Water Softeners : Basics of Water Softening Systems

Water softener

Hard water usually consists of calcium and magnesium ions. Hard Water may also consist of other dissolved metals, sulphates and bicarbonates. Therefore, Hard Water is generally water with a high level of minerals. Hard Water is not dangerous but it may cause some problems scaling and even a deposit like limescale. Therefore, we need to soften hard water. The machinery used to turn hard water into soft water is known as Water Softener

A Water softener removes these ions that make the water hard. Not only calcium or magnesium, but also iron may be removed. This softener has to be directly connected to the water supply. These can work in automatic, semi-automatic or manual mode. Every type is rated on the amount of hardness it can remove, prior to regeneration. A good water softener can be used for several years. These need less maintenance.

However, some salt has to be filled after a specific time span. The three types of salt that are used are Rock salt, Solar salt and Evaporated salt. Rock salt is traditionally mined from underground salt deposits. Solar salt is obtained after evaporation of water. Evaporated salt is mined from underground salt deposits of dissolved salt. Rock salt is cheaper than the other two. However, cleaning the reservoir of this salt consumes a lot of time and energy. Water softeners may be time operated or water meter-controlled. The latter produce the softest water for a pound of salt. Water softeners operate on electricity or waterpower. The cost of a water softener depends on:

• type of water softener
• type of energy used
• hardness of water
• use of water

Water Softening Systems

In a water softener, ions of magnesium and calcium are replaced with potassium and sodium by using a medium. This process is as follows:

For the ion replacement, a resin bed of small plastic beads or zeolite is covered with sodium or potassium ions. Then, the water is passed through this bed. Here, swapping of the ions takes place. Finally, the beads contain only calcium or magnesium. Now, softening ceases and the beads have to be regenerated. These are flooded with a brine solution that has a large quantity of sodium or potassium. Backwash means that the calcium, magnesium, dirt and sediments are drained from the beads. Lastly, the mineral tank is rinsed with fresh water and the brine tank is loaded, so that it is ready for the next cycle. Automatic water softeners recharge periodically in such a way that the occupants are not harmed. These are very water-efficient and regenerate only when there is a necessity.

Types of water softening systems with top-mount valves are:

• Compact water softening systems with meter regeneration
• Compact water softening systems with timeclock regeneration
• Heavy-duty water softening systems with meter regeneration
• Heavy-duty water softening systems with timeclock regeneration

Home water softeners

These may be fully automatic or demand initiated regeneration models. The former has a timer that on its own starts each step in the regeneration procedure. This regeneration is done at night when water usage is less. In the latter, all procedures are done automatically as a response to the demand for treated water. The salt storage has to be enough for many regenerations.

Water softener problems

A small quantity of sodium enters the water from the softener. This is hazardous to those having hypertension or heart problems. It also affects the grass growth and vegetation. The bacteria in the septic tanks may get killed. This is overcome by using potassium chloride. Alternatively, a bypass pipe may be installed so that the water does not pass through the filter. Soft water leaches heavy metals from pipes and this can reach dangerous levels. The softening procedure can remove the minute quantities of minerals from water that are useful to health.

Water softener comparison

Different water softeners like TwinTec Water Softener, Clements Water Softener, CAI Tech, Fresh Water Systems, Fountain Sotfners and Worldwide Water Systems are compared on the basis of base, price and guarantee. Others like Culligan, Fresh Water Systems Ltd and CAI Technologies are also compared on the basis of base, type, online ordering, secure site and shipping.

Electromagnetic Water Softener

Hard water is undesirable for use in day-to-day household activities. It contains excess dissolved minerals that impart the hardness. The more the amount of minerals, the higher is the hardness scale or grains. If hard water is used for cleaning, it usually leaves water spots and marks after drying. Hard water can be softened by using traditional methods like boiling and adding salts but these are only temporary methods of water softening. Further, boiling or adding external substances may impart a peculiar taste and odor to the water.

Magnetic Water Softening

Magnetic water softening is the latest technology for treatment of water in order to make it suitable for various applications. With this system, hard water can be converted into soft water without adding substances, thus solving the problem of change in taste and odor. There are two types of magnetic water softeners, namely, electromagnetic or electronic water softener (EM) and magnetic water softener (M). Though both types operate on the basis of magnetism, the former requires electricity, while the latter does not. Regarding the cost of installation, electromagnetic type is less expensive in comparison to magnetic water softener.

Electromagnetic Water Softener: Working

Unlike other water softeners, an electromagnetic water softener does not remove dissolved substances, like calcium or magnesium from water. It just alters these substances and hence it is also called an electromagnetic water conditioner. This appliance is installed with magnets for generating electromagnetic fields, when electricity passes through the magnets.

As a part of the water softening process, the incoming hard water passes through the electromagnetic fields, which impart electrical charge on the mineral salts present in the hard water. The dissolved minerals salts are altered in such a way that they can no longer form lime scales. Thus, electromagnetic water softeners reduce the scale formation or water marks created by the minerals.

For better performance of an electromagnetic water softener, it is necessary to maintain certain water quality factors. The overall effectiveness of softening hard water may vary depending upon water hardness scale, amount of impurities present in water, temperature of the incoming hard water and rate of water flow. Only if the incoming water quality matches the requirements of the devices, then will the electromagnetic water softeners show acceptable performance.

Electromagnetic Water Softener: An Overview

Though electromagnetic water softener devices are available in the market for home use, their effectiveness is still controversial. The promoters and / or manufacturers claim that electromagnetic water softeners effectively solve the problems of hard water. According to them, water treated by using electromagnetic water softeners is safe for drinking as the generated electromagnetic field destroys the harmful bacteria, algae and disease causing microbes. However, water softener test and verification regarding their efficacy should be done prior to installation of such devices.

On a general note, the performance of such devices may vary from one house to another based on the water variables. It is also to be noted that high voltage lines installed near the electromagnetic field also negatively affects the effectiveness of water softening. Hence, fixing of the magnets and electric lines should be done properly. Electromagnetic water softener devices are reported to have positive results in large scale water purification systems such as industries and commercial complexes, in which the required water quality can be controlled according to the device.

Water Softener Problems

The process of water softening makes hard water suitable for use. The calcium and magnesium present in hard water is replaced by sodium. However, sodium too creates issues for people with health problem (hypertension and heart problems).

Water Softener Problems
A water softener is a device which proves to be useful in making the water usable. The problems associated with water softener systems are discussed in the following paragraphs. Some of the problems discussed about water softeners are specific, i.e. related to plumbing, sodium, etc. However, even common problems about water softeners are discussed below. 

Plumbing Problems
The installation of water softeners helps in resolving the issue of hard water. However, some other problems such as that of plumbing might arise. The water softeners which are big, create problems in the functioning of the plumbing system. The flow of water on the other hand is restricted by small water softening systems. The hard water from small water softening systems could leak and enter the plumbing system of the house. Heavy metals leached by the piping from softened water might create problems for the plumbing system.

Sodium-related Issues
Nowadays, people with health problems tend to avoid water that contains salts. The presence of sodium in water could be harmful for their health. There are chances of the occurrence of heart problems and hypertension in such people. To avoid this problem, one could use a bypass pipe. The pipe would provide cooking and drinking water which is not treated with sodium. There is also a bit expensive option of using potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride for the purpose of filtering.

Common Water Softener Problems
The common problems associated with water softeners are those pertaining to the improper functioning of motor, inefficient water softening, clogging of tubes, etc. Let us understand how to solve these problems.

• In many cases, the water is not softened efficiently. The problems associated with it could be varied. However, taking the following step would save time and money. At first, the tank should be flushed. It should be seen whether there is a need to add salt. The next step would be to adjust the timer in a proper manner to increase the regeneration frequency.
• There might be complaints about the motor not working at all. Before calling upon a professional, one should at least check whether the power supply is off/on and the plug is inserted in the socket.
• Problem in the flow of the brine line is also common. In order to resolve this problem, one should flush the brine line. The filter screen and injector should then be examined. It should be replaced if any problems are found. The brine line should also be checked for any kind of damage or breaks. The ideal pressure that is necessary for the brine line to function properly needs to be maintained. One can refer to the water softener manual to know the ideal brine line pressure.
• The iron content present in water could be too high i.e. it could exceed the limit. The first step in such cases is checking the filter followed by replacing, if necessary. The position of bypass valve should also be checked. Checking the plumbing leaks is also necessary.