How Can Water Softener Improve Water Quality
For homeowners struggling with grimy residue on clean dishes and faucets or dry and itchy skin after showering, hard water is likely the cause. Hard water is the result of excessive calcium, magnesium, and other minerals in the water.
While it may seem like a mere nuisance, hard water can become a major issue. But there is an easy solution: water softeners.
Advantages of Installing a Water Softener
The purpose of a water softener is, as its name suggests, to soften water. They do so by reducing or removing the excess minerals from the water. While its purpose may seem simple, there are a ton of benefits to having a water softener system.
Removing and reducing the excess minerals from the water leads to purer water, which in turn can help limit any build-up around faucets and less skin irritation and discomfort after showering. Water-based appliances and pipes will also be more efficient and will last longer.
There are two softener options to choose from: “salt-based” and “salt-free.” Each type uses a different method to soften water.
What are Salt-Based Water Softeners?
Salt-based water softeners remove calcium and magnesium from the water through a process called “ion exchange.” An electronic metered valve within a fibreglass resin tank measures water by the gallon until the tank’s ion resin bed reaches a saturation point. Then, a cleaning cycle runs, during which the electronic valve purges the captured minerals from the system, after which the sodium in the tank replenishes to begin the cycle over again. Essentially, the magnesium and calcium are exchanged for the sodium (salt) in the tank, thus creating the soft water.
The Benefits of Salt-Based Water Softeners
Salt-based water softeners remove the excess minerals from a home’s water supply. This creates purer water that has a slicker sensation and results in the need for less soap to clean laundry, no scum residue on appliances, and better-tasting water. Also, for those with sensitive skin or scalp and hair issues, they may see a reduction in symptoms thanks to purer water. Water-based appliances will also see more longevity, and water-bills will reduce.
Because this type of softener removes minerals, it is an excellent option for any homes with higher mineral levels in the water.
The Downside of Salt-Based Water Softeners
Salt-based water softeners are excellent for removing hard water, but they tend to be more expensive than their salt-free counterparts. Additionally, this system of softener also requires more maintenance and an electrical hook-up. The salt requires refilling every month and can build up into a mush-like state or a “salt-bridge” in the tank, which requires removal. Humidity can cause this issue, and humidity levels should be kept in mind when selecting a water softener.
Explaining Salt-Free Water Softeners and Conditioners
Salt-free softeners are also known as water conditioners because the process they use to fix hard water does not remove minerals from the water. Instead, they “condition” or neutralize it.
These units use a physical process known as Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) to purify hard water. The TAC process converts the hardness minerals in the water to a crystal. The crystals will not stick to surfaces in the home, flushing out the pipes and reducing build-up in the home.
The Benefits of Salt-Free Water Softeners
The salt-free water softening systems tend to be more budget-friendly than their salt-based counterparts. This system does not trap any materials, and there’s no need for a cleaning cycle to remove any materials or ions. Additionally, it does not need an electrical hook-up to work.
The Downside of Salt-Free Water Softeners
Salt-free water softeners do not remove excess minerals from the water, and so may not be as effective as salt-based systems. They also are not as effective against lead or chlorine issues. To fix this, a filtration system may need to be installed, which requires maintenance on the filter itself.
About The Super Plumber
The Super Plumber has been serving the Victoria, BC community’s plumbing needs for over a decade. Their focus on providing excellent customer service is evident in every aspect of their work, from their friendly technician’s timely arrival to their upfront pricing and financing options. Super Plumber has the experience and dedication to take care of all plumbing needs.
