If you are a homeowner in the United States, there is a good chance that you will need to buy a water softener at some point. With this in mind, this article will discuss everything you need to know about water softeners. We will cover topics such as what they are, how they work, and why you might need one. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right water softener for your home. So, if you are interested in learning more about this important topic, keep reading.
What is a Water Softener?
A water softener is a device that is installed in your home’s plumbing system. It is designed to remove minerals from your water, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause several problems in your home, such as hard water stains on your fixtures and appliances. Additionally, a water softener will extend the life of your plumbing system by preventing corrosion.
While not everybody thinks about the water that leaves the tap, there are actually two different types of water in the United States – hard water and soft water.
Hard water is defined as water that has high mineral content; these minerals include calcium, magnesium, and sometimes iron. The majority of the United States has hard water. In fact, 85% of households in America have hard water.
The main difference between hard water and soft water is that hard water has difficulty lathering with soap and often leaves behind mineral deposits, or scale. On the other hand, soft water lathers easily and doesn’t leave deposits behind. Generally, hard water is more likely to cause problems for appliances (in terms of limescale and mineral build-up), clothes (when washing), the skin, and more.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
A water softener works by removing the minerals that cause hardness in water; in other words, the minerals that are causing all the problems. The process is quite simple and is done with the help of an ion-exchange resin. Although it might sound complex, this is essentially a substance that contains tiny beads (or, more accurately, an extremely fine powder) that are covered with sodium ions.
When hard water passes through the resin, the calcium and magnesium ions are attracted to the beads (because they have a stronger charge than sodium ions). This leaves the water “soft” because it no longer contains the minerals that cause hardness. The sodium ions take the place of the calcium and magnesium ions on the resin beads, and you can enjoy soft water in your home.
Eventually, the resin will become saturated with calcium and magnesium ions and will need to be replaced or regenerated. This is usually done with a saltwater solution, which “flushes” the calcium and magnesium ions off the resin beads and replaces them with sodium ions.
Do You Need a Water Softener?
Well, that depends. If you live in an area with hard water, it’s probably a good idea to invest in a water softener. Hard water can cause several problems in your home, including:
- Scale build-up on fixtures and appliances
- Stained laundry
- Dingy dishes
Kinetico water softener systems are designed to solve these problems and more. If you’re not sure whether you have hard water, contact your local water utility, or ask a professional – they will tell you within seconds. By investing in a water softener, you can enjoy the many benefits that come with soft water rather than putting up with hard water!
