A Beginner's Guide To Residential Water Softeners
Posted on: 27 September 2022
If you're like most people, you probably take water for granted. It's something that you use every day without giving it much thought. If you have hard water, however, you need to take action. Hard water contains high levels of minerals. While it isn't dangerous, it can be a nuisance.
Here's what you need to know about residential water softeners.
What is a water softener system?
A water softener system is a device that you can use to remove minerals from your water, making your water softer and easier to use.
What are the benefits of a water softener system?
There are many benefits to using a water softener system, including:
- Reduced scale buildup in your pipes
- Softer skin and hair
- More efficient laundry
- Better tasting water
If you're interested in improving the quality of your water, a water softener system is a great option. You can find these systems at most hardware stores or online.
How do you know if you have hard water?
There are a few ways to tell if you have hard water. One way is to look for mineral deposits on your pipes or fixtures. Another way is to test your water with a water hardness test kit. These kits are available at most hardware stores. You can also tell if you have hard water because it leaves telltale orange rust stains in your sink, bathtub, shower, dishwasher, and even on the exterior of your home if you have a sprinkler system.
If you have hard water in your home, you may want to consider installing a residential water softener system, which will help to improve the quality of your water and extend the life of your pipes and fixtures.
What hardness level should my water be?
The hardness of your water depends on the level of minerals in it, namely calcium and magnesium. Water with a high mineral content is considered hard water, while water with a low mineral content is considered soft water. The Minnesota Department of Health states that water hardness "greater than 7 grains per gallon or 120 mg/L" would warrant the installation of a residential water softener.
How does a water softener work?
A water softener works by exchanging the minerals in your water for sodium. This process is known as ion exchange. The sodium ions are then flushed out of the system, leaving you with less mineral concentration or 'soft' water.
Water softeners typically need to be regenerated every few weeks. During regeneration, salt is used to clean the resin beads that the water passes through. This removes any buildup of minerals and keeps the system working efficiently. There are also salt-free systems.
What size water softener do you need for a home?
The size of water softener you'll need for your home depends on a few factors, including the hardness of your water and the number of people in your household. Energy.gov explains that a residential water softener is measured in "grains per week that the unit can handle before needing to be replenished" and continues to state that a small unit could handle as little as 16,000 grains per week while a unit for a large family could accommodate as much as 100,000.
If you're interested in improving your water quality, a residential water softener system is a great option. It can be used to remove minerals from your water, making it softer and easier to use.
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