Water Softener

A water softener is a device that softens the water of an entire house by connecting with the incoming plumbing. The main purpose of water softening is to reverse the damage that is caused by hard water. Hard water is a condition in which there is too much calcium or magnesium in the water supply. When there is an overload of these elements, the water becomes harmful not only for the piping system, but also for human consumption.

Hard water not only leads to build up in the pipes that can cause water flow issues, but hard water tends to cause soap scum rings in the shower and faucets. Thus, bathrooms and sinks can look dirty by having a layer of soap built up that is difficult to remove. Water softeners work to soften the water by removing the chemicals that lead to build-up in the piping systems and soap scum.

As an added benefit, when a water softener is attached to the house, hot water will become hotter, as the water that flows into the water boiler will not carry contaminants with it that will cause water build-up in the boiler. Thus, a water softener can effectively increase the amount of hot water in the house while decreasing the energy pull of the hot water heater on the electric system of the home. Plus, by helping to reduce hard water build-up in the boiler, water softeners help to decrease the chances that a boiler will overheat and need repair.

Water softeners work by taking advantage of pur chemistry. Because calcium and magnesium are the elements that cause hard water, in order to reverse the hard water, these elements simply need to be removed from the water supply.

In order to remove calcium and magnesium from the water supply, water is filtered through beads that are coated with sodium (or salt.) Some systems also use a filtration system that uses zeolites, which are a type of mineral that will aid in the exchange of ions. Once the water is filtered through the zeolites or salt beads, the salt essentially switches place with the calcium or magnesium, thereby joining the water supply while simultaneously removing the ingredients that cause hard water.

It is important for people to keep in mind that if they need to maintain a low sodium diet, the water softener system is probably not the best solution for them, as the system will increase the amount of sodium that is in the water. However, it is possible to have a system that bypasses the water softener so that individuals that are concerned about their sodium intake can have access to sodium-free drinking water.

While just about anyone can install a water softener system in their home, there are also water softeners for industrial size uses as well. So-called water softening plants can not only help to soften the water supply to municipalities, but they can soften hard water that leads to harmful build up in the piping systems of many cities.

In order to ensure that your drinking water is clean and that the pipes in your home have the gentlest water possible, it may be wise to look into investing in a water softener for your home.