What is a water softener?
A water softener is a filtration system which removes the calcium and magnesium minerals that are found in hard water. Hard water passes through the water softener and the newly softened water flows out through the plumbing to your taps, shower, boiler and heating system.
All water softeners share the same main characteristics: a control valve, a brine (salt) tank and a pressure vessel containing resin beads.
But why is hard water a problem?
Hard water contains a high concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium. The hardness of your water supply depends on where you live and the type of rock the rainwater is filtered through. Rainwater is naturally soft but when it passes through chalk and limestone, it collects calcium and magnesium minerals and becomes hard.
The effects of hard water on your home are very obvious. Wherever hard water comes into contact with heat (such as taps, kettle, boiler or washing machine), you will get limescale buildup. Limescale is a hard, chalky deposit which bonds firmly to the surface it grows on. Not only is it unsightly, it is hard to remove, requiring harsh acidic chemicals. Limescale buildup can also negatively affect the efficiency and lifespan of your appliances; for every 1 mm of limescale buildup on heating elements, an extra 10% of energy is needed for it to work. Eventually the heating element will stop working and need to be replaced. This can prove costly if you need to replace the whole appliance.
Hard water can also have an impact on your hair and skin, leaving them feeling dry and rough, and looking dull. It can even exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema.
How exactly does a water softener work?
Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove the calcium and magnesium minerals from the hard water. As the water enters your home, it passes through the water softener tanks which are filled with resin beads. These small porous beads contain a fixed negative ion and a positively charged sodium ion. The magnesium and calcium ions hold a greater positive charge than the sodium ions so the sodium ion is ‘kicked off’ the resin bead and the calcium and magnesium take its place. The resulting water is now softened.
Eventually, the resin beads become saturated with calcium and magnesium and the water softener will need to be cleaned by using a salt to clean away the calcium and magnesium mineral deposits. and repopulate the beads with sodium ions. This is the reason you need to keep your water softener topped up with salt at all times; wthout salt, there would be no sodium ions to exchanged with the mineral ions and the water will not be softened.
How can I get a water softener installed in my home?
Not all water softeners are made equal. With a vast choice of water softeners on the market, it’s not easy to know which one will best fit your needs.
If you are considering having one installed in your home, your local AIWSE (The Association of Independent Water Softener Experts) should definitely be your first port of call. All AIWSE members are independent and not affiliated to one company, so you can be confident that you’ll be recommended the best option for you. By choosing an AIWSE member to guide you through your water softener installation, you are guaranteed to receive the very best advice and installation.
