Water softener which

Maximum hardness removal is 75 grains per gallon, which is not as high as some other water softeners but is much higher than average water hardness levels in most areas. Regeneration cycles take minutes and use gallons of water, but the system includes a controller for a metered backwash function to reduce the use of unnecessary water.

It filters 40, grains before launching triggering a 2-hour regeneration cycle that uses just 37 gallons of water. If you're on a budget, check out the Waterboss 36, Grain Water Softener view at Home Depot , which can accommodate up to 4-person households. There are three types of water softeners: salt-based softeners, salt-free water conditioners, and electromagnetic conditioners. Salt-based softeners are the most popular systems for residential use. However, they do require ongoing attention and maintenance.

Homeowners will need to purchase a supply of sodium chloride or potassium chloride regularly and keep the salt holding tank full for regeneration. Resin media generally has about a year lifespan, but it depends on water quality and usage. Instead, these systems neutralize the particles to eliminate their ability to stick to plumbing fixtures and appliances. The benefit of conditioned water is that it prevents scale build-up without the need to regularly buy salt and add it to the system.

Water softener capacity is usually indicated in how many particles the system can filter before needing a regeneration cycle. Capacity generally ranges from about 28, grains for small water softeners to 80, grains for heavy-duty softener systems. An average-sized water softener for three to four-person households is usually in the range of 32, to 40, grains.

A bypass valve enables you to divert water from the softener system, which can be useful in a number of situations. When turned on, the valve will direct the flow from your water pipe past the softener system—enabling you to work on the softener without shutting off water to the whole house. A bypass valve is also sometimes useful when using a volume of water where water hardness is not an issue.

Water softeners work by using coated resin beads which have a negative ion charge to attract and capture particles responsible for water hardness—specifically calcium and magnesium which have a positive charge.

To maintain peak performance, water softeners require regular regeneration. Essentially, this is the process that "cleans" the resin bed. Over time, the resin bed becomes coated with grains of calcium and magnesium and will be unable to bind more particles. The system will typically monitor how much water has been processed and regenerate as needed.

Regeneration involves a brine rinse and backwash. An attached salt tank supplies the sodium necessary for the brine bath that washes the resin bed. The ions in the sodium of the brine will bind the calcium and magnesium particles and carry them away with a single or double backwash. If your system is failing to perform and you notice hard water flowing from your pipes, you will want to check and see if a salt bridge has formed.

This is essentially a layer of crusted salt that prevents the salt from reaching the brine tank and removing hard minerals from the water. Turn off your water supply or engage the bypass valve to divert water from your softener system. Break up the solidified salt using a broom handle or other tool, scoop out the salt that is now floating in the tank, and then vacuum the water in the tank using a wet vac.

The lifespan of a water softener is dependent on the longevity of the resin bed. In a conventional salt-based water softener, the resin bed usually lasts for 10 to 20 years. How long your water softener lasts will largely depend on water hardness and usage. Very hard water and frequent regeneration may shorten the lifespan of the treated resin inside your water softener. This article was researched and written by Erica Puisis , a professional writer that specializes in large and small appliances for the home.

She has written more than articles for The Spruce, including articles on water testing kits, water heaters, and filtration systems. Calcium and magnesium, the two key culprits of hard water, are both positively charged molecules. And, as the hard water pumps through the softening system, it passes through a filter filled with negatively charged resin beads.

Just like with the magnets, as the hard water moves through the resin beads—opposites attract. And, this idea also applies when the system regenerates aka, cleans itself. During regeneration, water and salt positively charged flushes through the resin beads. Thinking back to the magnet example, the positive charges in the salt, calcium and magnesium all repel each other. The calcium and magnesium detach from the resin beads and drain out along with all the salty water.

There are also ways to professionally test for hard water. The frequency of servicing or maintenance will depend on the type, age, and usage of the softener. Single cylinder water softeners are likely to require more frequent servicing than twin cylinder systems. Read more about water softener maintenance. Definitely yes. It is as easy as removing a washing machine or dishwasher and can be moved from home to home. In many cases, a water softener has been known to help sell a property as a result of its protection of the hot water system and bathroom sanitaryware.

Read more about moving with a water softener. When an ion-exchange water softener is installed it is recommended that, as a precaution, all lead pipework carrying soft water should be replaced.

Softening the water will not in itself affect the uptake of lead from existing pipework but the disturbance of lead pipework in fitting the softener may do so. Grants may be available for replacement of pipework for households with low income: further information may be obtained from your local authority.

A small amount of water will be used to regenerate the softener, but your water bill will not be affected unless you have a water meter fitted. However, this increased water use may be offset by using less water for cleaning. Whether or not softened water is suitable to drink relates to personal preferences and the regulations of your area. However, in areas where water hardness is very high, the softening process can be more vigorous and the sodium levels can be large.

In such circumstances, it is usually recommended that a hard water tap is installed especially for drinking purposes, though we know many homeowners who drink softened water.

Soft water will prevent scaling: however, if the nature of your local water supply requires it, or if you have an indirect central heating system, a corrosion inhibitor should be used.

It is worth checking with your local garden centre. The level of sodium in softened water may be harmful to some plants. Most indoor plants usually prefer rainwater to tap water. It is an unnecessary waste of soft water to use it to supply a garden hose. Only distilled or deionised waters should be used in car batteries.

It varies. Naturally soft or softened water is suitable for wine, brown ale, stout and lager brewed from concentrate kits. Call Get a 3 month trial. Water Softener Buyers Guide.

Things to know before buying a water softener The following are some key things you should know before buying a water softener, and will be covered for you in this guide.

Water enters the top of the water-softener tank and percolates down through the resin beads. The resin has a negative charge, which attracts the positively charged minerals in the water a process known as ion exchange. The mineral deposits cling to the resin and the now-softened water exits the softener tank and flows throughout the house.

At that point, the softener tank must be regenerated, or, flushed clean. An on-board computer calculates the amount of water that has flowed through the softener.

When it reaches the preprogrammed setting, regeneration automatically begins. For a three-bedroom house and family of four, regeneration usually occurs every 12, gallons. During regeneration, salty water from the brine tank flows up the fill tube and into the softener tank. A rinse cycle commences and the salty water washes the mineral deposits off the resin beads. The regenerated water—and all those destructive mineral deposits—are flushed out the discharge hose. The system then automatically reverts back to softening the incoming water.

The regeneration process slowly dissolves the salt or potassium chloride pellets in the brine tank. Again, the resin beads are permanently sealed in the softener tank and never need replacing.