Purification of tap water is essential for our health. To eliminate all traces of lime in tap water, You can use a water softener. But what are water softeners used for? Why do we need to use a water softener? How does it work ? Here you will find all the important information about this device and how it works as well as its advantages. We also discuss the topic of usage limits and precautions to be taken before or while using this device.
How does a water softener work?
The water softener is a small device designed to remove the limescale contained in the tap water that we use every day. In fact, the water contained in the faucets contains limestone that can cause it to become “hard” and cause some trouble when using. In general, limestone dries out the skin and hair and leaves marks on laundry after washing. Tap water becomes impure, not to mention the limescale that builds up in the boiler or pipe. The softener is the device that reduces these worries when using water. Thanks to a water softener, you eliminate limescale and other inconveniences that form in your pipes.
On the other hand, you should understand how this device works before you buy it. With the water softener you enjoy several advantages. Whether it’s the use of your pipe, your equipment or your water, you can avoid a limescale problem.
Composition of a water softener
The softener is an effective device for reducing water hardness and reducing magnesium and calcium salt levels. This device has become one of the preferred solutions to combat tartar build-up and makes it possible Thanks to its components, reduce the effects of limestone. In order to be purified, water has to go through many stages. The job of the water softener is to filter the water and reduce the presence of limescale after each pass over one of the components. A water softener generally consists of:
- softener salt tank;
- resin tank;
- control valve;
- regeneration device.
These components have their own specificity and role. The goal of using a softener is to enjoy pure water and avoid the inconveniences caused by limescale.
operational process
The softener is a device that acts as a filter for hard water. With the various components, this filter allows to limit the deposit of limestone and sediment at the time of use. Water treatment techniques include softening, which makes it cleaner. In addition to the technique of physical-chemical purification, softening offers the possibility to accompany the other methods of water treatment before use. In order to effectively filter tap water, the softener must follow an operating procedure.
Step 1: Catch hard water
Hard water recovery is part of the service phase of the water softener operation. The water only reaches our taps over several floors. The latter contain more or less limestone to make the water hard. Hard water is caught by the softener. The water is then hard stored in the resin tank and in the salt tank.
Step 2: passage through the resin
The ion exchange resin is used to combat limescale deposits. The device has a resin tank to hold the water. When water that is too hard comes into contact with the ion exchange resin, the limestone becomes softened water. The water first flows through the resin tank to remove calcium and magnesium ions and replace them with sodium ions.
Step 3: soft water outlet
Once the water has gone through the entire water softener, it occurs without calcium and magnesium ions. This extends the life of your devices. It also always remains drinkable, only its calcium and magnesium content is reduced.
However, this does not mean that the quality of the water will improve, as the machine is only used to soften the water and remove limescale.
Step 4: Regeneration Process
For a fabric softener to work well, it needs to regenerate. This is one of the mandatory cycles to ensure the softener result. The regeneration process consists of recharging the resin with sodium so that it can perform its function. After the rinsing phases, the resin can be filled. We are talking about refilling the resin with softening salt to be able to absorb the water to be filtered again.
Benefits of using a water softener
To enjoy soft water free from mineral salts harmful to your equipment, you can use a water softener. The main purpose of the softener is to reduce limescale build-up in the various pipes in the house. The water flowing through the pipes is clean and softened. You don’t take any risks when using your household appliances.
Sometimes the limescale can block the flow of hot water from the boiler. If you want to avoid frequent repairs to your appliances, consider using a water softener. On the other hand, your hair and skin no longer suffer from the impure water you use.. A water softener will save you a lot of money on cleaning. You no longer need to use many products to clean your laundry, for example.
Restrictions and Precautions
To maintain the quality and ensure the proper functioning of your water softener, you need to take a few precautions. These precautions allow you to use your device for a limited period of time. First, It is advisable to check salt and water consumption additionally. In order to continue using your softener, you need to perform maintenance series while monitoring the components of your device.
The water softener captures the limestone and transforms it under the action of the exchange resin. This device is designed to help homes that need soft, pure and mineral-rich water. If you want to use a water softener, you should familiarize yourself with how it works. Are you one of those people who already use this device? It is advisable to use the fabric softener responsibly according to your needs.