Methods to soften hard water

Hard water can create many problems if used repeatedly. For example, it can stain your dishes, damage your water pipes and affect the cleaning process. Water hardness can be temporary or permanent.

Generally, this problem occurs because of the mineral content in the water. Temporary hardness of the water is caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium bicarbonates while permanent hardness is associated with the content of chlorides and sulfates of these ions in the water. In order to reduce the problems caused by hard water and avoid unpleasant situations, here are a few methods that can help you soften the water you use every day.

 Residential hard water softeners

Magnetic water softeners

 One of the most efficient methods to get rid of hard water is to install a magnetic water softener. A magnetic water softener eliminates all calcium and magnesium deposits and ions along with the entire residue by creating a magnetic field with the help of a magnet. Usually, this type of hard water softener is installed near the main water pipe, either indoor or outdoor.

Shower water filters

Shower water filters use a technology known under the name of KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) , which replaces harmful elements in the water with electrons. It is to be mentioned that these filters can make harmful chemicals harmless. At the same time, it eliminates the smell caused by lead, foul and chlorine. It is very suitable for high water flow rates and raised temperatures.

Water filter pitchers

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to soften your water, opt for water filter pitchers. These filters eliminate not only cryptosporidium and phthalate, but also other harmful chemicals in the water. At the same time, they are very efficient in purifying metals, microorganisms and chlorine in the water. Water filter pitchers are Bisphenol A-free (BPA-free).

Ion-exchange water softeners

Using hard water repeatedly can damage your dishwasher, washing machine, water pipes and the like due to the deposits it creates. To solve these problems you need to install an ion-exchange water softener. This system type eliminates hardness from the water using the resin tank and the brine tank. The resin tank is filled with resin beads. When water gets into this tank, magnesium and calcium ions remain stuck to these resin beads. When the water runs through the brine tank, the voids created by the magnesium and calcium elimination is replaced with sodium ions. This way, hard water is softened.

 Reverse osmosis

Another method to soften hard water is to use reverse osmosis, which works well at low temperatures. The filters that work on this principle contain a cellulose acetate membrane, which cannot be used to high temperatures. It can be used only to 55 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Reverse osmosis systems are made of several elements: anthracite filter, sand bed, degasifier neutralizer, chlorinator, micro filter, deionizer and activated charcoal filter. Hard water can pass through all these filtration elements according to the quality of the water you want to obtain.

Zeolite minerals

Zeolite minerals or softener salts can also be used to soften hard water. In order to do that, one has to install a big tank with zeolite minerals. When the water passes through this tank, the zeolite minerals replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. These softener salts have to be replaced from time to time.

Simple methods to soften hard water

One of the easiest methods to soften water is to boil it. After boiling, let it cool. You will see that all the impurities will come to the surface of the water and then they will fall on the bottom of the container. Put the water into another container very carefully and throw away the layer of impurities at the base of the container.

  1. Put one quart of water in a boiling container and place it on your stove. Mix this water with one pound of washing soda and put it in a bottle after it has cooled. Mix two tablespoons of this solution with one gallon of water when you want to clean your house, dishes or clothes. This combination will stop any unpleasant reaction between lime and soap.
  2. Mix one cup of water with ¼ tablespoon of lye. Before cleaning purposes, add this mixture to one gallon of water.
  3. If you need to soften a larger quantity of water, put it into some big kegs and mix it with some washing soda lime. Leave it there for a few days to soften.

These were some of the most popular methods to convert hard water into soft water. It is advisable to install a water softener system to avoid any unpleasant situation.

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