When you want to filter the water that comes into your home, one of the methods available to you for whole-house water filtration is to use a water softener. This type of system is capable of removing the types of minerals that cause hard water. Water hardness is a common and serious problem that can dry out a person’s skin and hair, leave soap scum in kitchens and bathrooms, and ruin a variety of household appliances.
While water softeners are not capable of removing contaminants like mercury, lead, or various bacteria, these systems can remove magnesium and calcium ions from water. These two minerals are the main causes of hard water. Using the process of ion exchange, any positively charged ions in the water will also be removed. These ions can include manganese and iron.
What is hard water?
In simple terms, water hardness is an increased content of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. Let’s look at what is dangerous about this phenomenon in water. With high carbonate hardness, we can encounter such phenomena as scale in a kettle, salt deposits on the inner surfaces of pipe walls, high water hardness in general worsens the organoleptic properties of water, giving it a bitter taste and having a negative effect on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
What is soft water?
Soft water is a type of surface water that contains low concentrations of ions, particularly calcium and magnesium ions. It occurs naturally where rainwater and river water collect in a body of water made of hard, impermeable, calcium-poor rock.
Soft water may also be used to describe water that has been softened by various techniques, although this so-called softened water may contain high levels of sodium and bicarbonate ions that have been used to precipitate calcium and magnesium.
Because soft water has few calcium ions, it does not create any obstacles to soap suds and does not produce any soap scum in normal washing. Similarly, soft water does not form any calcium deposits in water heating systems. Water containing more than 50 mg/L of calcium carbonate is called hard water. In the US, soft water is water that contains less than 60 mg/L of calcium carbonate.
What is water softener?
If you live in an area with hard water, you will have to treat the water that comes into your home. The water is softened through an ion exchange process. Essentially, this process involves using a tank that contains sodium or potassium ions. These compounds attract the mineral ions in your hard water.
Occasionally, the tank may need to be rinsed with a rinse aid. This recharges the system and allows it to continue to absorb mineral ions. The end result of a water softener system is the soft water you need in your home.
Water softeners reverse the process by which water becomes hard as it passes through the water cycle. The polarity of the water molecule allows it to absorb mineral ions as it passes through soil. A water softener reverses this process by absorbing those same mineral ions from the water.
A water softener is a filtering device designed to remove magnesium and calcium from water. Water varies in its chemical composition, and when water contains large amounts of magnesium and calcium minerals, it is hard. Soft water contains little of these minerals. Water is divided into 5 categories according to hardness:
- Soft – up to 1.5 mEq/l.
- Drinking water – up to 2 mg-eq/l.
- Hard – up to 5 mg-eq/l.
- Super-hard – up to 7 mg-eq/l.
- Dangerously hard – over 7 mg-eq/l.
Types and features of water softening devices
Experts distinguish the following types of water softening installations based on the main reagent:
Magnetic – convert calcium bicarbonate into special crystals that do not stick to the metal surfaces of heating devices.
With polyphosphate powder – available in flasks. Helps to obtain only water for household needs. It will not be possible to use it in its pure form or for cooking. They are easy to install.
With ion-exchange resins – mounted on various sections of the pipeline. Recognized as the most effective, universal and safe. Resins effectively absorb solid suspensions, and the cartridges themselves can be regenerated many times, restoring the quality of cleaning. People use a solution of table salt for regeneration.
How Water Softeners Work
We will describe the working principle of an ion exchange water softener, since it is the most commonly used. This process involves removing calcium and magnesium ions from the water and replacing them with sodium ions.
When hard water enters the mineral water tank, it passes through a layer of spherical polymer beads made of polystyrene. These beads are charged with sodium ions and have a negative charge, while calcium and magnesium ions have a positive charge.
Opposite charges attract, so calcium and magnesium ions are attracted to the negative charges on the resin beads. The beads continue to attract these mineral ions, displacing the sodium ions that were originally on the beads. As a result, the water is freed of calcium and magnesium ions. The resin beads continually remove hardness from the water in the mineral water tank, providing your home with soft water.
Over time, the granules become saturated with minerals and can no longer effectively remove calcium and magnesium ions. In such cases, the control valve in the water tank initiates a regeneration cycle. These control valves ensure that water softeners operate efficiently. The maximum capacity is pre-programmed into the control valve computer, taking into account factors such as the size of the house, the number of occupants, and the level of water hardness.
The kit also includes a brine tank to aid in the regeneration process. It contains a concentrated salt solution, usually sodium or potassium chloride, which restores the positive charges on the resin beads. The brine tank is located next to the mineral tank, and salt is added manually in the form of granules or blocks that dissolve in the water.
The control valve computer sends a signal when the resin’s softening capacity is reduced. At this point, concentrated brine is drawn from the reservoir and flushed through the resin in the mineral tank. If the brine tank runs out of salt, the water will not be effectively softened.
Ready to enjoy cleaner water and longer-lasting appliances?
Why do you need to soften water?
In addition to problems with the kettle, there are many other really important problems when using hard water in the home. Frequent breakdowns of heating devices, such as boilers, water heaters, etc. significant energy costs caused by the overgrowth of hardness salts in heating elements and heat exchanger walls are perhaps the most common problems in everyday life that have to be faced in regions with hard water.
Softened water extends the life of heating devices and plumbing fixtures by eliminating scale formation in pipes and fittings. Also, when softening water, the amount of detergents required for washing or cleaning surfaces is significantly reduced.
The problem of excessive water hardness is common, but it is not inherent in all water sources worldwide.
Hard water is usually found in regions rich in limestone. Water softening is the process of removing calcium, magnesium, and other metal cations from water. The main signs of hard water:
- Rapid scale formation is observed in the kettle;
- The water acquires a bitter taste;
- Detergents cause the formation of dark foam when in contact with water;
- After washing, hair takes on an unpleasant appearance.
📌 Key findings:
- A water softener helps remove the various types of minerals that make water hard, which affects skin, hair, soap scum, and other problems.
- Water softening systems include an ion exchange resin tank, measuring equipment, and a salt tank.
- Installing a water softener in your home is a simple and easy process!
What are the benefits of soft water?
If you live in an area where the groundwater is naturally hard, you will need to invest in a water softening system to soften the water. Let’s take a look at some of the main advantages of this water over hard water that is loaded with minerals.
1. Less mineral buildup in pipes and equipment
When mineral-rich water flows through your home’s pipes, it leaves behind mineral deposits. Some types of pipes, such as copper or PVC, are more resilient to limescale buildup. Even in these pipes, constant flow will eventually reduce the ease of flow.
Pipes aren’t the only thing in your home that slowly deteriorates under the influence of hard water. Mineral deposits from hard water lead to buildup that affects the performance of your shower, dishwasher, and most importantly, your water heater. Water vapor in hard water areas causes limescale to build up in them over time, reducing their efficiency.
2. There are no obvious stains on the dish
If you have hard water then you know that your dishes never look clean. The source of the stains on your dishes, glassware and silverware is the minerals in the water. These stains are not dangerous, but they are unsightly. One of the benefits of having soft water is that your dishes will be consistently clean, bright and shiny.
3. Increase the durability of clothes
With soft water, your favorite clothes will last longer. If you have hard water, your clothes will look worn and worn out due to the buildup of calcium and magnesium in your clothes from repeated washings. Stains are harder to remove in the washing machine, and you may even see white streaks on some dark fabrics. Over time, the buildup of minerals weakens the fibers of your clothes and makes them less resistant to tearing.
4. Soap whiteness
You may not realize it, but the soap scum you’ve been battling for years is due to minerals in the water. The calcium carbonate in hard water reacts with the soap and creates soap scum, which is frustrating at best, and even after a thorough cleaning, it can quickly reappear. With soft water, the soap scum disappears, leaving your shower or sink squeaky clean. The elimination of soap scum isn’t the only benefit of soft water. It also makes soap more effective overall.
With hard water, soap doesn’t lather as well as it should and is generally harder to wash with. Washing your hands with hard water often leaves you feeling dry and you may feel like you need lotion. With soft water, soap produces a more luxurious lather, and your hands will be clean and immediately softer with the first wash.
5. The effect of hard water on hair
You probably don’t realize that the mineral content of your water has any impact on the appearance of your hair. As surprising as it may be, the minerals in hard water can dull the appearance of your hair over time. The minerals in the water coat the hair, making it dull and reducing the ability of moisturizers to penetrate the hair follicles. In contrast, washing your hair with soft water will leave it looking fuller, shinier, and more manageable.
Why is it important to use water softeners?
Water softeners essentially soften water by removing the calcium and magnesium ions responsible for hardness, making it safe to use. They improve the balance of minerals in water. By reducing calcium and magnesium levels, water softeners help maintain optimal concentrations that can benefit health rather than harm it. In addition, the use of sodium in the water softening process helps balance other minerals and ensures the optimal amount of sodium recommended for daily consumption.
Sodium helps control fluid balance and nerve impulses in the body. Water softeners remove toxins, such as ferrous iron, that can darken water and stain surfaces like toilets and tubs.
They reduce the costs associated with repairs and replacement of electrical appliances. Hard water often leads to frequent repairs and scale build-up in pipes. By using a water softener, you can protect your pipes, appliances, sinks, tubs, and toilets from stains and save on repair bills.
This device makes laundry and deep cleaning easier. Hard water can make laundry stiff and hair dry, reducing the effectiveness of soap. It also makes it difficult to wash your hair properly and makes it difficult to clean clothes and surfaces. A water softener eliminates these problems.
How to Install a Water Softener
If you want to install one of these devices yourself, the installation process is relatively simple and involves a few basic steps. When you begin the installation process, make sure the device is located relatively close to the entry point of the water that enters your home. This way, most of the appliances and plumbing fixtures in your home will receive softened water.
At the very least, you should place the water softener before the water heater. Hard water is known to be especially harmful to appliances that produce hot water.
You should install the water softener in a level, dry area, which can be anywhere from a basement to a garage. When looking for the right location for your water softener, it is important that it is within reach of an electrical outlet to turn on the system, a drain for the brine solution, and the main water line.
The water softener you choose should have a bypass, which will make it easier for you to regularly service the softener. The following steps you should take during the installation process include:
🔧 Step #1
Position the water softener correctly. Connect the inlet of the water softener directly to the water supply, and direct the outlet towards the hot water appliances.
🚿 Step #2
Turn off the water supply at the main line – you should turn off the water supply during the installation process to protect against leaks.
💧 Step #3
Drain the pipes – all nearby faucets should be open to allow the water to drain from the supply pipes. Tape into the water supply main. The water supply can be tapped with wire cutters, which will allow the inlet and outlet lines to be connected correctly.
📏 Step #4
Make sure the pipes are cut correctly – Measure the pipes and cut them to fit the water softener, then seal the threads with plumber’s tape.
🧰 Step #5
Clamp the primary drain hose – to get rid of the brine after the regeneration process, the drain hose should be clamped and directed directly into a drain faucet or floor drain.
⚠️ Step #6
Connect the overflow tubes. Overflow tubes are designed to reduce the chance of the brine tank overflowing.
How to choose a water softener
To protect your appliances from damage, it is highly recommended to use a water softener to remove minerals from the water that flows throughout your home. Removing minerals such as magnesium and calcium will also prevent your hair and skin from becoming too dry while showering.
Despite the relatively high cost of a water softener, the unit you purchase should last about 20 years before you need to replace it. The various factors that determine the price of a water softener include any additional features you purchase, installation costs, and the size of your home. So, when choosing a water softener, consider the following factors:
- Recommended range of water hardness entering the system;
- The filter’s capacity, that is, its ability to process a certain amount of water in a certain time;
- The size of the device body, which must correspond to the available space for installation;
- The level of automation of the process, including functions for automatic regeneration or control of water hardness;
- The available budget for the purchase, as water softeners are available in different price categories. It is important to find a balance between the quality, functionality and price of the device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Water Softener
What is the difference between hard water and soft water?
Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can cause limescale buildup, dry skin, and appliance damage. Soft water has had these minerals removed, usually through a water softener system, resulting in better soap performance, cleaner dishes, and longer-lasting plumbing.
How does a water softener work in a home system?
A water softener works by using an ion exchange process to replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions. This happens inside a resin tank filled with charged beads. When the beads become saturated, a brine solution regenerates the system to restore its softening ability.
What are the main benefits of using soft water at home?
Soft water helps prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances, improves soap and detergent efficiency, reduces skin and hair dryness, and extends the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and laundry machines. It also leads to brighter clothes and spot-free dishes.
Do I need a water softener if my water tastes fine?
Yes, even if your water tastes fine, a water softener may still be necessary. Hard water may not have an unpleasant taste but can still cause plumbing issues, soap scum, appliance damage, and increased energy costs due to limescale buildup. A water test can confirm if a softener is needed.
Can a water softener remove harmful contaminants like lead or bacteria?
No, a standard water softener does not remove contaminants like lead, mercury, chlorine, or bacteria. It is designed specifically to remove calcium, magnesium, and other hardness minerals. For complete filtration, you may need a whole house water filtration system in addition to a softener.