Water Softener

Water softener, also referred to as a water conditioner, is a device used to condition water that contains excessive minerals. It replaces the magnesium and calcium ions with sodium or potassium ions. Water containing large amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium is referred to as hard water.

Hard water can cause mineral build up in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and shower heads, thus reducing the flow. It causes a soapy scum on glasses and also reduces the soap's ability to lather, thus giving the laundry a stiffer and duller appearance. Along with excess calcium and magnesium, hard water can also contain bicarbonates and sulfates.

Temporary hardness of water is caused due to large amounts of calcium and bicarbonate ions, and can be removed by simply boiling the water. Permanent hardness is caused due to an excess of calcium and magnesium sulfates or chlorides, which cannot be eliminated by simple methods like boiling.

This appliance works as an ion exchange device, replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions. Sodium or potassium ions do not precipitate out in pipes, thus helping in eliminating hard water problems.

The water is allowed to pass through a bed of small plastic beads or 'zeolite', which is covered with sodium ions. As hard water flows past the sodium ions, they swap places with the magnesium and calcium ions, thus softening the water.

Over a period of time, all sodium ions on the zeolite bed get depleted, and the bed contains only calcium and magnesium ions. At this point, the process of water softening stops and the beads or zeolite need to be regenerated. They need to regain the sodium or potassium ions.

This is done by flooding them with a salty, brine solution which is rich in sodium ions. The calcium and magnesium ions along with other dirt particles and sediments, get flushed from the beads by a process known as 'backwash'.

Water softening systems are of 4 different kinds - off-site, manual, semi-automatic, and automatic. The cost varies according to the type of system. Automatic systems come with a few additional features such as the time clock, water meter, and hardness sensor and are therefore, the most expensive of the lot.

Maintenance is a fairly simple task provided you check the ion exchange system regularly. Depending on the type of water softener installed, check for the appropriate salts. Ensure that the salt level reaches one third of the brine tank.

Check the levels once a month. The most common problems are the ones associated with the control valve and resin bed. You can either repair the valve or get it replaced.

The resin bed needs to be inspected on a regular basis. Excess build up of minerals or other insoluble substances may result in poor quality water supply. It can also affect the longevity of the unit.

It is always better to go through some reviews as it will make your task of finding the best system a lot easier. You can install it on your own or seek professional help for the same.