Benefits of a Water Softener: Why You Need One in Your Home
Posted by Discount Water Softeners on Jan 2nd 2023
Hard water is a harsh reality for over half of Americans, causing issues like clogged pipes, reduced water pressure, and shortened appliance lifespan. But with a water softener, you can solve these problems and protect your home from the damaging effects of hard water.
What is a Water Softener?
A water softener is a household water filtration system that uses a process called ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium minerals, the cause of water hardness. Ion exchange water softeners, also known as salt-based systems, are the most common and effective type. They use resin beads in a mineral tank to filter the water, exchanging sodium ions for calcium and magnesium ions to soften the water.
How Does Water Softener Regeneration Work?
Over time, the resin beads in a water softener become saturated with hard minerals and need to be cleaned through a process called regeneration. This is done using a strong brine solution from a brine tank, which rinses out the accumulated minerals and exits through a drain. Regeneration can be either a manual or automatic process, with timed or on-demand cycles. It typically takes about an hour and a half to complete, but if your system takes longer or continuously regenerates even when not in use, it may need repairs.
How Often Should I Service My Water Softener?
Water softeners are reliable appliances that typically require little maintenance, but the frequency of servicing will depend on your water usage, the characteristics of your home's water, and the size and type of your softener. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the water coming from your softener is consistently softened to determine if you need to increase or decrease servicing. Adhering to good maintenance practices will help extend the life of your water softener, which can last 15-20 years.
What is the Cost of a Water Softener?
The average cost of a new manual regeneration water softener is around $400, while an automatic regeneration system can cost upwards of $1,000. However, the long-term benefits of having a water softener, including reduced appliance repairs and replacements, can outweigh the upfront cost.
