How Does a Water Softener Work?
While you know a water softener eliminates hard water, you may not be clear on just how it accomplishes this. You may know a water softener requires salt to operate, but aren’t sure the role salt plays in the softening process.
Water softeners have been in use for over 100 years utilizing the exact same natural, efficient and effective method.
What process removes the hard water minerals?
Let’s start by first defining, and then briefly explaining the principle behind water softening; referred to as “ion exchange”.
Simply stated, ion exchange is the interchange of ions between a solid and a liquid in which no permanent change is made to the structure of the solid.
In this (reversible) process, unwanted (charged) “ions” are exchanged for more desirable ions of another (like) charge.
A water softener operates based on the very same principle. A water softener (media) tank contains softening resin (media), which is made up of many tiny grains (similar to that of sand). Although (unlike sand) each grain is negatively “ionically” charged, therefore attracts positively charged ions (such as calcium and magnesium). As a result of this process, the water is made free from hard water minerals (softened).
So where does the salt come into play?
Eventually, the softening resin will be filled with hard water minerals and need to be “regenerated”. During this process salty (brine) water is drawn from the salt tank into the media (resin) tank, and allowed to (quickly) pass through the softening resin. This (combined with a process referred to as mass action) works to strip the hard water minerals from the softening resin, (again) through the process of “ion exchange”.
The (positively charged) sodium ions of NaCl (salt) break away from the (negatively charged) chloride ions, and attach themselves to the (negatively charged) softening resin; effectively sending the hard water minerals to drain, and preparing the softening resin for another “batch” of hard water minerals.
Does a water softener then add sodium in the process?
If “regenerating” using salt, the short answer is yes. However, to put it in perspective, (depending upon initial hardness) the average amount of sodium added to your drinking water during the softening process is roughly equivalent to the sodium contained in one slice of white bread for every gallon of water consumed per day; so homeowners don’t have much to worry about in terms of health impacts.
However, for those required to maintain a (strict) sodium-free diet, or have potential risk factors (such as hypertension); it is now possible to obtain the exact same benefits of having soft water (as those using salt), by utilizing potassium chloride (KCl) (rather than sodium chloride [NaCl]) during the “regeneration” process.
Soft water is just a click away!
The advantages of having soft (mineral-free) water are numerous.
Softened water will extend the life of plumbing, appliances and water heaters; eliminate limescale buildup and staining on sinks, tubs and fixtures; and provide for softer hair and skin, cleaner laundry, and spotless dishes and cutlery.
Contact us today to get a free water test and expert advise from a qualified water treatment professional.
