering system that will need regular cleaning to maintain its softening ability. Most of these models come with a recommendation for a compatible water softener cleaner. Other types of softeners may need to have the water softener filter periodically changed to ensure the unit is working properly. Filters used in larger water softeners start at around $20 and can cost well over $50 to replace. More expensive types, however, may have a longer life expectancy than the cheaper options. Before selecting your softener, it pays to do the math and anticipate what it will cost to operate and maintain the softener you select.