When it comes to getting softened water every day and every hour, no device will help you as a dual tank water softener.
Its capacity to keep working at all times, even after heavy operations, is outstandingly practical. And it’s all because it comes with two tanks instead of one. When one tank is regenerating (which makes the softener unusable), the other can do the job in the meanwhile.
As you can guess, dual-tank softeners are among the most practical and easy-to-use models in the market. And as such, we want to explain how they work, what they offer, and how you can pick the ideal model accordingly. Below, we present all of that and a bit more – take a look!
⭐ Why You Would Need a Dual Tank Water Softener
If you’re looking for one of the best dual tank water softeners, it’s probably because you know you need one right? But if you aren’t sure yet, then let me explain why you must get one (or why not).
A dual-tank water softener is a perfect choice for anyone who wants high-end results. Meaning, you want no trace of contaminants or hardness in the water. And you have no appetite for water that smells, looks or tastes funny.
But apart from that, these softeners stand out for their ability to work at all times, even in the most demanding scenarios. Because of their dual-tank system, you won’t have to wait for the tank to regenerate. Instead, one tank can regenerate, and the other will do the job in its place.
Typically, they can handle between 10 and 20 GPM of water. When you consider that speed and their ability to work 24/7, it’s clear these water softeners are not for everyone.
They are perfect for commercial environments and houses of no less than 5 bedrooms (with 5 or 10 people living inside). Depending on the size of the softener, it may handle even bigger jobs without problems.
So, if you live in a small house, apartment, or place where not much water is consumed, then one of these softeners will be total overkill.
Most people who use twin-tank softeners are small or mid-size business owners or large-home proprietors. If your demand doesn’t match this description, you want to go for a regular-sized softener.
⭐ Water Softener Dual Tank vs. Single Tank
After reading our dual tank water softener reviews, you may be thinking whether they are worth pursuing or if you would be better off with a small one. Well, here we compared different factors that set each type of softener apart, so you can decide which one is ideal for you:
Tank Size
You won’t find much of a difference in the softener when it comes to the tanks’ size. But obviously, you will find one more tank in dual softeners, making them a lot more efficient and convenient.
It’s also worth noting that this takes a lot more space. If your house or business doesn’t have several feet of space where you can install a dual-tank softener, then you’re better off with a single-tank model.
Softening Limit
Most single-tank water softeners come with a specific filtering limit. That means, once they reach that limit, the softener will automatically regenerate, stopping the softening process. In most cases, you can program the regeneration to happen at the desired time when no one is using the water.
A twin-tank model doesn’t have that problem. While you can still program the regeneration, the double-tank design allows them to work without any off-time, as one tank can work while the other doesn’t.
Cleanliness
Both systems will soften up the water effectively. However, it is also safe to say that a dual-tank model does it a lot better. It comes from the ability to use softened water when it’s time to regenerate. A dual-tank model has that capacity.
Meanwhile, a single-tank model will use hard water to generate. It will clean the brine away from hardness with hard water. This may leave some contaminants behind that eventually make the softening less effective.
Water Flow
How much water can you filter with a dual-tank system? Well, it depends, but it is safe to say you can process anywhere from 10 to 20 GPM (or even more) water. A single-tank model usually has a limit of about 12 GPM. In some cases, the system may offer a bit more – but that often means less effective cleaning.
And that’s without saying that single-tank models will regenerate a lot faster. This will obviously reduce the amount of water they can process per day and at once.
Durability
Even though brine tanks are super-long-lasting, they eventually run out and need replacement (the salt only). When that happens, you’ll have to spend some time doing the job as well as some money buying new brine.
Here, you will find that single-tank models run out of brine capacity a lot faster. This causes them to spend a lot more money in the short run.
With a dual-tank, you won’t have this problem. While they still run out, the tanks can last a lot longer. Easily, one tank can last twice or even thrice as much, mainly because the regenerating process is done with soft water, which reduces the wear exponentially compared to single-tank systems.
How Does a Dual Tank Water Softener Work?
The softening process seems like a complicated thing to understand, but it’s not. Even people with little to no knowledge about these systems can learn how they work within a few minutes.
Here are some steps in the softening process that will give you a better idea of how these softeners work:
Softening
When the water comes from the plumbing into the tank, it passes through a brine. This brine, salt, or filter is what eventually cleans the water from minerals that cause murkiness. The brine typically includes other types of filters, helping to clean the water even further.
It is important to note that the softening usually happens in one tank at a time. So even if the system has two, only one tank will do the job.
Regeneration
This is the process where the tanks clean themselves. Once the salt has cleaned a specific amount of water, the meter automatically sends it to the regeneration mode, where the resin is freed of the unwanted minerals and contaminants.
The process includes water going through the brine and rinsing the minerals away. This process typically lasts up to an hour on each tank.
Constant Operation
Because tanks need to regenerate sooner or later, the tanks need to separate their duties. For example, when one tank goes into the regeneration phase, the other has to do the softening – and vice-versa.
That’s why dual-tank softeners offer a 24/7 operation, as they allow users to receive a constant water supply without a single second of interruption.
⭐ Dual Tank Water Softeners Reviews
After deep consideration, we ended up with a group of softeners that were impossible to dismiss. Even though they all work similarly and offer some of the same features, they are all different from various brands.
Below, we explain how each works and what you’re getting out of it accordingly. Check them up!
1. Fleck Dual Tank Water Softener Review
When it comes to controlling the entire water-softening process, I found this Fleck model to be the best twin tank water softener available.
It all comes down to an excellent system boasting two tanks and a high-quality 8% crosslink resin. The combination will clean up the water well, delivering a 96,000-grain capacity that leaves no unwanted contaminants behind that may darken the water.
But it is not the softening system that stands out but the 9100SXT control head. It comes with an alternating metering system that helps you control how the tanks work. When one of the tanks is regenerating, the other will not. You can use this digital system to control when that happens.
It is a high-flow system at 20 GPM still. This advantage will take your performance to a whole new level, maximizing salt usage to eliminate the harshest of water hardness.
The tanks are also gigantic and safe. They can hold up to 350 pounds of salt. Each one comes with its own safety float that prevents any overfilling or unwanted damage.
All of that comes with a set of instructions and manuals so you can set up and adjust the system to your needs. Even if you’re a beginner, this system will feel like a no-brainer to prepare.
And lastly, you can enjoy the bypass system with a 1-inch connection. You can set it up on any plumbing system without problems. It is a practical bypass that will help you prevent the water from going through the softener but still reach the central plumbing system without shutting it down.
- Ideal For: Homes with High Hardness
- Flow Rate: 20 GPM
- Capacity: 96,000 grain
- Included Components: Complete system
- Part Number: WS-96k-91SXT
Keep In Mind
The gigantic double-tank design will take a lot of space whenever you place it. That makes it a bad choice for small houses or apartments. But if you have a 5-bedroom home or large business, then you’ll find this softener to be an almost perfect addition to your plumbing system.
2. DuraWater SXT Twin Water Softener Review
A large and continuous water softener that doesn’t disappoint, then 48K-56SXT-10-1 from DuraWater can give you the best water-softening results in middle-sized homes and commercial buildings.
When compared to a single-tank softener, it can save up to 15% of salt and water. It comes down to the continuous operation the 9100SXT metered valve allows. The whole system keeps working even after the harshest softening procedures, regenerating each tank at the right time to prevent unwanted results.
It is not only the metered valve, though. The system also boasts a Paddlewheel meter, a piece that keeps metering the water even after several years of use, accurately and without fault.
The resin capacity is not to dismiss. Thanks to the 48,000-grain system, the brine can tackle all the contaminants in the water. You will enjoy super-clean water after it goes through this system. This salt comes pre-added to the tanks. You won’t have to do any of the fillings, just install and start using.
And what’s even better, you get a practical Noryl plastic bypass. It is of excellent quality to withstand decades of use. But most importantly, it is specifically designed to work with connections going from 3/4 to 1 inch, making installation a lot easier. Sure enough, it operates swiftly, so it allows easy bypass at any time.
- Ideal For: Soft Water
- Flow Rate: 20.1 GPM
- Capacity: 48,000 Grains Per Tank
- Included Components: Complete system
- Part Number: WS-96k-91SXT
Keep In Mind
Even though it comes with instructions, they are hard to follow. If you don’t have much experience installing this system, you may find it a lot harder than it seems. Luckily, it is not rocket science. If you give yourself some time to learn how it’s done, it will be easier than you expect.
3. Abundant Flow Water WS-64k-91SXT Dual Tank Softener Review
Tackling a fantastic amount of softening needs, the WS-64K-91SXT softener from Abundant Flow will get the job done without drawbacks.
It all starts with the 64,000-grain capacity. The softener cleans up tons of water per minute, offering 16 GPM so you can handle even the toughest of jobs.
This is possible because the brine quality is outstanding. It will soften up the water effectively, leaving no trace of hardness behind. In fact, each tank can hold up to 350 pounds of salt, so it will remove every single contaminant so you can use the water safely later on.
The system boasts a 9100SXT metered valve. It comes with an LCD screen where you can control everything about the system, from the moment the tanks start to regenerate to the flow of water. You can decide how much salt to consume and how much water to waste as needed.
Each tank is gigantic, at about 18 inches in diameter and up to 40 inches in height. Despite that size, they are made of fiberglass, making them easy to install. Moving the tanks around won’t be much of a problem if they aren’t filled with the brine.
This gets even better if you consider the complete instructions. You could set the system up in a couple of hours to enjoy them almost right away. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced installer, you’ll find the manual helpful enough to save you time and effort when setting it up.
Last but not least, the softener comes with its own bypass valve, so you can decide when to divert the water away from the softener without shutting down the waterline.
Keep In Mind
Because it comes with the resin pre-loaded into the tanks, it distorts the distributor tube. This doesn’t change performance too much, though. And because it saves you a lot of time on the installation, it’s a small drawback worth ignoring.
4. DuraWater USA Fleck 9100SXT Water Softener
Processing water consistently, every day, and without leaving a single trace of minerals behind – the 9100SXT softener from DuraWater is one of the most reliable models you can get.
It is a 32,000-grain system on each tank. Meaning, you get a total of 64,000 grains, enough to tackle even the toughest of operations, releasing away a considerable amount of minerals from the water.
The system is effective for many reasons, starting from the Fleck 9100SXT dual tank water softener. It is a metered system that tackles the operation swiftly, also ensuring maximum efficiency from the regeneration process when it’s time.
Along with that valve, the system boasts a Paddlewheel meter. It allows easy programmability so you can make it work efficiently with the valve. But more importantly, it will make sure everything happens correctly, so your system doesn’t overwork itself unnecessarily.
If you want to use a smaller meter, then the Turbine model is available. It is a smaller option that still offers excellent results. You will have to program it more thoroughly, but it’s always worth the extra space it saves.
In terms of space, you will find this system to be decently small. Each tan has 10 inches in diameter and 40 inches in height. With the valves, the system reaches 48 inches high.
Either way, the whole softener is durable and resilient. It works at all times and efficiently for years. Along with the 1-inch Noryl plastic bypass, you can install the system without having any pre-experience. Add the hardness kit so you can test before and after installation to check its efficiency.
Keep In Mind
The system takes a lot of space and requires a brine drain close to the tanks. If you have a small area to install them or the drain pipe is too far, you may have trouble setting it up. Luckily, it is completely worth the extra effort and space, considering how effectively it softens up water even after years of use.
5. DuraWater 32K-56SXT-10 Fleck Twin Tank Water Softener
If you’re going for a decently compact softening system, then you’ll love the 32K-56SXT-10 from DuraWater, boasting the 5600SXT valve on top.
The tanks are black and covered in plastic, ideal for preventing condensation that could cause unwanted damage in the long term. But it is not what they’re made of that sets them apart, but the decently small design so you can install the whole system a lot more easily.
You will find the tanks with the resin from the factory. That means you won’t have to fill them up with the brine once they arrive at home. You only need to place them on-site and install them. And sure enough, each tank can tackle 32,000 grain of salt, making it a highly effective softening system for any place.
They still boast an excellent metered valve. The 5300SXT is a super-reliable and well-made valve that tackles any type of operation. It is pretty efficient and comes with a programming system you can use to make the regeneration process a lot more efficient.
You can also enjoy the Paddlewheel meter. It connects directly into the valve to ensure more accurate metering. The system won’t have a problem regenerating at the right time and processing water accurately for years.
What’s more, you also get a Noryl plastic bypass. It directs the water away when necessary without closing the waterline. Along with the 1-inch connection and the 0.5-inch drain barb, you will have a product that doesn’t disappoint in the slightest.
Keep In Mind
Even though the water tanks are smaller than others, the system can take a bit of effort to install. If you don’t have much experience in plumbing, there’s a high chance the installation will feel overwhelming. But if you can hire a plumber or get help from an experienced person, it will be completely worth it.
⭐ Advantages & Disadvantages of Dual Tank Water Softeners
While these water softeners are exceptional in many ways, they are not perfect. Here, we want to explain everything that makes them such a great option as softening devices and explain why they may not be.
Advantages Of Dual Tank Water Softeners
Uninterruptible Operation – Thanks to the two tanks, you can receive consistent cleaning on your water, preventing the system from going into regeneration in the middle of the day.
High-Quality Softening – Because each tank can regenerate itself more efficiently while using softened water, the water’s softening and filtering tend to be better.
More Durable – One tank alone will have to tackle every single drop of water that passes through the system, which can reduce the brine’s effectiveness a lot faster. Dual tanks tend to last longer without any change of brine in years.
Less Waste – Because the system regenerates at the right time and produces soft water with no stop, it also uses less water and creates less waste.
Reduced Costs – Believe it or not, a dual-tank softener will prevent wear on the plumbing, last longer with less maintenance, and soften the water a lot more efficiently. This means fewer costs in the long term.
Disadvantages Of Dual Tank Water Softeners
Higher Initial Cost – A dual tank water softener system is typically a lot higher than that of a single-tank model. You can expect anywhere from only 10% up to 100% higher price.
Demands More Space – Having a single-tank softener takes a lot of space but nowhere close to a two-tank softener does. If you can’t find enough space for installing one of these, it’s probably not a good idea to do so.
Too Much for Small Buildings – Because the dual-tank system works consistently for tons of gallons of water a day, it is not useful for households that use little. Small houses or apartments with 2 bathrooms and one kitchen won’t benefit from one of these (it will feel like a waste of money).
Harder Installation – With one tank more than a standard model, they obviously require more effort as well. While the setup doesn’t have to be difficult, it is not as easy as its smaller and less bulky alternatives.
Conclusion
Installing the best dual tank water softener will change your water system forever, whether at home or in business. The water will always be clean, soft, and drinkable. And what’s more important, it will always be ready even in the most demanding of places.
That’s why you shouldn’t overlook one of these. Suppose you’re the homeowner of a large house with tons of people living in or managing a large business office that uses tons of gallons a day. In that case, a dual-tank softener will be the best addition to the water delivery system.
It may be expensive and difficult to install at first, but with some help, the advantages will obscure any drawback you may think of. So, do you think a dual tank softener is worth having? Then don’t hesitate and pick one from the above list. You won’t be disappointed.
