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Water softeners or whole house water treatment systems use a process called ion exchange to remove minerals from the city or well water that enters the home. This involves passing the water through a tank filled with resin beads that are coated with ions of either sodium or potassium chloride. An ion is an atom or molecule that is electrically charged. In this condition, it is capable of swapping places with certain other molecules in its environment, in this case, the “hard” minerals in the domestic water supply. The water that enters many of our homes is hard because it contains particles of calcium, magnesium and some other minerals. The water treatment system removes most of these minerals and replaces them with either sodium or potassium salt, depending on which type you buy for your water softener. Here are some of the pros and cons to using either type of salt. Sodium Chloride is usually less expensive than Potassium Chloride although the latter is better for the environment when your system discharges the brine solution it uses to recharge the ions on the resin beads. You can arrange to capture the discharge and use it on lawns and gardens since potassium is a key plant nutrient. Contrary to a common misconception, using sodium salt in your water softener will not adversely affect your Plumbing. Most modern plumbing is made of PVC plastic and is not affected by increased levels of either sodium or potassium chloride. Sodium salt can, however, reduce the amount of maintenance required for your brine tank. For those concerned about how much sodium is put into the water by a water softener, the answer is, it all depends. The harder your water supply the more sodium ions are needed to soften it. That said, studies indicate that even water softened with sodium chloride has a low concentration of sodium. See this article from the Mayo Clinic for more information: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sodium/AN00317 The problem of too much sodium disappears if your water softener includes a reverse osmosis system which removes sodium along with other impurities. Some concern has been expressed in a report from Health Canada about the use of potassium salts in water softeners and the potential health effects for specific segments of the population. For more information go to: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/consultation/potassium/part1-eng.php In the end the choice between sodium or potassium salts in your water softener is a personal one, depending on the presence of potential health issues, cost, environmental priorities and so forth. You can have the hardness of your water tested free of charge by most companies that sell water softeners. Sources: http://watersoftener.wordpress.com/, rainsoftdirect.com/homewatertest.php
What else can I help you with?
What gas is given off when Potassium Hydroxide and Sodium Hydroxide heated?
When Potassium Hydroxide is heated, it gives off water vapor (H2O). When Sodium Hydroxide is heated, it also gives off water vapor (H2O).
Which of these metals are the most reactive to water Potassium Lithium Calcium Magnesium or Sodium?
Potassium, sodium, and lithium are the most reactive metals to water from the options provided. They react vigorously with water, producing hydrogen gas and forming alkaline hydroxides. Calcium and magnesium are less reactive compared to the other three metals when exposed to water.
Why do potassium salts of fatty acids yield soft soap?
Potassium salts of fatty acids should yield soft soaps because they are more soluble in water than sodium salts of fatty acids (which yield hard soaps). They contain more water, so they are softer.
Which metal element reacts explosively with water?
Lithium, sodium, potassium. rubidium, cesium, francium, calcium, strontium, barium and radium all react with varying degree of vigor with water to produce hydrogen gas. Other metals also will but not as vigorously.
How do you remove sodium from water?
Sodium cannot be easily removed from water through conventional methods like boiling or filtering. One way to reduce sodium levels is through the process of reverse osmosis, which uses a special membrane to remove sodium ions. Alternatively, using a water softener that exchanges sodium ions for calcium and magnesium ions can also help reduce sodium levels in water.
What kind of chemicals does a water softener use?
Water softeners typically use salt or potassium chloride to remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium from hard water. When hard water passes through the resin bed in the water softener, the sodium ions in the salt or potassium chloride exchange places with the calcium and magnesium ions, softening the water.
Why is there salt in water softener brine tank?
The sodium in the salt reacts with the zeolite in the softener stripping it of the calcium when you regenerate the softener. When the softener is in service the calcium more readily replaces the sodium on the zeolite resin beads softening the water.
Does water from water softener harm plants?
Water softened by a conventional salt-based water softener contains sodium. How much depends on the water softener's settings - which in turn is determined by how hard your water is and how soft you want it to be. If there's enough sodium in the water, it can indeed harm house plants. You can avoid this issue by using filtered water, or water from an outside tap (assuming your softener bypasses outside water, as it should). Alternatively, you can get a salt free water softener, which doesn't use sodium chloride to treat water.
What is a water softener pellet made of?
Pellets are made from potassium chloride (KCl).
Is ion-exchange resin a precipitating water softener?
No. Ion-exchange resin is used in the water treatment tank of a standard water softener. This type of water softener works by replacing water hardness ions, Calcium and Magnesium Ions, with either Sodium or Potasium ions. The hardness ions are not precipitated, but instead are electrostatically attracted to surface of the resin beads where they replace less tightly bound Sodium or Potassium ions. These Sodium or Potasium ions enter the water stream and leave the water softener in the softened water. In a standard water softener, also known as an ion-exchange softener, no precipitation takes place in the water softening process. (Precipitation is the formation of solids from a solution.)
Is it safe to use water softener?
Yes, water softeners are generally safe to use. They work by removing minerals like calcium and magnesium from hard water. However, if you have specific health concerns, such as a low-sodium diet, it's important to ensure the softener is set up correctly or consider alternatives like potassium chloride instead of sodium. Regular maintenance of the system is also essential to keep it functioning properly.
What should sports beverages ideally contain?
Sports beverages should contain water, carbohydrates, potassium, and sodium.
What does the hormone aldosterone regulate?
Sodium and Potassium.
What is the ratio of potassium to sodium in sea water?
The ratio of potassium to sodium in seawater is approximately 1:33.
Why are sodium potassium pumps important?
They regulate sodium and potassium in your cells. If they fail the sodium rushes in. Water follows sodium and too much water in a cell causes the cell to rupture and die.
Is sodium chloride and potassium chloride immiscible liquids?
Sodium chloride and potassium chloride are solids that are both miscible in water.
How does the reaction of potassium and sodium with cold water differ?
Both potassium and sodium react vigorously with cold water to form metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas. However, the reaction of potassium is more violent and produces a louder explosion due to its higher reactivity compared to sodium. Potassium reacts faster and more violently than sodium in water.
