Choosing a Water Softener
Hard water is a fact of life in a large portion of the United States. Incorporating a water softener into a home plumbing system is a common and effective way to improve water quality.
Hard Water Water passes through the ground as part of its cycle of precipitation, condensation, evaporation and filtration. As it moves along, it gathers mineral particles. In some areas of the country, calcium and magnesium are the primary minerals that are picked up and dissolved in groundwater. A large presence of these two minerals creates what is known as hard water.
Hard water negatively affects plumbing systems and most appliances that use water. The minerals in hard water create deposits inside water pipes that can eventually block water movement. Hard water will decrease the working life of water-using appliances. When soaps are used with hard water, they do not produce adequate suds. The soap lather that is produced is not rinsed away completely. Testing for Hard Water
If you are on a municipal water system, your local utility office should be able to provide water hardness data. Those whose water comes from a private source can inquire at their city or county health departments. A simple test can be done at home using a water testing strip (available at Lowe’s stores).
Water Softeners An in-line, whole-house water softener removes minerals from hard water. Choose your water filtration unit based on two criteria. Take these two pieces of information with you when shopping for a water softener:
The water hardness rating from the water test. Water hardness (mineral content) is measured in grains per gallon (GPG).
The number of people in your household.
Here is a simple overview of the softening process:
Water enters the softening chamber from the main water supply.
The water passes over and around small resin beads. These beads have a negative charge. The unwanted minerals in the water have a positive charge. The minerals are attracted and attach themselves to the beads.
The mineral-free water is circulated through the home’s water system.
Over time, the resin beads accumulate minerals and must be cleaned. This process is known as recharging or regenerating. Recharging is done by creating a reverse flow of water, using sodium or potassium chloride to purify the beads. The water system is “closed” during this process so that this water is not forced through the house system.
Various recharging systems are available. Timers recharge at set intervals. Softeners with meters measure water use and recharge as needed.
Other water softener features include water flow indicators, low salt indicators, salt storage tank lights and iron (another undesirable mineral in some areas) removal settings.
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