How Water Softener Works?
Hard water is water that not only contains minerals like magnesium, but is also “hard” to the touch due to the accumulation of these minerals. A water softener is an appliance that uses a process called ion exchange to soften hard water. The process helps to prevent a buildup of scale, enabling pipes and water-using appliances to last longer. Let’s take a closer look at how a water softener works.
Ion Exchange Process
The ion exchange process involves the exchange of charged particles called ions. In a water softener, hard water moves through a bed of tiny resin beads. These beads contain positively charged sodium or potassium ions. As the hard water passes through the resin, it collects some of the positively charged ions, causing them to break apart. The separate ions are then washed away, leaving the hard water softer.
Regeneration
After a period of use, the resin beads in the softener become saturated with the minerals they were exchanging. This process is called regeneration. During regeneration, a concentrated salt solution is passed through the resin bed, to remove the mineral deposits from the bead. This salt solution then passes out into the sewage system.
Benefits of Soft Water
Water softeners provide the following benefits:
- No Scale Build-up: The removal of minerals from hard water prevents the formation of scale, which can reduce the efficiency of home appliances and water heaters.
- Cleaner Clothes: Soft water enables laundry detergents to dissolve more quickly, providing cleaner and brighter clothes.
- Softer Skin: Soft water has a smaller mineral content than hard water, so it leaves less mineral residue on skin after bathing and showering.
A water softener is an effective way of reducing the effects of hard water in your home. Modern-day systems are relatively easy to set up and use, offering long-term protection and improved water quality.