How does a water softener work

Hard Water

If you have hard water, you know the problems it can cause. From laundry that emerges dull and discolored, to bathroom faucets coated in white residue, hard water leaves its mark in every room of your home.

Water Softener Solution

A water softener can solve those hard water problems, but how does the technology work - and what makes it so effective? Here is a brief rundown of how the typical water softener does its job.

When you install a water softener, you are essentially treating your water. The water softener uses a process called ion exchange to remove the hardness from the water. It does this by introducing an additional element, generally sodium or potassium.

The typical water softener uses some type of tank, sometimes a single tank and sometimes a pair of them. These tanks are filled with a special type of salt, and that water softener salt allows the exchange of minerals to take place.

Once the water softener is in place, the water in the home enters the tank, flowing over the beads of salt. The softener then removes the unwanted elements, typically magnesium and calcium, softening the water and protecting your water-reliant appliances.

There is a lot more to water softener technology, but you do not need to know the technical details to appreciate the difference soft water can make. Once your water softener system is in place, you can enjoy a host of benefits, from dishwashers and water heaters that last longer and perform better to cleaner laundry and more pleasant showers. No more clogged showerheads, no more limescale residue in the bathtub and no more worrying that hard water will corrode your pipes and harm your health.

Now that you know how water softeners work, the only question is why you have not yet installed one. You do not have to live one day longer with the corrosion, residue and unsightly stains hard water leaves behind - not when there is such a simple and cost-effective solution to your hard water problem.