Frequently Asked Questions


    • How does a water softener work?
      A process called ion exchange is used to remove hardness. The resin in a softener acts like a magnet, pulling hardness out of the water. Once the resin has reached its capacity or can’t attract any more hardness, it cleans itself by regenerating. Regenerant (salt or salt substitute) is used to clean the hardness off the resin. Click here to read in greater detail how a water softener works.


      How can I get my water tested?
      You’ll want to test for hardness, iron, and pH if you have well water; hardness, pH, and chlorine for those on city water. You may contact us to request a FREE test packet from WaterBoss which contains hardness and pH test strips. For those on city water, you can also contact your local water department. If you are experiencing iron stains with municipally supplied water, you should also test for iron.


      What is water hardness?
      Hardness is made up of calcium and magnesium – rock that is dissolved in your water. With this in your water, it is difficult to wash because the hardness prevents soap from lathering. Hardness also leads to scaling in pipes and water heaters. Hardness is described in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm).


      Why should I buy a water softener?
      It saves money by preventing costly scale build-up in your household plumbing and fixtures. It reduces the energy cost for heating water and prolongs the life of water-using appliances. Water softening cuts the cost of cleaning supplies by up to 75%. It helps keep your showers, sinks, and commodes clean. Clothes washed in soft water last up to 30% longer. Soft water is better for your hair and skin.


      If chlorine is added to the water to protect me, what are the advantages of chlorine removal?
      Yes, chlorine is added to our water supply to protect us, however, once chlorine has served its purpose, there are many benefits to chlorine removal. Click here to learn more.


    • What does the quality assured logo mean?
      WaterBoss® assures each of its water treatment systems are held to the highest quality standard. Each unit is designed, built, and rigorously tested in our technologically advanced testing facilities. WaterBoss® products have set an unmatched precedent in the industry for innovation and quality control.

      Why is WaterBoss® better than conventional water softeners?

      • WaterBoss® is the only appliance with a separate, built-in, whole-house self-cleaning dirt and sediment filter.
      • Our patented directional flow screen system allows WaterBoss® to use all the space in the tank for resin. That means more softening power!
      • The low, easy-to-fill salt compartment is a labor saver.
      • WaterBoss® saves operating expenses by using up to 50% less salt and up to 80% less water per regeneration than conventional softeners. WaterBoss® also operates on 12-volts while other softeners use at least 24 volts.
      • WaterBoss® can regenerate in as little as 15 minutes while conventional softeners can take nearly two hours.
      • Setting the controller is easy: push 1 button to enter your setting number and the computer does the rest.
      • If you have guests or go on vacation, there is no need to modify controller settings – the computer adjusts automatically.
      • WaterBoss® looks as fine as it works; you can even feel the quality. Plus, WaterBoss® takes up far less space than conventional softeners.
      • WaterBoss® features a safety shut-off – its only job is to help prevent the possibility of overflow. Other softeners use float systems for adjusting the amount of water flowing into the brine tank. With a WaterBoss®, the controller determines brine refill. The safety shut-off in WaterBoss® is only for preventing brine tank overflow.
      • WaterBoss® has a packed resin bed and allows for reserve capacity. This reserve also allows WaterBoss® to regenerate with clean, soft water.


    • Can you explain the built-in self cleaning water filter?
      The patented technology behind the WaterBoss® Built-In Self Cleaning Filter is the exclusive self-cleaning media that removes dirt and sediment down to 20 microns and prevents these harmful components from entering your home’s water supply. In addition, it helps extend the life of the softener’s resin bed. It eliminates the homeowner’s need for costly add-on cartridge filters that require frequent replacing, and assures “whole-house” dirt and sediment filtration.


      Does WaterBoss® add salt water to my drinking water?
      Trace amounts of sodium are added to the water unless potassium chloride is used as a regenerate. Sodium chloride or potassium chloride are used to recharge the ion exchange resin bed, allowing the resin to continue to remove the hardness from your water source. The majority of this regenerate is washed down the drain in the process.


      Which WaterBoss® will solve my water problem?
      WaterBoss® offers a complete softener and filter line designed to meet your specific water problems. To determine which WaterBoss® is right for you, please visit our Water Softener product page.


      I have limited space for my water softener. Is it always necessary to add more equipment for iron removal?
      The answer is no. Iron water falls into three categories: ferric, ferrous, and iron bacteria. It is important to determine the type of iron in your water before deciding which type of equipment you need for iron removal. Click here to learn more.


      When should I add regenerant to WaterBoss®?
      Check your WaterBoss® every month. Whenever you see water above the salt, fill WaterBoss® with salt or salt substitute.

      What type of regenerant (salt or salt substitute) should I use?

      Regenerant (salt or salt substitute) is used to clean the hardness off the resin inside of a water softener. There are currently two types of regenerant that may be used:

      • Pellet
      • Solar Salt

      For a salt substitute, potassium chloride may be used. However, potassium chloride is not recommended when iron is present in the water supply. When there is iron in the water, pellet salt with a rust remover is recommended. The use of rock salt is not recommended because it contains impurities.


    • Where can I buy WaterBoss®?
      Click here to find the store nearest you that carries WaterBoss®. You can also give us a call at our Helpline at 1-800-437-8993 from 8am – 5pm EST.


      What does WaterBoss® include?
      Every WaterBoss® comes with a video, owner’s manual, water test strips, and 8′ of drain line.


      When do I need to use a special WaterBoss® filter?
      Use Model 900IF Iron Filter if you notice a “rotten egg” or sulfur odor in your water, or if you have excessive iron in your water. Use Model 900NF Acid Neutralizing Filter if your water has a low pH.

      What supplies are included and what supplies are needed to install a WaterBoss®?

      • 1/2″ Overflow Tube
      • Drain Line Hose Clamp
      *WaterBoss® recommends using a braided stainless steel Water Softener connector


      Who can I contact to have my WaterBoss® professionally installed?
      Call our Helpline Monday through Friday at 1-800-437-8993, 8am to 5pm EST to find the Authorized Service Center nearest you. Or check the store nearest you that carries the WaterBoss® line.


      Where do I install my WaterBoss®?
      The whisper-quiet operation of WaterBoss®, along with its compact size, allows installation in more accessible places such as laundry rooms and basements. WaterBoss® can also be installed in temperate outdoor conditions.


      What if I have a problem with my appliance?
      You can call our Helpline at 1-800-437-8993. The number is available weekdays from 8am to 5pm EST.


    • Why am I experiencing reduced water pressure in my house?
      The reduction of water pressure in the house is usually caused by the resin becoming exhausted and needing to be replaced. If you place your unit into bypass and the pressure in the house returns, this is a good indication the problem is due to the resin needing replaced.


      Why am I going through salt so quickly?
      High salt use is generally caused by incorrect computer settings. You should check to ensure all computer settings are set properly.


      Where can I buy replacement parts?
      Parts are sold through the technical support line at 1-800-437-8993, option 1. Please have the serial number of the unit to order and ensure you receive the correct parts for your unit.


      My WaterBoss® keeps giving me an E2 error code. What can I do?
      The E2 error code is the connection between the computer and the motor. Please try unplugging all the wires on the back of the computer, then plug in the motor wire (orange or white wire) first, followed by the sensor wire (if applicable), then the transformer (power) wire. If the problem still occurs, please reach out to technical support for help at 1-800-437-8993, option 1. Please ensure you are using the original transformer to the unit as well, as a universal transformer does not always work properly.


      How can I get rid of the salt bridge in my unit?
      Salt bridges, or hardening of the salt such as creating a “cave” in the cabinet, can occur by mixing different types of salt or the environment the unit sits in. Try using 1 gallon of slightly hot water (not boiling) to help dissolve the salt, and break up the salt with a wooden stick.


      What should I do if 00 is flashing on the computer display?
      The computer can occasionally flash 00, and this usually happens before the unit is set to regenerate. Once the 00 starts flashing on the display, then the unit generally regenerates on its own within 24 hours.