Water softeners, make hard water soft save and save on heating costs

What is a water softener?

A water softener is essentially a tank with an inlet and outlet water connector that is full of very small solid coated plastic beads known as ion exchange resins. Alternatively zeolite (a complex naturally occurring product) can be coated and used in water softener cartridges.

How do I know if my water is hard and if I might need a water softener?

If when you wash your hands it is difficult to get a nice lather then the water is probably hard. If you see scale build up in kettles and pipes then the water is probably hard. When water feels a bit slimy then it is very soft. Calcium and magnesium ions naturally present in water create hardness and too much creates hard water as described. You need a water softener

Hard water makes washing less efficient and as such clothes and laundry generally can look dull and jaded ... and I am sure at some stage you have seen that line of scum around the bath when you empty the bath water.

How does a water softener work?

The small plastic beads or zeolite inside a water softener tank are covered with sodium ions. The reason that the contents of the water softener are called ion exchange units is that as water passes through the water softener the sodium ions on the surface of the resin exchange places with the magnesium and calcium ions present in the incoming water .... ie the magnesium and calcium stick to the surface of the resin and release the sodium. The sodium that was displaced on the zeolite or beads in the water softener leaves the unit. The water is then said to have been softned .... it is the presence of excess calcium and magnesium ions (or salts) that makes water hard. Sodium does not precipitate (this is how scale and bath tub rims appear) like calcium and magnesium salts ... sodium stays in solution and does not affect washing at all.

Water softener units have been used in industry for many many years yet are still relatively new as home appliances.

Does the resin in a water softener need frequent replacing?

No. The resin once it has lost all its sodium (having been replaced with magnesium and calcium) it is easily regenerated using common salt. Potassium chloride can also be used but would normally be too expensive.

How do I specify a water softener for my home? ... here are a couple fo examples to show you how specifications are normally noted

Model: WS-10 Dimensions: 2-5/8'' x 9-3/4'', (67 mm x 248 mm) Recommended Flow Rate: 0.50 gpm, (1.9 lpm) Capacity: 750 Grains as CaCO3 Model: WS-20 Dimensions: 2-5/8'' x 20'', (67 mm x 508 mm) Recommended Flow Rate: 0.75 gpm, (2.8 lpm) Capacity: 1,500 Grains as CaCO3 Model: WS-20BB Dimensions: 4-1/2'' x 20'', (114 mm x 508 mm) Recommended Flow Rate: 2.0 gpm, (8.5 lpm) Capacity: 4,500 Grains as CaCO3

Notice water flow rate requirement and amount of calcium that can be removed before water softener has to be regenerated ... these are important.

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You can read a wide range of water usage articles. They discuss the use of water in the house and home ... topics covered include filters, heaters, softeners and water in the garden too. The links change each time you visit the page