❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why choose TAC over a traditional salt-based softener?
A: TAC technology provides scale protection without salt, brine tanks, wastewater, electricity, or added sodium. It is a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly solution that helps protect your home while preserving the natural minerals in your water.
Q: Is this a water softener?
A: Not exactly. It is a salt-free water conditioner that helps prevent scale formation without using salt, electricity, or backwashing. Unlike traditional softeners, it does not remove beneficial minerals from the water.
Q: Does it remove hardness minerals from the water?
A: No. TAC (Template Assisted Crystallization) technology does not remove calcium and magnesium hardness minerals like a traditional salt-based water softener. Instead, it converts the dissolved hardness minerals into microscopic, harmless crystals that remain suspended in the water.
Because these minerals have been transformed into stable crystals, they are much less likely to stick to plumbing, fixtures, water heaters, and appliances as hard scale. The minerals remain in the water, but their ability to form damaging scale is greatly reduced.
This allows you to enjoy the benefits of scale prevention without the need for salt, electricity, backwashing, or ongoing maintenance.
Q: Does it add sodium to my water?
A: No. Since no salt is used, no sodium is added to your water.
Q: Does it waste water?
A: No. Unlike many traditional water softeners, our TAC system does not require backwashing or regeneration, so it does not waste water during operation.
Q: Will I still see water spots?
A: You may still see some water spots because the minerals remain in the water. However, the spots are typically easier to wipe away and are much less likely to form hard, stubborn scale buildup.
Q: Do I need a plumber for installation?
A: Yes, we recommend using a licensed plumber for installation. The system installs at the main water line where water enters the home, so a plumber can ensure everything is connected properly and according to local plumbing codes. The installation itself is very straightforward, and we provide clear installation instructions for your plumber. There is one tank, and one line in and out. Most plumbers are able to install our system quickly and easily.
Q: Does this system use electricity?
A: No. The system operates without electricity, making it energy-efficient and reliable. There are no electrical components, timers, or controls required for operation.
Q: Is there any salt required?
A: No. Our salt-free conditioner does not require salt, a brine tank, backwashing, or ongoing maintenance. It conditions hard water without adding sodium or removing beneficial minerals.
Q: Does it have a backwash head?
A: No. The system does not use a backwash head because it does not require backwashing. Our salt-free TAC conditioner operates without electricity, drains, backwashing, or regular maintenance, making it a simple and efficient solution for managing hard water scale.
Q: Up to what level of hardness does it work?
A: The system is effective for water hardness levels up to 75 grains per gallon (gpg), making it suitable for even extremely hard water conditions.
Q: What is the lifespan of the media?
A: The premium TAC media is designed to last 10+ years under normal operating conditions, providing long-term scale prevention with little to no maintenance. The actual lifespan can vary depending on water quality and hardness levels. Generally, the higher the hardness of the water, the greater the impact on the media's overall treatment capacity over time.
For optimal performance and longevity, proper pre-treatment is recommended. When installed after an appropriate pre-treatment system, such as a carbon or KDF filter, the TAC media is expected to achieve its full 10+ year lifespan under normal residential use.
Q: What flow rate can it handle?
A: The system is designed to accommodate the flow requirements of most residential homes while maintaining effective scale prevention.
Q: Can it be installed outdoors?
A: Yes. The system can be installed outdoors when properly protected from direct sunlight, extreme weather, and freezing conditions.