How Does Water Softener Work?

In order to understand how to make water softener work, you first need to understand what it is that water softener is used for. When water contains calcium or magnesium, it is considered hard. Think about the stuff that builds up under your spout on the tub- that yucky grayish white scale.

If you have that build up in your sinks or bathtub, you probably have hard water. If you have this problem, you may experience the following problems:

1. Clogged Pipes
2. Scale build up in your water heater
3. Reduction in the ability of soap to lather

If you are experiencing these “fun” problems, cleaning is not the answer. Instead of spending hours cleaning up clogged pipes and heaters, it is far better to make a water softener work for you.

The Best Water Softener System

The best water softener systems use an ion exchange process to remove the calcium and magnesium form your water and replace them with salt or sodium. This is done through a special tank that you have installed in your home. The tank is hooked into you water supply and all water for your kitchen or bathroom is ran through the tank before it gets to you.

Can You Just Buy Water Softener Without A System?

You can buy water softener tablets and products for use without a tank or whole house system. However, you can not add these to your drinking water or your shower. These tablets are used in standing water such as wash water for dishes or water. If you want to have all of your water soft, you must filter at the main supply.

Compare Water Softeners Before You Buy

There are literally thousands of water softener products and systems on the market today. The price you pay to make your water softener work will vary as much as the products do. You can find systems for a few hundred dollars up into the thousands. Some companies even require that you sign up for a monthly maintenance plan when you buy the product.

What Should You Look For In Water Softener Programs?

When you are searching for the best water softener system, choose one that you can refill with a softener product on your own. When considering how long a water softener will work, you should know most will work for years as long as they are properly maintained. You can clean most systems out on your own with very little assistance.

What Type of Softener Should You Use?

Most systems will use rock salt, solar salt, or evaporated salt as the water softener. Work should not be required of the company to add this substance. The best system will have a recommendation of which type of softener to use and there should be a door or opening to add it through. In most cases, evaporated salt is the best choice, as it is more water soluble and has a high enough concentration of sodium. You will pay more for these products and systems, but you will save yourself a lot of time.