Do you live in an area with hard water? Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals. These minerals include calcium and magnesium. These minerals are not toxic. They don’t therefore make the water unhealthy to consumers. However, they can cause other problems. For example, hard water can cause build up in your household appliances and result in their premature failure. Investing in a water softener can help protect your home and appliances from the negative impact of hard water.
A water softener is a device that is used to treat hard water. The device works by reducing the mineral content of water. These devices primarily get rid of calcium and magnesium ions. This prevents limescale buildup in pipes and appliances.
There are many benefits of having a water softener installed in your home. These include:
1. Reduced limescale
2. Improved soap performance
3. Energy savings
4. Extended lifespan of appliances
5. Softer skin and hair
Water softeners work through a process known as ion exchange. The hard water enters the water softener through the hard water inlet. The typical water softener will have a resin tank. This tank contains resin beads. These beads, usually made of polystyrene matrix, are chemically modified to attract and exchange ions. As the hard water passes through the resin bed, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water are attracted to the resin beads’ surfaces.
Because the resin beads are coated with sodium ions, an ion exchange occurs whereby the sodium ions are exchanged for the magnesium and calcium ions in the water. This removes the hardness of the water and replaces the dissolved minerals with sodium ions.
Over time, the resin beads become saturated with calcium and magnesium ions. This reduces their ability to exchange ions. A regeneration process is required to recharge the resin beads. This is done by flushing the resin tank with a brine solution created in the brine tank of the water softener. This causes the calcium and magnesium ions to be washed out of the tank. The resulting solution is discharged as waste water. The resin tank is then rinsed with fresh water to get rid of excess brine solution and any traces of calcium and magnesium ions.
Water softeners are generally quite reliable. However, like any other mechanical system, they can experience issues over time. Below, we discuss some of the most common issues that people experience with water softeners.
1. Formation of salt bridges
A salt bridge occurs when a layer of hardened salt forms on top of a resin bed. This prevents the proper regeneration of the resin bed. It can result in the decreased efficiency of the resin bed or even hard water going untreated. It is important to ensure that the salt bridges are broken up regularly. Regular maintenance of the water softener can also help prevent the development of this issue.
2. Fouling of the resin bed
There are instances where the resin beads become foul. This occurs when they are coated with organic matter, iron or sediment. This not only reduces the efficiency of the resin bed but can also result in health risks as the accumulated matter provides the ideal environment for the growth of bacteria.
3. Salt mushing
This is the opposite of the formation of salt bridges. However, it is still a significant problem that needs to be addressed. While a salt bridge occurs when salt crystalizes on top of the resin bed, salt mushing occurs when salt forms a thick sludge at the bottom of the brine tank. This reduces the ability to properly dissolve the calcium and magnesium and regenerate the resin beads. It can result in poor water softening.
4. Water is too salty
A water softener works by replacing the magnesium and calcium ions with sodium. This will mean that the sodium levels of your water will increase. However, when your water softener is working efficiently, the increase is not so much that you can taste the salt. If your water comes out tasting salty, there is a problem with your water softener. This is often a sign that your water softener has is not regenerating properly. It may also be an indication of the excessive use of salt during regeneration.
5. Clogs and blockages
Valves, tubing and various other components of the water softener system can become clogged with debris, sediment, mineral deposits and other foreign objects. This will result in a reduction in water pressure as well as the performance of the system.
If you’re experiencing a problem with your water softener, contact us. Our plumbing technicians are experienced in resolving a wide range of plumbing issues. We’ll provide you with an effective solution.
With decades of experience, you'll get the job done right, the first time!
