Everything You Need To Know About Water Softeners
Most homeowners are familiar with hard water and its effects throughout the house. But many don’t realize there’s something they can do about it—install a water softener. In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about hard water and how a water softener can solve the aggravation that comes from it.
What is Hard Water?
It sounds weird calling water hard because it’s liquid. But hard water refers to the water’s mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium. These minerals aren’t harmful; in fact, they can be healthy in appropriate amounts. The trouble comes from the many problems that hard water creates in the household, such as reduced soap efficiency, clogged pipes, stiff, dull laundry, and scale buildup in appliances and fixtures.
The good news is that you don’t have to suffer from hard water if you install a whole-home water softener.
What are Water Softeners?
A water softener is a device installed into a home’s water supply line to remove the minerals that cause water hardness. Water softeners work by an ion exchange process. It occurs within a tank filled with resin beads coated with sodium or potassium ions. As hard water passes through the resin, the “hard” minerals are swapped for the “soft” ones, effectively softening the water.
Types of Water Softeners
There are several types of water softeners available, each suited to different needs:
Salt-Based Ion Exchange Softener
This is the most common type. It cycles household water through two tanks: one with special resin beads and the other filled with a brine solution.
Salt-Free Water Softeners
These systems use a physical process known as Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC), which changes the minerals from a form that causes scale to a non-scaling form. They do not remove minerals from water as traditional softeners do.
Dual-Tank Water Softeners
When a softener needs to regenerate, it is usually out of service. For large families or homes with particularly high-water usage, a dual-tank softener ensures that soft water is always available, even during regeneration.
Magnetic Water Softeners
These are a more controversial choice as they are less established in effectiveness. They work by passing water through a magnetic field to change the electromagnetic properties of the calcium and magnesium ions, so they are less likely to form scale.
Water Softener Benefits
Many people who scoffed at installing a water softener once they got it wondered how they ever lived without one. If you’re on the fence, here are some benefits to consider.
Extended Appliance Lifespan
As mentioned, the minerals in hard water can build up in appliances, causing them to run less efficiently and reducing their lifespan. That might not be so bad for your coffeemaker, but it is disastrous for an expensive washing machine or dishwasher.
Improved Water Quality for Washing
Another effect hard water has is that it reduces soap’s lather. Softening the water allows soaps, shampoos, and detergents to work effectively, giving you smoother skin, less itchy clothes, and dishes without water spots.
Reduces Clogs
Over time, minerals build up in plumbing, causing the pipes to narrow, reducing water pressure and eventually clogging. Installing a water softener reduces the likelihood of needing hydrojetting or repiping to restore your plumbing.
Less Cleaning
Hard water leaves unsightly stains in showers, tubs, sinks, and toilets and deposits on fixtures, which can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. Soft water can eliminate these stains and buildups and reduce cleaning time.
Call Tri-Florida Water Treatment Inc.
Tri-Florida Water Treatment Inc. is a trusted, local, professional water treatment service provider in Polk County.
We have over 30 years of experience and take pride in being reliable and providing high-quality work.
Call us today to discuss a water softener installation or other water treatment options for your home.
Give us a call at 863-965-1439 or fill out our online contact form and an expert team member will reach out to you!