What Does a Water Softener Do?

If you have a well or water pump, you may have been recommended to use water softeners in Monroe, NC. However, you may not understand what a water softener is and if you really need one. For all your well and pump services, including water softeners in Monroe, NC, Love Well & Pump Supply, LLC has you covered. Keep reading to find out more about water softeners and whether you would benefit from using them.

The problem of hard water

Hard water is water that contains more minerals than typical tap water, especially calcium and magnesium. Hardness increases when more calcium and magnesium dissolve into the water. Hard water makes it more difficult for other substances to dissolve into it, such as soaps and detergents, resulting in more clogged pipes. Hard water can also cause a higher risk of lime scale deposits in the plumbing system. Pipes can become blocked due to lime scale buildup, and the efficiency of hot boilers and tanks is compromised. This can also increase costs of water heating by up to 20 percent.

Water softening solutions

These hard water problems can be solved by water softeners. When connected directly to the water supply, a water softener will ensure the water is not harder than typical tap water, and contains no more calcium or magnesium than normal. The softener removes excess minerals and allows soap and other detergents to dissolve, resulting in free and clear pipes as well as better operating appliances. Water softening can also extend the life of household appliances and pipes, as well as the longevity of solar heating systems, air conditioning units and other systems.

How water softeners work

Water softeners work by removing positively charged ions from the water, mainly calcium and magnesium, but sometimes iron as well. These softeners can remove up to five milligrams per liter of dissolved iron. The water softener in Monroe, NC will collect the minerals that it removes in its conditioning tank and periodically flushes them down a drain. Some water softeners, instead of just removing minerals, will exchange ions for different ions, usually sodium or potassium. There are different types of softeners, which can be automatic, semi-automatic or manual.

Water softeners use salts as part of the water softening process during regeneration of the softener—usually rock salt, solar salt or evaporated salt. Rock salt is found underground and contains calcium sulphate. Solar salt is obtained through the evaporation of seawater and contains sodium chloride. Evaporated salt is found through mining underground salt deposits and also contains sodium chloride. Rock salt is the cheapest option, but the downside to using rock salt is that the reservoir will have to be cleaned more regularly, since it is not water soluble.

If you’re in need of a water softener in Monroe, NC, Love Well & Pump Supply, LLC has what you’re looking for. We specialize in well inspections, abandoned wells, waterline piping, installations of pumps and tanks, trench digging and a variety of additional well services and supplies. Contact us today for a free estimate!

Categorised in: Water Softeners

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