1. Confirm the problem
Start with evidence. For municipal water, read the latest Consumer Confidence Report and use your own test where a household-specific issue matters. For a private well, EPA recommends regular testing and additional testing when local conditions or changes suggest it.
2. Record the numbers that drive sizing
- Hardness in mg/L as CaCO₃ or gpg.
- Measured or reasonably estimated peak household flow.
- Iron, manganese and pH when relevant.
- Household size and softened-water use.
- Any verified contaminant that requires a specific reduction claim.
3. Verify the product, not the marketing category
Check the exact model's service flow, pressure drop, usable capacity, regeneration settings, media quantity and certified claims. A family name or tank-size label is not enough.
4. Check installation realities
Confirm available space, pipe size, bypass arrangement, drain requirements, electrical outlet needs, freeze protection, floor-drain or leak considerations, and applicable local plumbing/code requirements. Complex well-water treatment may need professional design and commissioning.
5. Price ownership, not just purchase
Include installation, salt or media, cartridges, UV lamps where applicable, water used for regeneration/backwash, energy and expected replacement intervals. Our 10-year cost calculator makes side-by-side comparison easier.
6. Keep a before/after record
Save the original lab or utility report, model documentation and installation settings. After installation, verify that the system is delivering the intended result with the type of testing or observation appropriate to the original problem.