by This is a step-by-step guide on how water softeners function. However, before we talk about that, let us first discuss hard water and its effects on your household. Hard water can lead to clogged drains and showerheads, stiff clothing, stained bathroom tiles, and soapy scum – helpful hints.
Hard water is caused when there is too much magnesium or calcium in the water supply. A home water softener can be installed to improve the quality of your water throughout the house. You will have softened water, which means less soap scum or calcium deposits in your showerheads, drains, and faucets. Softer water also allows you to wash your clothes more easily. It can also make it easier for you to maintain healthy skin and hair.
Here’s more information about water softeners:
1. Ion Exchange Process- This is the first step of the ion exchanging process. It removes water hardness and replaces it with sodium or potassium. Hard ions are absorbed into the water when hard water passes through resin beads. The sodium and potassium ions are then released into the water. You can experience hardness or softness due to the exchange of ions.
2. Service Cycle – The common system in which water flows through a valve at top of tank and then through the lower part of tank that has the resin. Water passes through the resin and the elements that cause hardness are captured via the ion-exchange process. The softened water passes through slots that are then connected to a valve which pushes water through your pipes, releasing water to your household.
3. Backwash Cycle-The backwash cycle forms part of the way water softeners function. The water flows down to the riser tubes and then through a collector. This system mixes resin and removes contaminants. It also filters water out to the drain during the service cycle.
4. Brine Draw Cycle – This is the second stage of the regeneration process. Brine or salt are collected in a valve and pushed into the top. The resin exchange is where the resin flows and the hard elements. The sodium part of hard water is then collected in the resin mattress. This process continues until the brine is removed from the brine tank and the resin exchange has completed.
5. Slow Rinse Cycle – This involves continuous water flowing from the top of a tank to the bottom through the resin. This process removes the resin’s brine and other hard elements. The water is then pumped into the lower collector. It flows up to the riser by means of a valve.
6. Fast Rinse Cycle – during this cycle water enters the top tank of the softener and flows through the resin at high speed. This increases water flow and compacts the resin to remove any remaining hardness and brine.
7. Refill Cycle – This is the last step in water softeners’ operation. It involves refilling the brine tanks with water. 3 pounds salt will be dispersed for each gallon of water. The air-checkball floats when the water rises, filling the tank. The level of the tank is determined by the time spent. The refill cycle begins immediately after the softening process. The softener returns to the service cycle after the tank has been refilled.