So you’ve just moved into a new home. It’s cozy, spacious, and everything seems perfect—until you take a closer look at the water. That clear, fresh-looking liquid is anything but; it’s as harsh and abrasive as sandpaper! So what do you do now?
Well, unless you love the idea of wearing gloves whenever you take a shower or spend more time than necessary brushing your teeth, you need to get yourself a water softener. A water softener system is an appliance that removes calcium and other minerals from your water supply so that it feels softer to the touch. The best thing about them is that they are relatively inexpensive to install and use.
Here’s everything you need to know about water softener systems like Nusoft Water Systems and if you need one in your home.
What Is A Water Softener?
A water softener is a device that uses a mineral removal process to soften water by removing calcium and other minerals. They come equipped with:
- A tank that stores water
- An inlet valve that draws water into the tank
- A brine tank that stores salt
- A brine pump that moves salt from the brine tank to the water in the tank
- An outlet valve that sends softened water from the tank,
- A drain valve that allows the excess water and salt to be drained from the tank.
How Do Water Softeners Work?
A water softener system uses an ion exchange process to remove magnesium, calcium, and other minerals from your water supply. The process starts with the water entering the water softener through the inlet valve. The water then flows to the brine tank, picking up a substance called sodium chloride (salt), before flowing to the tank with a resin bed.
As the water passes through the resin bed, it exchanges its calcium and magnesium ions for sodium ions. The water then flows through an outlet valve and is sent to the drain.
The brine collected in the brine tank then flows through the brine pump to the resin bed, where it replaces the sodium ions that were removed from the water. The brine is then sent to the brine tank, where it continues to collect more salt.
When Should You Install A Water Softener?
You should consider installing a water softener system if you have hard water. Hard water is water that’s high in calcium and magnesium, which makes it feel more abrasive and can lead to clogged pipes, reduced hygiene, and higher expenses on energy bills and cleaning products.
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Water Softener
Here are some factors you should consider before investing in a water softener:
- Space: If you have limited space, you may want to consider an under-sink water softener. These are usually smaller and more compact than other models, making them more ideal for smaller spaces.
- Usage: If you have a larger household with lots of showers, baths, and other water-consumptive appliances, you may want to consider a larger water softener that can keep up with higher usage.
- Maintenance: There are three types of water softeners: self-cleaning, semi-self-cleaning, and non-self-cleaning. Self-cleaning water softeners do all of the maintenance for you, while semi-self-cleaning water softeners require you to do most of the maintenance. Non-self-cleaning water softeners need to be cleaned by a professional.
- Water Usage: Consider how much water your household uses when calculating how much water your water softener will use.
In Conclusion
A water softener can make your life a lot easier by giving you softer water that’s easier to clean. They are also great for reducing the risk of clogged pipes and extending their lifespan. Many different types of water softeners are available in the market, so it’s important to consider your needs before purchasing.