Water Softeners

Question: Will softening hot water only void my washing machine’s warranty?
Answer: Unlikely. Most common manufacturers’ warranties do not require soft water for their machines. Check your owner’s manual to be sure. Keep in mind, scale will happen slower when you use cold water to wash instead of hot.

Question: Will the colour of my clothing come out less bright from hard water?
Answer: We have no evidence that hard water affects colours. Use a fabric softener and a good quality laundry detergent. Anecdotally, some people have told us that hard water works fine for laundry.

Question: Will hard water change how much detergent I need?
Answer: It’s possible you’ll find you need more laundry detergent with hard water (see this 2011 study). But your own results may vary.

Question: Will my shower water feel different?
Answer: Some people notice a different feel on their skin with hard vs soft water. Soft water can feel "slippery" and hard water can feel "dry." Some people prefer one or the other – or you may not notice the difference.

Question: Will my showerhead warranty be voided?
Answer: No, manufacturers do not require softened water for showerheads. You may get scale build-up on your showerhead affecting water pressure, which can be removed by soaking in vinegar.

Question: Will hard water create scale build-up in the toilet bowl?
Answer: Yes, this can happen. Scale is cleanable with vinegar or baking soda. Brownish-red build-up comes from iron in your water, not calcium or magnesium. You can also wash this off, or consider getting an iron filter if needed.

Question: Why should I use less salt?
Answer: Chlorides from salt are not removed during our wastewater treatment process the way organic and other impurities are. All the salt from people’s water softeners ends up in our local rivers. That builds up and is harmful to plants and animals. Combined with road salts, chlorides are threatening our waterways.

Question: Why should I use less water?
Answer: The Region of Waterloo relies on groundwater for most of our water supply. Conserving water helps make sure we have enough for future generations, and avoids the need for expensive new infrastructure or even a costly pipeline to the Great Lakes. Pumping and treating water also requires energy, so conserving water lowers our community’s environmental footprint.

Question: Is it better to drink hard or soft water?
Answer: Softened water does have a higher salt content, which is why many homes prefer to run an unsoftened water line to the kitchen tap. This small amount of salt, however, is not generally considered harmful to health. If you require a special low-salt diet, consult your doctor about drinking softened water.

Question: Can I get the $50 rebate if I install an NAC unit or another alternative water treatment technology?
Answer: No. At this time, our program is only for salt-based water softeners. But choosing a salt-free technology might be the right choice for your home... let us know how it goes!

Question: Can I apply for the rebate if I rent my water softener?
Answer: Yes, renting your water softener does not affect your eligibility for the Region’s program. You may want to check the terms of your softener rental contract.

Question: Can I get the $50 rebate if I’m buying a new softener?
Answer: Yes, as long as you install the new softener on hot water only (and were not previously softening hot only). This applies if you’re buying a replacement water softener or your first one.

Question: What about concerns I'm hearing from my plumber or water softener salesperson?
Answer: Plumbers and water softener retailers may raise valid points for you to consider. Keep in mind, though, that water softener companies are in the business of selling you water softeners. They may emphasize the concerns with hard water to improve sales. There are pros and cons to both hard and soft water. We have a growing list on our website of plumbers and water softener retailers who will help customers who wish to soften hot water only. You'll find the list in the menu titled "Click for our list of participating plumbers and water softener dealers."

Question: Can I still get the $50 rebate if I install a bypass valve so I can choose when to soften cold water or not?
Answer: We hope you will commit to softening hot water only and enjoy the water and salt savings. However, at this time we will still provide the $50 rebate if you install a bypass valve as part of the plumbing changes you make for the Water Softener Plumbing Rebate.

Question: Can I still get the $50 rebate if I just disconnect my water softener?
Answer: You cannot get the rebate just for turning off your water softener, because the rebate is intended to help with documented plumbing costs.

Question: I live in an apartment building or a condo. Can I get this rebate?
Answer: No. This program applies only to single family homes and townhouses with their own water softener. The Region of Waterloo does have other water conservation programs to assist multi-residential properties, businesses and other organizations.

Question: I already soften hot water only. Can I get a $50 rebate?
Answer: No, our rebate program is to motivate people to make the switch and compensate them for plumbing costs. If you made the switch in the last six months and have the normally required documentation, you can still get the rebate.

Question: How long will it take for me to see the benefits of this program?
Answer: For an average family of three, softening hot water only saves an estimated $84 per year. Repayment time will depend on each individual home’s plumbing costs. If the plumbing change costs $350, the investment will repay itself in 3.5 years.

Question: Can you help me find a plumber to switch to softening hot water only?
Answer: We have a growing list on our website of plumbers and water softener retailers who will help customers soften hot water only. You'll find the list in the menu titled "Click for our list of participating plumbers and water softener dealers."

Check out our Water Softener Facts website for a more general FAQ about water softeners and how they work.