While many people would like to think that their water is “pure,” the truth is that even the cleanest potable water is anything but! This is especially true in regions that have to deal with hard water. Hard water is mostly harmless, except that it stains dishes and clothing, makes personal hygiene harder, and leaves scale buildup that eventually reduces the efficiency of your plumbing and water heater.

Some people try using chemical treatments on their hard water, but water softeners are far more effective. Bernie Buchner, Inc. in La Crosse, WI, explains how water softeners significantly reduce the harsh effects of hard water:

• What Is A Water Softener? A water softener is an appliance that Bernie Buchner, Inc. can install onto your home water supply system. It consists of a mineral tank filled with small beads made of resin or zeolite, which carry a negative charge, as well as a separate brine tank.

• How Do Water Softeners Work? Through a process called ion exchange, water softeners essentially switch out the problem minerals (usually calcium and magnesium) with different ones, usually sodium. Since the water softener's beads carry a negative charge, and the problem minerals carry positive charges, the minerals will stick to the beads as hard water passes through the mineral tank.

• What Happens To All The Minerals? Eventually, the mineral tank will become saturated with calcium and magnesium, which is why the brine tank is necessary. Its function is to flush all of these minerals off the beads and replenish the beads with sodium on a regular basis.

Do you deal with hard water issues and need a water softener installed? Bernie Buchner, Inc. has been serving La Crosse, WI, for over six decades with superb plumbing services and up-front pricing. To schedule your consultation, call (608) 784-9000, or visit the website to learn more.