Water Softener

Water softener, also referred to as 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 its 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 due to large amounts of calcium and bicarbonate ions and can be removed by simply boiling the water. Permanent hardness is caused due to excess of calcium and magnesium sulfates or chlorides which cannot be eliminated by simple methods like boiling the water. Well, if you are facing these hard water problems, water softener installation is just the right thing to do!

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

The water is allowed to pass through a bed of small plastic beads or zeolite, that is covered with sodium ions. As hard water flows past the sodium ions, they swap places with the magnesium and calcium ions and the water is softened. Over a period of time, all the 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 needs to be regenerated. The beads need to regain the sodium or potassium ions and this is done by flooding them with 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 come in 4 different kinds - offsite, manual, semiautomatic and automatic. The cost varies according to the type of the system. Automatic systems come with a few additional features such as the time clock, water meter and hardness sensor and is therefore, the most expensive of the lot.

Water Softener Maintenance
Maintenance is a fairly simple task, provided you check the ion exchange system regularly. Depending on the type of water softener you have installed, check for the appropriate salts. Ensure that the salt level reaches one third of the brine tank. Check the salt level once a month. The most common problems are associated with the control valve and the 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

You should go through some reviews, that will make your task of finding the best system easier. You can install it on your own or seek professional help for the same.