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A water softener is a water treatment system that removes certain minerals that are dissolved in the water as it passes through the "Water Cycle."* Rain falls and then seeps into the ground, eventually forming the ground water that is drawn from wells, or else it flows into lakes and rivers from which towns and cities take their water.
Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. The water treatment system removes these minerals from your water as it flows into your home. Usually this is done by a process called ion exchange, where the water passes through a container filled with small beads. These beads are covered in sodium ions (molecules missing one or more electrons) that actually switch places with the calcium and magnesium ions that make the water hard.
Once all the sodium ions are gone, the system uses ordinary salt to create a strong brine solution, which is then used to flush away all the calcium and magnesium ions and replace them with sodium ions once again. The unwanted minerals are flushed down the drain. Once this process of regeneration is completed, the beads are ready to go back to work, softening your water.
Water treatment systems, such as the one just described, need to have their salt supply replenished occasional by the homeowner. Many stores carry the appropriate type of salt in cube or crystal form. In many cases, water softeners can also use potassium salt (potassium chloride), which has some nutritional benefit. Salt levels should be checked periodically and your salt reservoir should always be kept at least half full.
Many companies will perform a free water test to determine if you have hard water in your home.
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What else can I help you with?
Do magnetic water softeners work effectively in reducing the hardness of water?
Magnetic water softeners are not scientifically proven to effectively reduce the hardness of water.
Do saltless water softeners work as well a water softeners with salt?
The salt in conventional water softeners actually remove the minerals from the water, "softening" it. Saltless water heater, also known as descales, do not actually remove the minerals from the water, they prevent it from depositing in your pipes, but now in your water heater or places where the water sits for an extended period of time.
Saltless Water Softener?
Saltless water softeners are a great investment and can actually work to make water more healthy, which is an important aspect of these water softeners. If you are going to make the investment in a new water heater, it is wise to know the advantages that saltless water softeners have over regular water softeners. The most obvious advantage is that they do not add any more sodium to the water than what is already there. This is an extremely important consideration if you are a diabetic or have someone in your home who is. These water softeners can be found in all of the same locations of your average water softener and are a much better investment.
Where can one buy a salt free water softener?
Salt-free water softeners, or descalers, are usually available in the same places one would purchase regular water softeners. Descalers work differently than salt softeners in that they use electromagnetic pulses to break up the crystals that form in hard water.
Is sodium chloride used in water softeners?
Yes sodium chloride may be used in water softeners.
Where can I learn more about water softeners?
Oh, what a wonderful question! You can learn more about water softeners by visiting your local hardware store, where they often have helpful pamphlets and knowledgeable staff to guide you. You can also explore online resources and videos that explain how water softeners work and how to choose the right one for your home. Just remember, there are many ways to find the information you seek, and each one is like a happy little tree on your journey to understanding water softeners.
Are water softeners and water purification systems the same?
Yes, there is a difference between water softeners and water purification systems as water softeners merely filter the water whereas water purification systems actually filter and cleanse the water.
Is calcium carbonate used in water softeners?
No. Calcium carbonate is one of the minerals that water softeners are supposed to eliminate, or at least reduce.
How much do water softeners cost?
Water softeners vary, it depends on what water system you have as well as where you purchase from. They generally range in prices. It is worth it to comparison shop.
What are the advantages of saltless water softeners?
There are many benefits of salt free water softeners such as a lack of sodium or potassium in the water, no maintenance needed, no salt and no electricity needed.
Where can I find information on water softeners?
http://www.topwatersoftenerreviews.com/ shows reviews on many water softeners and provides information and opinions on them. Water softeners replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium making water that tastes better. The amount of sodium added to the water is very small and does not have a significant effect.
Portable Water Softeners?
form_title= Portable Water Softeners form_header= Keep your water soft with help from experts. Do you have hard water?*= () Yes () No Do you have well water?*= () Yes () No Are you replacing an old water softener?*= () Yes () No
