Exactly How Do Water Softeners Work?

Water is an essential element in our lives, and we rely on it for various purposes. However, not all water is the same. Have you ever wondered why your water feels different from area to area or even house to house? The answer lies in the presence of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can make water “hard”. In this article, we will explore the basics of a water softener, how it works, and the benefits of water softeners in treating water hardness.

What Is A Water Softener?

Before delving into the inner workings of water softeners, let's first understand what they are. A water softener is a device designed to treat hard water and remove the minerals that cause hardness. Hard water contains an abundance of calcium and magnesium ions, which can lead to various issues like scaling in pipes, reduced soap lathering, and increased energy consumption.

Why Would I Need A Water Softener?

Before answering the question “How do water softeners work?” it’s important to understand why we need water softeners in the first place. Hard water can cause a variety of problems both in your home and health.

Hard water is known to leave a residue of minerals – often referred to as scaling or buildup – on your clothes, appliances, dishes, and even your skin and hair. You may notice water stains, dingey clothing, or dry and flaky skin. Many people often try to combat these issues by increasing the amount of soap and solvents they use in their everyday water routines. This results in increased waste and unnecessary overexposure to the synthetics often present in household products.

Hard water can also cause damage over time to pipes and other inner workings of your home plumbing system and appliances. Hardness often has a negative effect on the overall taste of your water as well. For more on the differences between hard and soft water, explore our article Hard Water vs Soft Water.

Test the hardness of your water with the APEC Total Hardness Testing Kit, to see if the hardness of your water could be to blame for some of the issues you notice in your home.

What do water softeners remove?

Water softeners primarily focus on removing calcium and magnesium ions that are abundant in hard water. These are the main two minerals that cause the hard water issues we covered.

How Do Water Softeners Work?

How a water softener works is by utilizing a process called ion exchange to remove the minerals responsible for water hardness. The system consists of a tank filled with resin beads that attract and bind to the calcium and magnesium ions in the water. Here is a chronological list of steps in the water softener process:

Conditioning: Hard water enters the tank and flows through the resin bed. The resin beads have a negative charge and attract the positively charged calcium and magnesium ions.

Ion Exchange: The calcium and magnesium ions attach themselves to the resin beads, while sodium ions are released into the water. Sodium is much more soluble and does not cause the same issues as calcium and magnesium.

Softened Water: The water that leaves the water softener tank is now softened as the majority of the calcium and magnesium ions have been removed. It is now ready for use in your home.

Anatomy Of A Water Softener:

To better understand how water softeners work, let's take a brief look at their anatomy and parts:

Control Valve: The control valve is the brain of the water softener, responsible for initiating and regulating the regeneration process.

Resin Tank: This is where the ion exchange takes place. The resin tank is filled with resin beads that attract and remove the calcium and magnesium ions.

Brine Tank: The brine tank stores the salt used for the regeneration process. It contains a float valve to control the water level and a brine well to mix the salt with water to create the brine solution.

Distribution System: The distribution system ensures that water flows evenly through the resin bed during softening.

How Often Does A Water Softener Recharge?

Over time, the resin bed becomes saturated with calcium and magnesium ions, requiring regeneration or recharging about every two weeks. This process involves flushing the resin bed with a saltwater solution to remove the accumulated minerals. The saltwater, containing high levels of sodium ions, washes away the calcium and magnesium ions, replenishing the resin bed's capacity to soften water. The best part is that this saltwater solution is created by the water softener system itself, providing a self-regulating process. There is the occasional assistance needed on the owner’s part to refill the salt to make sure the system remains working properly.

Where Does The Salt Go In Water Softeners?

During the regeneration process, the salt dissolves in the brine tank to create the brine solution. This solution is then drawn into the resin tank, where it flushes the resin beads, removing the accumulated calcium and magnesium ions. The salt does not enter your water supply, but a small amount of sodium ions may be present in the softened water.

Advantages of water softeners

• Prevent scale buildup to extend the lifespan of appliances and plumbing systems
• Prevent hard water stains on clothing, dishes, and more
• Reduce the amount of soap and detergent required in household chores that involve water
• Increased gentleness for skin and hair exposed to water, leaving them feeling smoother and less dry

Disadvantages Of Water Softeners

• Requires regular maintenance to refill salt and perform occasional cleanings
• Contains slightly higher sodium content in softened water, which may be a health concern for those with special diet needs regarding sodium

Is Soft Water Safe To Drink?

So is it okay to drink water form a water softener? While soft water is safe to drink, it's important to consider the sodium content for individuals on restricted diets. If you have concerns about sodium levels, you may consider using a water filter in conjunction with a water softener to further improve the quality of your drinking water. For a detailed comparison between water filters and water softeners, you can refer to our existing article titled Water Filter vs. Water Softener.

Why APEC Water Softeners Make All The Difference

As the #1 manufacturer of home water filters in the U.S., APEC offers a range of reliable and efficient water softener products. With our advanced technology and commitment to excellence, you can trust APEC to provide you with the best water-softening solutions for your home.