Why Use a Whole House electronic water softeners in Your Home?
What is Water Softener (best electronic water softeners)?
If there is a large amount of magnesium or calcium dissolved, the water will be called hard. The Water Softener monitors water hardness and removes calcium and magnesium from the supply.
The basic operation of all softeners is the same. Incoming water passes through an ion-exchange resin tank. The resin captures the calcium and magnesium that cause limescale and allows the water into your system. Most machines have a timer that automatically cleans or regenerates the resin. The resin is cleaned by running salt water over it. This swaps the calcium and magnesium ions, allowing the minerals trapped to be removed. All of the remaining calcium and magnesium, along with the brine that remains is flushed into the drain.
What can a Water Softener do for me?
Two main problems can arise from hard water in a typical home:
1. Questions Relating To Scale
It is the calcium and magnesium that precipitates from the water, and adheres to the surfaces, causing “scale” to develop on the interior of pipes. This can also occur in water boilers, kettles for tea, etc. Scale doesn’t heat up well, and it can reduce the flow of water through pipes. This could lead to costly repair bills.
2. Reduce the effectiveness of soap
The hard water reacts with the soap and forms a scum. This reduces its ability to lather.
What is the best way to maintain my water softener?
There are many ways to maintain and extend the life of your water softener.
Untreated, some water sources contain impurities which can affect the softener. The salt regeneration system may be unable to remove iron, dirt, silt and organics. Older resin beds can also suffer from fouling due to iron. You can add a variety of products to your water softener to solve this problem. “Rust Out”, “Softenermate” are just two examples. These products are available on the marketplace and may be used on a regular basis or as needed to maintain your softener.
Although it may be cheaper in the short term, large quantities of sediment could build up within the tank. This sediment can cause the softener to clog up and require costly repairs.
Even pure salt can contain contaminants.
Fill the tank only two thirds full, to prevent sediment accumulation.
Water Bylaws – What does it say?
The UK Water Bylaws stipulate that you must leave one tap unsoftened when installing your Water softener. Installing a dedicated third tap in the kitchen can achieve this. The whole house is now supplied with softened water, and the tap dedicated to hard water can be used for cooking or drinking. To avoid wasting water, it’s recommended to feed any outdoor taps with non-softened water.
How should I prepare before installing my water softener?
Installing a water conditioner in your garage, laundry or airing cabinet is a good idea if you’re about to buy a new home. The water softener is usually installed in order to soften the entire water supply of the home, except the tap at the sink or any outdoor taps. It is important to find a location that allows for the installation of a water-softener.
Your plumber will find the best route to take from your water main up to where you want to install your softener.
You may want to filter the water that comes out of your tap with a carbon filter. This will eliminate any odors and tastes in your water. You will now have fresh, clear drinking water throughout your home.
You will also need to find a location where you can dispose of waste water.
You will have to provide the softener electrical power. Typically, this is done by reducing it to 12 volts using a transformer.
If your home has any lead pipes, they must be replaced before you can soften the water. Soft water can cause lead to be deposited in pipes, which is not desirable.
Electrical work should only be performed by a qualified electrician who is familiar with the current IEE wiring regulations and applicable Building Regulations. It is recommended that you check with the Building Control Department of your local authority before beginning work.
Which is the best water softener salt to use?
The three main types of water softener salt are rock salt, solar salt and evaporated salt.
Rock salt is a mineral that occurs in underground deposits and can be mined using the traditional methods.
Solar salt, which is produced by evaporating seawater, is sold as crystals or pellets.
The moisture in the salt deposits is removed through evaporation.
Rock Salt is not recommended unless you’re willing to do a regular cleanout of your brine tanks. Rock Salt has a high concentration of insoluble water matter. The best salt for use is Evaporated Salt, as it has less insoluble material than solar salt. If salt usage is low, you can use both.