A. Many water supplies contain hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium). These minerals form a scale and create problems in water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, coffee makers, humidifiers and plumbing systems. A modern and efficient water softening system from Scheopner's Water Conditioning eliminates hard water problems. It removes calcium and magnesium from your water supply by filtering it through a resin softening medium. Salt is used to revitalize the system to provide soft water for your daily needs.

A.As stated above, salt is needed to revitalize or clean the resin inside the softener so that it is ready to pull more hardness materials from the water. This salt can be either Sodium Chloride or Potassium Chloride. Any water softener can use either one. We prefer to use Sodium Chloride for several reasons. The cost is the main reason. Potassium is usually about 20 cents per pound, compared to Sodium at 7 cents per pound. Some companies will sell Potassium based on health issues. We don't feel that it is a major concern as we usually plumb your home so that the cold water in the kitchen is on hard water for drinking. Also it is important to remember that even though a softener will add salt to the water, there is still less salt in soft water than there is in diet pop, which is sold as a low sodium product.

A. A Scheopner's water softener will save you time and money, and improve your quality of life in many ways.

• SOAP SAVER- Hard water impairs the cleaning strength of detergents. Softened water not only delivers greater washing power, it reduces soap requirements (up to 70%) and protects your washing machine at the same time.
• CLOTHES BRIGHTENER- Clothes last longer, come out fresher, cleaner and softer when washed in soft water. Colors stay brigther too.
• MONEY STRETCHER- The cost of your cleaning suplies will drop dramatically with soft water because you'll use less soap, fewer harsh chemicals and detergents... to get the job done.
• DISH SPARKLER- Tired of spots and streaks on glassware and dishes? Soft water eliminates the problem, and helps your dishwasher last longer too!
• HAND SOOTHER- Red, roughened hands are usually the by-product of hard water. Soft water caresses, and doesn't irritate.
• FACE SAVER- Say good-by to razor burn as your razor glides smoothly over your soft water face. Both your skin and blades will last longer.
• BODY REFRESHER- Bring soft water to your bath or shower and you'll feel a refreshing difference. You will wash faster and without soap build up on your skin. You'll come away more relaxed and refreshed than ever before.
• HAIR PAMPERER- A soft water shampoo revives haircolor and makes it more radiant and manageable.
• HOT WATER GUARD- Soft water adds longer life to your water heater by minimizing the scale buildup created by hard water minerals. Saves you money too. Less energy is required (17% to 21%) to heat water in tanks without a scale build up.
• PIPE PROTECTOR- Over a period of time scale forms to clog your plumbing, as the pipes clog, water flow is restricted dramatically. A water softening system minimizes this headache.
• FAUCET PRESERVER- Hard water scale corrodes and plugs valves in water-using appliances, shortens service life and costs you money.
• STAIN ELIMINATOR- All bathroom fixtures benefit from soft water. There will be no more unsightly rings, stains or mineral build up to dampen your porcelain or your day.
• SCRUBBING HELPER- Washing floors, tile and woodwork goes much easier and faster with soft water because it eliminates the film and soap scum that hard water causes.

A.These products work, in theory, but on a large scale and in certain parts of the country they have not proven to operate as well as the companies selling them claim. We have chosen the units which we carry so that we have very few service problems. We rent the majority of the equipment which we install. The benefit of renting is that any service problems are fixed at no expense to the customer, but at our expense. Therefore, naturally we would want a trouble free unit (one that we can be proud to put our name on)!

A. After being in the water conditioning business since 1979, Scheopner's has chosen the top of the line water softener manufactured by Fleck Controls. Fleck Controls has a reputation for exceptional quality and performance due to a time-tested hydraulically balanced piston, seal, and spacer concept to effectively pilot service flow and regeneration. The only internal moving part is a teflon-coated brass piston. Which is controlled by a heavy-duty powerhead. The heart of the system features two heavy duty motors. They are used to time and operate the regeneration cycles. The unit uses only about 10 cents per month in electricity. Which is a prime example of Fleck's innovativeness and engineering expertise.

A.Scheopner's will gladly come to your home to test your water for free. That way our trained personnel can recommend the right size unit for your water needs.

A. Our recommended unit for most homes, sells for only $949.00. Installation and a three year parts and labor warranty included. This same unit would also rent for just $17.50 a month. Not sure about a Scheopner's water softener? Try our rent with an option to buy plan. Rent a Scheopner's softener and for one year put 100% of your rent towards the purchase of the unit. You may also lease to own your unit. Call a Scheopner's factory trained service representative today for more information on pricing.