About Softener Answers
Softener Answers is a free, independent resource for homeowners who want to get their water softener right — whether that means sizing a new unit, programming a Fleck valve after an install, or chasing down why the water has gone hard again. There's no sign-up, no paywall, and no product to sell you.
What the site does
The core is a calculator that turns three numbers you can find or estimate — your water hardness, iron level, and daily water use — into recommended regeneration frequency, salt dosage, cycle times, and a full set of programming values. Alongside it are plain-English guides to water hardness, Fleck programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
How the calculations work
The recommendations are based on standard water-treatment math: grain capacity per cubic foot of resin, a usable-capacity safety margin, iron compensation at roughly 5 GPG per 1 PPM of dissolved iron, and reserve capacity sized to your daily usage. The results are a well-reasoned starting point, not a substitute for a professional assessment of your specific plumbing and water chemistry.
Who runs the site
Softener Answers is maintained by an independent editor who installs, programs, and services residential water softeners, and who got tired of watching people either overpay a technician for a five-minute settings change or leave a new unit badly configured out of the box. Everything here is written from hands-on experience with these valves, cross-checked against manufacturer manuals and published water-treatment references. If something looks wrong, tell us — corrections are genuinely welcome at [email protected].
Independence & funding
The site is reader-supported through advertising and affiliate links. Some product links are Amazon affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate the site earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. These links never change the recommendations the calculator produces.
Contact
Questions, corrections, or suggestions are welcome — see the contact page for ways to reach us, or email [email protected]. See our privacy policy for how the site handles data and advertising.