A water softener is a system that uses a chemical process to soften water. The process begins with a tall, narrow mineral tank containing several cubic feet of porous polystyrene resin beads. The beads are negatively charged and attract positively charged calcium and magnesium particles in water. These particles are then trapped in the resin beads, softening the water. Over time, the resin beads will become saturated with minerals and must be cleaned. During this process, the following components of the system are essential.
They neutralize chlorine
Water softeners Tampa reduce the amount of chlorine in your water. They work by adding two forms of vitamin C to your water: ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate. Unlike sulfur-based chemicals, these substances are harmless to your health and do not lower dissolved oxygen levels. A water softener will also eliminate the hardness of your water so that it will flow easily through your pipes and appliances. Soft water is also more pleasant to drink and more straightforward to wash clothes in.
Many public water supply companies treat water with a low concentration of chlorine. Chlorine above this level will oxidize the resin beads in water softeners, reducing their effectiveness and decreasing the system’s life. In addition, chloramines can cause unpleasant side effects in humans. Some people may experience skin irritation, nausea, or vomiting after drinking chloramine-treated water.
Many people are concerned about the amount of chlorine in their drinking water. High levels of chlorine are linked to various types of cancer, and they can have adverse effects on the development of children. Additionally, chlorine can have a negative impact on the skin, hair, and central nervous system. For this reason, many homeowners want to reduce or neutralize chlorine in their water supply.
They improve the taste of water
Water softeners are an effective way to improve the taste of water. They soften hard water by adding sodium or potassium ions to it. This results in the formation of sodium carbonate and bicarbonate compounds. These compounds improve the taste of water and make it healthier for people to drink. If you have water with a high level of hardness, your water will have a soda or alkaline taste.
Soft water has many benefits, but it can be unaesthetic for some. Some people may find the taste too salty. However, it’s important to remember that sodium is used to help purify the water. Even though this small amount of sodium is unpalatable to our taste buds, most people will still find soft water more desirable.
Water softeners can also reduce the buildup of minerals in pipes, reducing energy bills. They also reduce the amount of lime and scaling that occurs on appliances. Adding a water softener to your home’s plumbing can also prevent pipes from freezing.
They remove scale from pipes
Hard water can cause significant scale buildup in pipes and water-using appliances. This scale can significantly reduce the water flow and may require pipe replacement. Unfortunately, it also damages many water-using devices, reducing their efficiency, lifespan, and performance. This can end up costing you money in operational expenses.
A water softener works by removing preexisting scales in pipes. Then, the unit uses calcium carbonate crystals (CaCO3) to dissolve the scale. As the water passes through the system, the calcium carbonate crystals move through the pipes. As a result, the dissolved scale is less likely to clog the plumbing and block pipes.
A water softener can remove the scale already built up in pipes, though the process can take up to two weeks. The scale will vary depending on the hard water in your home.
