Water is an essential element in our lives, and we rely on it for various purposes. However, not all water is the same. Have you ever wondered why your water feels different from area to area or even house to house? The answer lies in the presence of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can make water “hard”. In this article, we will explore the basics of a water softener, how it works, and the benefits of water softeners in treating water hardness.
What Is A Water Softener?
Before delving into the inner workings of water softeners, let's first understand what they are. A water softener is a device designed to treat hard water and remove the minerals that cause hardness. Hard water contains an abundance of calcium and magnesium ions, which can lead to various issues like scaling in pipes, reduced soap lathering, and increased energy consumption.
Why Would I Need A Water Softener?
Before answering the question “How do water softeners work?” it’s important to understand why we need water softeners in the first place. Hard water can cause a variety of problems both in your home and health.
Hard water is known to leave a residue of minerals – often referred to as scaling or buildup – on your clothes, appliances, dishes, and even your skin and hair. You may notice water stains, dingey clothing, or dry and flaky skin. Many people often try to combat these issues by increasing the amount of soap and solvents they use in their everyday water routines. This results in increased waste and unnecessary overexposure to the synthetics often present in household products.
Hard water can also cause damage over time to pipes and other inner workings of your home plumbing system and appliances. Hardness often has a negative effect on the overall taste of your water as well. For more on the differences between hard and soft water, explore our article Hard Water vs Soft Water.
Test the hardness of your water with the APEC Total Hardness Testing Kit, to see if the hardness of your water could be to blame for some of the issues you notice in your home.
