Hard water stains removal

Many people have problems with the stains and damages that hard water causes to their dishes, water pipes, dishwasher and shower heads. One of the best solutions to avoid any of these situations is water softener. This water filter can replace the calcium and magnesium ions with potassium and sodium ions, thus avoiding any build-up appear.

Hard water also contains sulfates and bicarbonates. Hard water makes freshly washed clothes have dull and stiff and reduces the water flow. That is why water softeners need to be used when necessary.

If you want to remove the bicarbonate and calcium ions from the water you drink, all you have to do is to boil it. This is the easiest solution when there is a temporary hardness of water. But when this problem is permanent because of the magnesium and calcium chlorides or sulfates you need to install a water softener.

How does water softener work?

Water softener eliminates the magnesium and calcium ions and replaces them with potassium or sodium ions. Sodium and potassium ions do not create stains or build-up on the pipes, glass and the like.

The water runs through a bed of small plastic beads (zeolite), which is covered with sodium ions. When the water flows through the bed of small plastic beads, the sodium ions replace the magnesium and calcium ions; thus softening the water. In time, the amount of sodium ions finish, leaving the magnesium and calcium ions free in the water. At this very moment, one has to replace/regenerate the zeolite because the water softening ends up.  In order to replenish the zeolite with potassium or sodium ions, one has to add a special salty solution that contains a lot of sodium ions. This way, all the dirt, along with calcium and magnesium ions are eliminated. This process is called backwash.

There are four types of water softening systems available on the market and these are automatic, semiautomatic, manual and off-site. Depending on the system, the price is different. For example, automatic systems are more expensive that all the other types because it presents additional features and accessories.

How to maintain water softener

 After we have seen what it is a water softener and how does it work, let us see how we can maintain this system. Water softeners do not require any hard maintenance. All you have to do is to make sure that you check for proper salts and to check the salt level every month. The salt level has to reach one third of the brine tank. The resin bed and the control valves are the only ones that can cause problems. If your control valve is damages, replace it or repair it if possible. You have to check the resin bed periodically. If there is any excessive mineral build-up, it can reduce the quality of the water. The longevity of the unit can also be affected.

If you have tested your water and you know that it is hard, buy a water softener to solve the problem. You can install the system by yourself or you can ask the help of a professional to help you.

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