Water Softener
A water softener is a device that softens the water of an entire house by connecting
with the incoming plumbing. The main purpose of water softening is to reverse
the damage that is caused by hard water. Hard water is a condition in which
there is too much calcium or magnesium in the water supply. When there is an
overload of these elements, the water becomes harmful not only for the piping
system, but also for human consumption.
Hard water not only leads to build up in the pipes that can cause
water flow issues, but hard water tends to cause soap scum rings
in the shower and faucets. Thus, bathrooms and sinks can look
dirty by having a layer of soap built up that is difficult to
remove. Water softeners work to soften the water by removing
the chemicals that lead to build-up in the piping systems and
soap scum.
As an added benefit, when a water softener is attached to the house,
hot water will become hotter, as the water that flows into the
water boiler will not carry contaminants with it that will cause
water build-up in the boiler. Thus, a water softener can effectively
increase the amount of hot water in the house while decreasing
the energy pull of the hot water heater on the electric system
of the home. Plus, by helping to reduce hard water build-up in
the boiler, water softeners help to decrease the chances that a
boiler will overheat and need repair.
Water softeners work by taking advantage of pur chemistry. Because
calcium and magnesium are the elements that cause hard water, in
order to reverse the hard water, these elements simply need to
be removed from the water supply.
In order to remove calcium and magnesium from the water supply,
water is filtered through beads that are coated with sodium (or
salt.) Some systems also use a filtration system that uses zeolites,
which are a type of mineral that will aid in the exchange of ions.
Once the water is filtered through the zeolites or salt beads,
the salt essentially switches place with the calcium or magnesium,
thereby joining the water supply while simultaneously removing
the ingredients that cause hard water.
It is important for people to keep in mind that if they need to
maintain a low sodium diet, the water softener system is probably
not the best solution for them, as the system will increase the
amount of sodium that is in the water. However, it is possible
to have a system that bypasses the water softener so that individuals
that are concerned about their sodium intake can have access to
sodium-free drinking water.
While just about anyone can install a water softener system in
their home, there are also water softeners for industrial size
uses as well. So-called water softening plants can not only help
to soften the water supply to municipalities, but they can soften
hard water that leads to harmful build up in the piping systems
of many cities.
In order to ensure that your drinking water is clean and that the
pipes in your home have the gentlest water possible, it may be
wise to look into investing in a water softener for your home.
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