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What is a water softener?

Updated: 9/27/2023
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12y ago

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When water contains unusually high volumes of calcium and magnesium, it is commonly referred to as hard water. Hard water may contain elevated levels of iron as well. For many different reasons, hard water is generally considered undesirable. The solution is to remove the excess minerals with a device called a water softener.

Hard water can cause many problems around the average household as well as within certain industries. The most visible effect that hard water can cause is the appearance of a ring of dirt in bathtubs and sinks. This is caused by the presence of the extra minerals in the water which prevents soaps and cleaners from properly dissolving.

Another more dangerous problem is the build up of lime within the pipes and appliances that the hard water passes through. Lime scale build up can cause pipes to become clogged. It can also negatively affect water boilers by creating a layer of lime “insulation’ which hinders the transfer of heat into the water.

In order to remove the harmful calcium and magnesium ions from the water a water softener must be installed. This is a device which the hard water will pass through before moving into the Plumbing throughout the rest of the home.

There are a few different types of water softeners, but the most common varieties use ionic exchange to remove the minerals. This process employs a resin to exchange the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. The softened water is far less damaging to plumbing and appliances.

Using a water softener, especially when the amounts of calcium and magnesium are exceptionally high, can have significant long term benefits. Pipes and plumbing will last longer and require far less maintenance, water boilers will function more efficiently, pots and pans used for cooking will not stain or rust as easily. There are even some reports that softened water is beneficial for people suffering from skin problems.

Installing a water softener can prevent many of the potentially damaging problems that hard water can cause to a home over time.

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13y ago
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12y ago

Water softener is made for water faucets to make tap water more drinkable. They can also be used for pools. You can get a water softener at a local Wal-Mart and you can attach it right to your sinks.

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9y ago

Soft water is described as water that does not contain minerals like magnesium or calcium. In such water, soap will lather easily.

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Q: What is a water softener?
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Related questions

which water softener is the best?

There are lot of water softeners ;kenmore water softener,culigan water softener,salt free water softener,ion exchange water softener.in my opinion ion exchange water softener is the best.


do you prefer one water softener over another?

On the most part, most people do prefer one water softener over another. The brand of water softener you use depends on your water and if you want a whole home water softener system or just a faucet softener system.


Is a water softener necessary?

Water softener is used to improve water in hard water conditions. If your water tastes odd or leaves white deposits then you may benefit from a water softener. You'll also need to use less soap with a water softener.


What is a saltless water softener and what does it do compared to others?

The reason you choose a water softener will best allow you to chose a saltless softener or a traditional softener. If you are using a water softener to help your household plumbing stay clean and gunk-free, then you should choose a traditional softener. If your goal is to have softer feeling and tasting water then a saltless softener will work just fine for you. With this softener, you are not actually removing salt, just changing the electric charge of the water.


Can the water taste salty in your water softener if the salt is low?

Water softener changes the chemical values and proportions in water. Therefore, some people will differentiate a change in taste of water to be more salty. However, malfunctioning can produce higher level of salty water by the softener.


Is there a natural water softener?

Borax, also known as Sodium Borate, is a great natural water softener.


Where can one purchase Calgon Water Softener?

There are many places where one can purchase a Calgon Water Softener. One can purchase a Calgon Water Softener at popular on the web sources such as Walmart and Amazon.


Do you need to add salt to a dishwasher if a water softener fitted to your house supply?

No, the water softener takes care of it.


Why is there salt in water softener brine tank?

The sodium in the salt reacts with the zeolite in the softener stripping it of the calcium when you regenerate the softener. When the softener is in service the calcium more readily replaces the sodium on the zeolite resin beads softening the water.


What liquid so you use to thin out laundry softener?

Water will thin out laundry softener.


What is the best water softener to buy?

The Pelican Salt-Free Softener is one of the best rated water softners on the market


What is the purpose of a bypass on a water softener?

The bypass on a water softener is a valve that serves the purpose of allowing water from the main point of supply to flow into a house or building when the water softener is being serviced. It can also be used to allow some 'hard' water to be mixed with the softened water.