Salt-free Softeners
Salt-free Softeners | Water Purification | Plumbing | Decherd
Imagine turning on the tap in your Decherd home and tasting nothing but pure, refreshing water—no metallic tang, no film on your glassware, and no crusty buildup on appliances. HEP’s salt-free softeners achieve that ideal without dumping bags of salt into your plumbing. Instead, they neutralize hardness minerals so they can’t cling to pipes or fixtures, giving you silky-smooth water, gentler showers, and longer-lasting water-using appliances.
Because the system works without brine discharge, it’s kinder to Tennessee’s soil and streams while saving you the hassle of hauling salt bags. Pairing this technology with our expert installation brings the full benefits of water purification to every faucet in your house, all backed by HEP’s local, neighbor-to-neighbor service. One quick call, and the only thing flowing through your pipes will be the clean, worry-free water your family deserves.
FAQs
What is a salt-free water softener and how does it differ from a traditional (salt-based) softener?
A salt-free softener, sometimes called a water conditioner, uses a physical process called Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) to change dissolved hardness minerals—mainly calcium and magnesium—into microscopic crystals that remain suspended in the water instead of forming scale. Unlike salt-based ion-exchange systems, it doesn’t remove the minerals or require brine regeneration. That means no bags of salt, no wastewater discharge, and no slimy "soft" feel. You keep the healthy minerals, but scale on fixtures, appliances, and piping is greatly reduced.
Does a salt-free system really work with the hard water we have here in Decherd?
Yes. Decherd’s municipal supply averages 6–9 grains per gallon (gpg) of hardness, which is considered moderately hard. TAC conditioners are certified to prevent scaling up to 25 gpg—well above local levels—so they are effective here. They are especially beneficial for homeowners on well water in Franklin County, where hardness can be even higher. While you may still see some spotting (the minerals are still present), the spots wipe off easily and scale buildup inside water heaters and plumbing is minimized.
Will a salt-free conditioner remove existing scale from my pipes and water heater?
Over time, yes. Once hardness minerals are converted to nano-crystals, the conditioned water slowly dissolves and carries away some pre-existing scale. Customers typically notice improved flow rates and energy efficiency in water-heating equipment after 3–6 months. However, heavy mineral deposits may require mechanical cleaning or replacement for immediate results.
What maintenance is required and how long does the media last?
Maintenance is minimal. There is no brine tank to refill and no control valve to program. The catalytic TAC media is static; water simply passes through it. We recommend an annual sediment pre-filter change to keep particulate matter from coating the media. Under normal Decherd household usage, the media lasts 6–8 years before replacement, at which point we swap out the internal cartridge—about a 30-minute service call.
Is a salt-free system safe for septic systems and the environment?
Absolutely. Because it does not discharge salty backwash, a TAC conditioner is septic-friendly and environmentally benign. You avoid sending high-sodium wastewater into the drain field, which can harm beneficial bacteria and soil structure. The unit also uses no electricity and wastes no water, helping you meet Tennessee’s water-conservation goals.
Can I install the salt-free softener myself, or should I hire a plumber?
DIY installation is possible if you are comfortable cutting and sweating copper or connecting PEX, but most Decherd homeowners prefer professional installation to ensure correct sizing, bypass setup, and adherence to local plumbing codes. Our licensed plumbers can typically install the unit in under two hours, and we include a pre-filter, stainless-steel flex connectors, and a 10-year warranty on workmanship when we perform the job.