Water quality is a growing conversation in many households. Hard water and water softeners can often find their way into those conversations. With so much information about water softeners, some true and some not, homeowners can be left with many questions. What makes the water soft? Do all water softeners use salt? What size softener do I need? Can I install one myself? What if I have well water?
What is Hard Water
According to the Water Quality Association (WQA), the term hardness was originally coined to describe water that was hard to wash in. But doesn’t water wash? “Hard” water is hard to wash in because it has soap-wasting properties. Why is that?
As water trickles down through earth and rock it picks up extra minerals like magnesium and calcium that dissolve into the water. Other elements like aluminum and boron can also hitch a ride. The excess buildup of these minerals is referred to as hard water. In most cases, hard water is not treated by municipalities. It can prevent soaps from lathering and can build up on appliances, laundry, dishes, skin, and hair. You can read about signs of hard water here. Hard water affects both those on well systems and municipal water supplies.
Water hardness or softness is measured using grains per gallon (gpg), where one grain is equal to 0.002 ounces of calcium carbonate dissolved in 1 gallon of water.
- Less than 1 gpg (less than 17.1 ppm) is considered soft water.
- 0–3.5 gpg (17.1-60 ppm) is considered slightly hard.
- 3.5–7 gpg (60-120 ppm) is considered moderately hard and ideal.
- 7-10 gpg (120-180ppm) is regarded as hard water.
- Over 10 gpg (over 180 ppm) is considered very hard water.
The Importance of Water Softeners
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), when hard water is heated, like in your home’s water heater, it can form solid deposits of calcium carbonate, also known as scale. This scale can reduce the life of water-dependent equipment, raise the costs of heating your water, lower the efficiency of water heaters, and clog your pipes. Hard water can even shorten the life of fabrics and clothes since the minerals build up in the fibers and affect the health of your skin and hair.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
Salt Based Water Softener
There are many brands of water softeners on the market, but the majority of them rely on a process called ion exchange. Ion exchange is a chemical process that trades the excess minerals in water that make it “hard” for something else. In most cases, it’s sodium (salt) but sometimes it’s potassium.
Dual tank softeners function the same way as a salt-based system but may be better for those on well water or large homes, or those with high water demands. This is because dual tank systems provide a constant supply of soft water with no downtime. While one tank regenerates, the other tank is still providing softened water to the household. This type of water softener is also good for those who don’t want their system regenerating at night. Twin tanks can also help reduce chloride discharge.
Salt-Free Water Conditioner
Magnetic Water Softening System
According to the WQA, more work needs to be carried out to clarify what exactly is necessary to demonstrate a magnetic water treatment effect and how it can be achieved. In their review of over 30 different tests on Magnetic systems, the WQA did make suggestions that they felt may help move this technology forward.
Advancements in Technology
Advancements in technology have set the stage for high-efficiency water softeners and also for smart water softeners that can provide enhanced automation and control like integrating with smartphone apps and smart home devices. This allows homeowners to monitor usage from their water softener, how often their system regenerates, and receive real-time alerts about their system. Examples include maintenance alerts and system checks. A smart water softener allows for more efficient water management, reducing unnecessary salt consumption, and potentially prolonging the life of the water softener.
Benefits of Using a Water Softener
In a study done by the WQRF water treated by a water softener was shown to reduce the scale buildup in water-dependent appliances and to extend their lifespan. Specifically water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers. Furthermore, these appliances would require less maintenance over time leading to additional savings. Softwater also drastically reduces the amount of limescale in your plumbing and fixtures which can lead to blockages.
Water Conditioning and Purification Magazine summarizes a study by The Water Quality Research Foundation. They point out that stain removal in the laundry is increased more by softening water than by increasing the detergent dose or by increasing temperature. The softened water combined with the least amount of detergent and lowest temperature provided the highest degree of whiteness compared to increased hardness with the highest level of detergent. That’s less hot water and less money on detergent!
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