Softening Systems
Softening Systems | Water Purification | Plumbing | Kingston
Enjoy crystal-clear, great-tasting water straight from the tap with HEP’s softening systems plumbing in Kingston. Our technicians pair advanced ion-exchange softeners with high-capacity filters to strip away calcium, magnesium, chlorine and other contaminants, protecting your pipes and appliances while giving every glass a refreshing, mineral-balanced finish. It’s the hassle-free path to cleaner laundry, spot-free dishes and longer-lasting water heaters— all backed by the region’s most trusted service crew.
From your first call to the final quality check, we handle design, installation and ongoing maintenance with transparent pricing and courteous, on-time appointments. Whether you’re battling stubborn scale or simply want purer drinking water, our tailored solutions make water purification effortless and affordable for Kingston homeowners and businesses alike. Contact HEP today and feel the difference after just one shower, sip or spin cycle.
FAQs
Why does Kingston water need a softening system?
Much of Kingston’s municipal and well water is classified as moderately to very hard because it contains elevated levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium. These minerals cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances, reduce soap efficiency, and can leave spots on dishes and fixtures. A softening system exchanges the hardness minerals for sodium or potassium ions, protecting plumbing, extending appliance life, and improving water feel and clarity.
What type of water softener is best for homes in Kingston?
For most households, an ion-exchange salt-based softener is the most effective solution for Kingston’s water profile. It delivers consistently soft water across a wide hardness range. Space-saving cabinet models work well in townhomes and condos, while twin-tank, metered units are ideal for larger families or high-use properties. If you’re on a strict low-sodium diet, a salt-free conditioner or potassium-chloride-based softener can be installed, though these options are better at preventing scale than fully softening extremely hard water.
Can a water softener also purify my drinking water?
A softener removes hardness minerals but does not target chlorine, chloramines, lead, micro-plastics, or microbial contaminants. For comprehensive purification, we recommend pairing the softener with a reverse-osmosis (RO) or multi-stage under-sink filter. The softener protects the RO membrane from scale, while the RO unit delivers bottled-water quality for cooking and drinking—giving you the best of both systems without overlap in function or cost.
How often will I need to add salt and service the system?
Salt top-ups depend on water hardness, household consumption, and softener size. In Kingston, an average family of four typically adds 1–2 bags of salt pellets (20–40 lb) every 4–6 weeks. Modern metered softeners regenerate only when needed, minimizing salt use. We recommend an annual professional service to sanitize the brine tank, check the resin bed, verify settings, and inspect bypass valves. Regular maintenance ensures peak efficiency, prevents bacterial growth, and extends the resin’s life to 15+ years.
Will a softener increase my water or energy bills?
A properly sized, demand-initiated softener has a negligible impact on water and energy costs. Regeneration uses approximately 30–50 gallons of water—about what you’d use in one short shower—and occurs only after a preset volume of water is treated. The unit runs on a low-voltage control head that consumes less power than a night-light. In fact, soft water can lower expenses by reducing soap and detergent use by up to 50 %, improving water-heater efficiency, and preventing premature appliance replacement.
What is involved in installing a softening and purification system in Kingston homes?
Our certified plumbers start with a free on-site water test and plumbing assessment. We locate the main water line—often near the hot-water heater—install a bypass valve, and connect the softener’s inlet and outlet with PEX or copper piping. A drain line is routed to a nearby floor drain or laundry sink, and a power outlet is required for the control head. For purification, an RO unit is mounted under the kitchen sink, with a dedicated faucet and optional fridge line. Most installations take 3–5 hours, include system programming and customer training, and are covered by a parts-and-labour warranty plus optional annual maintenance plans.