If you use soft water, periodic flushing with fresh soft water will keep the concentration of minerals down and enable the unit to provide excellent service. Most growing plants require specific soil conditions for healthy growth. Many flowering plants require slightly acidic soils. Others are quite susceptible to high concentrations of soluble salts in the soil water. Common salt, for example, kills most grasses.
Softened waters carry sodium salts.
The average sprinkling of flowers, garden or lawn wets only the top inch or two of soil. Much of this water is lost by evaporation. This leaves the sodium salts in the soil. After successive waterings, there may be enough sodium salts to retard the growth of plants. A bypass or separate line carrying raw or hard water should be provided for all outdoor sillcocks.