Water Softeners

Water softeners are devices used to remove minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium ions, from hard water. Hard water can cause scaling on pipes and appliances, reduce the effectiveness of soap and detergents, and leave spots on dishes and fixtures. Water softeners work by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions through a process called ion exchange.

• Ion Exchange: Hard water passes through the mineral tank filled with resin beads. These beads are negatively charged and attract positively charged calcium and magnesium ions, effectively removing them from the water and replacing them with sodium ions.

• Regeneration: Over time, the resin beads become saturated with calcium and magnesium ions and need to be regenerated. This is done by flushing the resin bed with a brine solution (saltwater) from the brine tank. The sodium ions in the brine solution displace the calcium and magnesium ions on the resin beads, flushing them out of the system.

• Rinsing: After regeneration, the resin bed is rinsed with fresh water to remove any excess brine and remaining ions before the softener returns to service.

• Bypass Valve: A bypass valve allows you to divert water around the water softener when necessary, such as during regeneration or if you want to maintain hardness for drinking water.