So what is hard water to begin with? Hard water is caused by dissolved mineral traces of primarily calcium and magnesium in the water.
The level of hardness can vary greatly from location to location. If for example you live in an area where the groundwater is taken from wells where the water have been moving through deposits of limestone you will have very high levels of hardness in your water. If your water on the other hand comes from lakes with low ph levels then you will have a low hardness level in your water and you will have little water problems.
It is relative easy to measure the water hardness with a test sample. It is important to do this as the buildup of clogged piped can happen even if you are not aware of it.
Water softener equipments are an often used solution to lower hardness of the water as it will limit or completely eliminate any damage.
The most common form of water softener for home users is based on ion exchange.
It works on the following principle. The calcium and magnesium ions are replaced by sodium ions. This ion exchange is made in a resin bed.
The construction of the water softener is made in three parts. Resin Tank ? This contains the resin bed.
Resin Bed - This is made up of tiny bead-like material often made of styrene and divinylbenzene. The beads attract and hold positively charged ions such as sodium, but will exchange them whenever the bead encounters another positively-charged ion such as calcium or magnesium.
Brine Tank ? This tank contains a dissolved solution which is necessary in order to regenerate the resin. This regeneration is for the reversing of the ion exchange, which otherwise would become depleted. The calcium and magnesium ions are removed off from the resin beads and replaced with positively charged sodium ions. The regeneration happens when the resin beads are washed by a strong salt water solution. The calcium and magnesium ions are forced by the salt to be released, and are then discharged as waste in the backwashing cycle. The beads are now once again ready to be used to lower the hardness of your water.
Modern water softeners are fully automated. Some of them are regenerated at a preset clock. Other systems use electric sensors and are regenerated when the beads are becoming less effective.
Because the calcium and magnesium are replaced by sodium some consumers are concerned by the additional intake of salt in the drinking water. However this additional salt intake from drinking the tapped water is so small that the adverse affect is minimal compared from salt intake gained from ordinary diet.
Copyright 2006 Per Strandberg
Installing A Water Softener
For keeping your family healthy and fit, it is of utmost importance to safeguard them with water softener or cleaner against the harmful elements that are present in the environment.
Even the water we drink is not safe these days as it contains various bacteria, viruses and toxic particles that make us ill. In order to keep you fit and free from problems, water softeners have been introduced in the market. These water softeners helps in reducing the level of soap usage, thereby eliminating the possibilities of further harm to your health.
Water softeners also help in reducing the level of calcium that accumulates on the surface of our dishes, which make them dull and dirty to look at. These softeners contribute tremendously in removing calcium from the dishes and make them shine. The levels of other chemicals like ferrous iron and magnesium also gets declined by using these water softeners during their contact with hard water.
Options in Phoenix
If you are residing in or around the area of Phoenix, you can easily avail the benefits of getting a water softener installed at your home that can help keep your body healthy and free from diseases. By installing a good water softener, you can lead a healthy life and need not worry about falling ill.
There are various types of water softeners that are available in the market. Therefore, while purchasing a water softener, one should keep in mind its advantages and not to worry about its cost since it is a one-time investment.
Installation of a water softener can be performed easily at home, but it is better to opt for the services in which installation is inclusive. Before installing the Phoenix water softener, the location or the installation place should be considered wisely.
There are various water softeners that have the capacity of holding two tanks. But it is advisable to ensure that both the tanks are located together. While installing a water softener it is important to make sure that the tank is installed at a place that is dry and is not affected by different weather conditions.
Benefits and discounts
In Phoenix, you can contact the dealer dealing in water softeners and avail of the best possible option. Moreover, you can also look for various discount options and services that are available which would be beneficial, while at the same time not compromising on your health.
By installing the brine tank at a place that is most accessible, it makes it easier for you to reach it conveniently, as this tank is required to be filled frequently and as per your needs.
Installing a water softener in Phoenix is an easy task as you can have a look at the dealer online and then utilize their services according to your needs. These water softeners cannot only be installed at residential places but can be helpful for commercial needs as well. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a water softener today and reap its benefits.
Both Per Strandberg & Thomas20 Atkinson20 are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.