What is hard or soft water?
- Water is often said to be either “hard” or “soft” – these terms describe your water’s mineral content and how this impacts you, your appliances, and your home.
- Hardness is a measure of the sum of the dissolved minerals calcium and magnesium in the water, expressed in grains per gallon or parts per million (PPM).
- In the United States Geological Survey, any water with greater than 60 parts per million (3.5 grains per gallon) of total hardness is considered to be hard water.
- While natural water sources across the United States vary greatly by region in water hardness, the majority have hard water.
What are the effects of hard water?
- Water hardness can make dishwashers and washing machines less effective, and leaves stains, and residue on your appliances, fixtures, dishes and clothes.
- Hard water leaves deposits of calcium carbonate (scale) on heating surfaces, compromising water heater efficiency, limiting lifespan, and driving up energy costs.
- It can clog plumbing fixtures, pipes, valves, and screens over time with mineral buildup.
- Hard water minerals can leave a “slimy” film on skin and hair when showering or bathing.
Resolving water hardness issues with a water softening system
- Cost-effective, low-maintenance whole house water softening systems can reduce hardness below one grain per gallon.
- The results: Cleaner dishes and laundry, softer hair and skin, less appliance maintenance, and lower energy costs can all be attributed to softened water.
How do water softeners work?
- Hard water is passed through a charged resin bed which exchanges calcium and magnesium ions for a less harmful ion(sodium).
- The resin will eventually reach capacity, at which point it has exchanged all of the available sodium and must be recharged with salt water (brine), which is stored in a separate tank.
- Water softeners include three main components: the controller, the media tank, and the brine tank.
The controller is programmed for varying hardness, flow direction, and the regeneration cycle.- The media tank is filled with resin and does the actual softening through ion exchange.
- The brine tank stores salt and creates the brine solution that is used for regenerating the softener.
- Water softener systems are very low-maintenance and can continue to perform like new for years after purchase.
Contact Antunes Water Today
If you have issues with hard water in your home, softening your water can bring a wide range of benefits to both your financial and personal wellbeing.
Antunes Water offers multiple softener options and is committed to helping you get the highest quality water possible. To learn more, contact us today!
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