Today, many homeowners choose to install a water softener to ensure that their drinking water is clean and the water used for cleaning is free of minerals. While you may have heard that water softeners are beneficial, you might wonder how exactly they work and why water should be softened. To help you decide whether a water softener is right for your home, here’s what you should know about the water softening process.

A Guide to Water Softening 

What is hard water?

All water contains dissolved minerals such as magnesium, manganese, calcium, and magnesium carbonate. The term “hard water” refers to water that contains more than 1 grain per gallon of these minerals. You can determine the mineral content of your water by having it professionally tested. 

What are the negatives of hard water?

The significant amount of mineral deposits from hard water can build up in your pipes and cause clogging. You may then have to deal with increased energy bills, leaks, and inefficient or damaged appliances. In addition, when combined with soap, hard water can produce soap scum that does not dissolve in water. Along with being difficult to remove from surfaces, the soap scum may stay on your skin when you shower or bathe, leading to skin irritation. 

What is a water softener?

A water softener is a unit that replaces hard water’s mineral deposits with sodium ions. The replacement occurs because the unit contains resin beads with a different or opposite electrical charge from the hard water’s mineral deposits. The different electrical charge causes mineral deposits to cling to the resin beads, keeping your water deposit-free and much less likely to harm your pipes, appliances, and skin. 

How long do water softeners last?

Water softeners typically last for about 10 to 15 years, though you can significantly extend a softener’s lifespan by taking simple steps to maintain it. For instance, you should clean the brine tank once a year and only refill the tank with salt when it’s almost empty.

If you’re interested in a water softener, turn to Kandi Water Conditioning in Spicer, MN. Serving Kandiyohi County and the surrounding area for over 20 years, their licensed, bonded, and insured team will greatly improve the water quality at your home or business. In addition to installing and repairing water softener systems, they also provide salt delivery and reverse osmosis drinking water systems. Call (320) 796-6020 to discuss your needs and schedule an appointment today.