What does a water softener do?
A water softener removes the excess amounts of calcium and magnesium in your home’s water. These minerals
in hard water can cause buildup on your water-using appliances, fixtures and even your dishes and laundry. By
softening your water, you’ll extend the life of your appliances, have stain-free fixtures, spot-free dishes and
softer clothing.
How does a water softener work?
Over 89% of homes in the United States have hard water, so it’s likely that your home already has a water
softener or could benefit from one. If you have questions about water softeners, we have answers.
A water softener consists of two tanks; the first tank is the resin tank, which holds resin beads covered in
sodium particles. A water softener works by moving hard water over the resin. The calcium and magnesium
replace the sodium particles by clinging to the resin beads, so the leftover soft water can continue on to your
home’s faucets and appliances.
The second tank is the brine tank. This is the tank to which you add salt. Eventually, the resin in the softener
tank will collect so much calcium and magnesium that it is no longer able to soften water. The water softener
will need to regenerate, meaning the resin will be rinsed with a salt solution from the brine tank. After this, your
water softener will be ready to remove minerals from your hard water once again.
What should I know about water softener salt?
Salt for a water softener is like gasoline for a car. Not only must a softener have salt, but it should be the right
kind of salt for your unit to ensure the softener can properly regenerate. Ask your dealer which type of salt is
right for your water softener and be sure to buy the best clean salt available for your system. Block salt should
not be used, as it does not dissolve quickly enough for effective regeneration. Always have a supply of water
softener salt on hand and check your brine tank every couple of weeks to determine how much salt you use.
The more water your home uses, the more salt you’ll need.
How do I choose the right water softener for my home?
Choosing the right water softener for your home depends on how much water your home will use. Ash
Creek can test your home’s water to determine its level of hardness. This, plus the number of people living in
your home, will help determine which water softener will work best for your family.
If you’re wondering whether your home needs a water softener or which water softener is right for your family,
please give us a call today at 608-647-5500.