Do you want to purify the water supply to your home or business? Softeners remove hard minerals, which improves the taste and smell of water while providing a variety of other practical benefits. Below is a helpful guide on how water softeners work and why they’re important for residential and commercial properties.

Your Guide to Water Softeners

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water contains a high mineral count that usually includes magnesium, calcium, iron, and hydrogen sulfide. While these elements are not harmful, they sometimes cause water to smell peculiar and taste bitter, and can cause a host of problems.

Which Problems Does Hard Water Cause?

Hard water is primarily a threat to your plumbing system and fixtures. Calcium deposits, for example, tend to build up in pipes over time and cause stubborn clogs that may lead to low pressure, low flow, backflow and indoor flooding. The minerals can also leave rings in sink and bathtub basins that are difficult to clean. They can corrode the elements in your Water Heater, Dishwasher and Washing machine, shortening its’ life expectancy. Also Hard water leaves water spots on your shower doors and dishes, where soft water does not. Additionally,  soap doesn’t lather as well in hard water, which makes it a challenge to wash clothes or dishes thoroughly. Soft water gives you a sudsy lather with less soap/shampoo/detergent, which is a cost savings to you and your family. 

How Do Water Softeners Work?

Water softeners contain filters designed to remove hard minerals via the help of rock salt, solar salt, or evaporated salt. They have three main parts: control valve, brine tank, and mineral tank. The control valve moves water through the softener. The mineral tank contains negatively charged polystyrene beads that attract positively charged magnesium, calcium, and iron. Finally, the brine tank flushes a high-sodium solution into the mineral tank to displace hard minerals on the beads and move impurities into the backwash supply, which goes down the drain, leaving soft water running through your home, fixtures, and appliances.

When you’re ready to clarify your water supply, invest in filtration solutions from American Water and Plumbing. This family-owned business has over 30 years of experience and provides water softeners, filtration systems, plumbing services, water heater installation, and more to clients throughout Harrison, OH. Call (513) 367-4888 to get a quote for your home or business and explore their services online.