Water Softener 101: Defeating Hard Water

Does your water taste funny? Are you sick of clogged shower heads and skin irritation after indulging yourself in a nice hot shower? Do your appliances have more than normal wear and tear? You might be struggling with hard water in your home.

What is hard water, and why does it matter?

Hard water has a high concentration of dissolved minerals like magnesium and calcium. As water travels through the ground, rocks, and limestone, it picks up these dissolved minerals. So, the longer it takes for the water to reach your home, the more it will contain magnesium and calcium; in turn, the harder your water will be. Luckily, you can remove these magnesium and calcium deposits in your water with a water softener. The magnesium and calcium or “hardness ions” are replaced by sodium/potassium from resin beads inside the brine tank of a water softener.

Water softener 101, how do they work?

Water Softeners are divided into two tanks, the resin tank and the brine tank. The ion exchange process is started when hard water is pumped into the resin tank, where tiny resin beads charged with sodium or potassium ions wait to replace the magnesium and calcium ions. The depleted resin beads will go into the brine tank to regenerate and recharge with new sodium or potassium ions, and the excess brine and minerals are flushed away.

The signs of hard water.

1. Calcium deposits (white/chalky residue) on faucets, tubs, and dishes.
2. Clogged shower heads.
3. Unexplained higher water bills. Due to water appliances working harder.
4. Ugly stains on white porcelain, like your toilet or sink.
5. Dry skin and dull hair – after showering.
6. Low water pressure.
7. Water tastes funny or has an unpleasant smell.

Benefits of a water softener.

1. Cleaner and shinier plumbing fixtures. As well as a lack of white residue on silverware and dishes.
2. Softer skin and smooth hair – after showering.
3. Less soap scum on shower walls or bathtubs.
4. Softer and vibrant clothes.
5. Reduced water bill.
6. Use less soap and shampoo because soft water provides rich lathers.

Water softeners are ideal and highly recommended, but they are not the only solution to filtering and softening your home or business water. We recommend scheduling a consultation with a veteran water softener plumber to help you find the best solution.