This post by Gary the Water Guy discusses Water softener insider buying tips.

Have you ever wanted to have inside knowledge before you make a purchase? What if you knew what the pros know, couldn't you make a better buying decision? Sure you could!

Today I am going to share with you some of the secrets that water professionals know about water softeners to better prepare you to purchase a water softener.

1. Consider whether you need a one or a two piece water softener. Generally speaking, if you have the space you are better off with a two piece water softener because they are usually cheaper and they separate the highly corrosive brine solution from the vulnerable electronics. There are some exceptions to this rule when it comes to highly efficient water softeners like the Aquamaster one piece softeners. These are initially more expensive but will save you money in the long run and have a sealed electronics module.

2. Make sure that the water softener you are considering purchasing is produced with non proprietary components so that in the future not only will replacement parts be available, they will be available to any water treatment professional.

3. Make sure the bypass valve is easy to see and operate. There is nothing worse than attempting to explain to someone how to bypass a water softener when they can't figure out where to find the bypass!

4. Stay away from water softeners that have unnecessary accessories and un-proven technologies incorporated into their design. You want a proven, reliable product that has been on the market and in customers' homes for many years so that any bugs have already been worked out. Nothing worse than purchasing the newest technology only to find out too soon that it is unreliable and soon becomes obsolete.

5. Make sure that you are dealing with a local water treatment company that will come out and test your water, review your plumbing's compatibility with a water softener and discuss the need to bypass outside hose bibs. Also you want to deal with someone that will be there for you after the sale to answer any questions and if necessary look after any warranty issues that may come up.

6. Make sure the water softener you are considering is a smaller version of an industrial product because these types of water softeners are easily serviced, parts are readily available and will be for a long time and every water treatment professional knows how to service industrial based products.

7. Getting advice from someone that is familiar with the water in your area and who will take the time to discuss your concerns, test your water and come out to your house to check out your homes plumbing as well as the installation location to help you make the best choice for you and your family!

8. Make sure that you are shown that the water softener can be easily serviced. You are not likely to be servicing it yourself but the easier it is to service the longer it will last.

9. Be sure you purchase from an established water treatment professional and not some guy working out of his truck that is here today, but gone tomorrow. Plumbers are great at installing water treatment equipment but usually do not have the in depth knowledge about water analysis and equipment to help you make the best decision about what water treatment equipment would be best for you.