How Does A Water Softener Affect Your Hot Water Heater? - ERNIEGRAVES

Water Hardness + Water Heater: What You Should Know

What is water hardness?

Water hardness is determined by the amount of minerals present, mostly calcium and magnesium. The occurrence of this occurs when water infiltrates into the earth and comes into touch with diverse rock formations. Because the water is gathered in different regions before being treated and transported to your home, its concentration differs from place to place. Hard water is defined as water that has high concentrations of calcium and magnesium. Water that contains just a trace amount of these minerals, on the other hand, is referred to as soft water. Water hardness in Canada is measured in milligrams per liter of CaCO3 (the chemical formula for calcium carbonate, which can precipitate as limescale) or grains per gallon of water (gpg). Ideally, water should contain between 60 mg and 120 mg of calcium carbonate per litre or 1.1 and 7 gpg
hard water should contain more than 180 mg of calcium carbonate per litre or 7 gpg
water that is too hard and unsuitable for domestic use should contain more than 500 mg of calcium carbonate per litre or 10.5 gpg
soft water should contain between 0 and 60 mg of calcium carbonate per litre or 0 and 1 gpg
balanced water

Find the water heater that’s right for you

Evaluate yourhousehold water consumption

Low to mediocre acuity Every day, members of your home take up to four showers or two baths, you wash your clothing in cold water, and you run the dishwasher every three days, according to your records. High-ranking members of your home take more than four showers or three baths per day, you wash your clothing in hot water, and you use the dishwasher on a daily basis.

What are the effects of hard water and soft water?

Hard water includes a high concentration of calcium, which is also known as limescale.Although limescale is not toxic to people, it has a tendency to stick to surfaces and create scale deposits when exposed to high temperatures.In the long term, limescale will clog your water pipes and accumulate in your water heater and other equipment in your house.These deposits can result in increased utility expenses because they reduce the effectiveness of heating components, such as those found in an electric kettle, and consequently increase the amount of energy consumed by the appliance.Finally, water with a greater percentage of limescale produces dry skin and causes garments to feel stiff after being washed with it.Soft water includes abrasive particles (chloride, sulfates, and nitrates) that can damage your water pipes and other plumbing fixtures.

This is due to the corrosive effect of the material from which they are manufactured, which is either lead, zinc, or copper.
These metals not only corrode and pierce over time, but they also have the potential to erode into the water that is consumed.
Furthermore, because soft water is high in salt, it is not suggested for pregnant women or persons who suffer from hypertension or cardiovascular disease, among other conditions.

Finally, balanced water is the most effective way to provide a second layer of protection against scale accumulation and pipe corrosion, and its low mineral content is great for your health and well-being.

How can you test the hardness of your water?

Water hardness may be measured in a variety of methods, including: With a water test kit, you may do the analysis on your own (sold online or in hardware, pool and aquarium stores). The color of the test strips that are supplied will change depending on the hardness of the water that is tested.
Consult your water supplier or the city for further information.
It should be evaluated in a laboratory.
Check it out on the internet. Previous issues of the municipal newsletter, media articles, and surveys done by the Water Quality Association may have addressed the issue
however, these are not guaranteed to be up to date.

Consult the Appendix for a list of the water hardness levels in around 60 municipalities throughout Quebec as a point of reference.

How does water hardness affect my water heater?

It is possible for hard water to accumulate in the pipes leading to your water heater.Soft water will damage the inside of the water heater’s tank, causing it to corrode or puncture, while hard water will not.Balanced water forms a thin coating of limescale on the inside walls of the water heater over time, which prevents corrosion without producing scale development on the inner walls.It is the most effective method of ensuring that your water heater continues to operate properly for as long as feasible.″In Quebec, the vast majority of municipalities supply balanced water.As a result, there is no need to be concerned.

″However, you can always improve the quality of your water to increase the longevity of your water heater,″ explains André Auger, a plumber who works on his own time.

What can I do to protect my water heater?

Before installing a device to safeguard your water heater, you should conduct a water hardness test to determine its hardness. If your water is already properly balanced, there is no use in attempting to make it more softer
you may end up making it more caustic in the process. You generally don’t have over-treated water unless you had a water softener installed that was set too high or if you over-treated the water yourself. If this is the case, you should contact your water provider. There are several techniques available to protect your water heater from scale accumulation, including: A magnetic water treatment system generates a magnetic field that prevents scale-forming particles from clinging to the walls, fittings, and joints of the water heater.
A water treatment system, which is put on the entrance of the water heater, helps to decrease the formation of scale. It is important to note that, in contrast to a central water softener, this installation allows filtering of the water going into the tank while keeping the cold water from the main water supply untreated, resulting in superior quality water for consumption.
Maintaining the temperature of your water heater at a maximum of 60° C helps limit the likelihood of scale development.

How a Water Softener System Can Affect Your Water Heater

Listed below is a fun fact about Texas that you may not have been aware of.Our state has one of the highest concentrations of hard water in the whole country.Hard water is defined as having high concentrations of specific minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in the water.The presence of hard water is not harmful to your health, but it can cause damage to plumbing fixtures and household appliances over time.In order to combat this, a large number of our customers opt to install a water softening system in their houses.A water softening system has several advantages, including the prevention of mineral accumulation in pipes as well as the ease with which clothes and dishes may be cleaned.

One drawback with a water softener system, on the other hand, that you should be aware of is the influence it has on your water heater.

Why soft water can shorten the service life of a water heater

The usual service life of a tank water heater is 8 to 12 years, depending on the model.Water heaters are frequently changed because of internal corrosion, which is one of the most prevalent causes of this problem.Most water heaters are equipped with an anode rod that is put into the tank and effectively absorbs the majority of the corrosive substances.This helps to avoid corrosion.In other words, the anode wears down as a result of its protective role against corrosion of the metal liner of the water heater tank.Installation of an industrial-scale water softening system removes ″hard″ minerals from the water and replaces them with ″softer″ minerals such as sodium.

Soft water, on the other hand, might actually damage the anode of the water heater more quickly.
When the anode begins to deteriorate, the corrosive elements will migrate to the storage tank.
A water softener system can actually affect the lifespan of a water heater if it is not maintained properly.

What to do

However, there is a simple approach to ensuring that your water heater performs to its full potential. With a water softener system, it is necessary to examine and replace your water heater’s anode rod on a more regular basis. This is a reasonably straightforward procedure that is far less expensive than replacing the complete water heater equipment.

Water heater service and installation in Amarillo

You can take advantage of the benefits of a water softener system while also extending the service life of your water heater if you perform regular maintenance on it. Talk to the experts at Pratt Plumbing if you want high-quality installation and servicing. Contact us at (806) 373-7866 to schedule a consultation. in the form of Contractor2020
This entry was published on February 25, 2020 under the category: water heaters.

How a Water Softener Can Save Your Water Heater

Hard water is detrimental to a household in a variety of ways. Here are a few examples: It makes it difficult to create up a lather with soap, making routine tasks like cleaning and showering into a headache.
In addition, it causes accumulation on the interior of pipes, which reduces water pressure and causes blockages
It discolors washing and dishes, and it causes items to get faded.

The most serious of all the difficulties associated with hard water is the damage it causes to water-using equipment.The most susceptible appliance is the water heater.Hard water and a water heater don’t mix well, and the result is frequently a terrible ending for the water heater as well.If you have hard water in your house, we recommend that you contact a plumber in Apopka, Florida.A plumber can install the finest option, which is a whole-house water softener, in the most efficient manner.This resolves all of the issues we discussed above, and it may even prevent your water heater from needing to be replaced prematurely.

Why Hard Water Water Is Dismal for a Water Heater

Hard water is defined as water that has a high concentration of magnesium, gypsum, and/or calcium minerals in it.These minerals are not dangerous to ingest in large quantities.In fact, they can be found in nearly all of the foods you consume on a regular basis.However, when present in high quantities in water, they cause limescale to form.This is the point at which the problems with a water heater begin.The temperature within a water heater tank permits limescale to grow from hard water due to the buildup of heat inside the tank.

Limescale collects on the tank’s floor and forms a crust.
Due to the fact that this sediment layer is where heat from the burners is transported into the tank, it reduces the energy efficiency of a gas water heater.
This is made more difficult by the presence of an insulating layer of silt, which forces the water heater to work longer and consume more energy.

This is resolved by flushing the tank, however this is only a temporary solution.As long as the hard water problem is not addressed at the source, the accumulation will continue to occur.

Gas and Electric Water Heaters Suffer

Electric water heaters perform no better than gas water heaters.A comparable reduction in energy efficiency is caused by the accumulation of limescale on the heating components.Electric water heaters are already more expensive to operate than gas water heaters, and hard water can make them considerably more expensive.The problems caused by hard water do not end with decreased efficiency.In a water heater’s tank, limescale accumulation on the walls and sides prevents heat from naturally escaping to the outer environment.This seems like something you’d want—but a water heater is calibrated to account for the loss of heat due to standing water during use.

If there is an excessive amount of heat retained, the water in the tank overheats and causes harm to the system.
It is possible to descale the tank, however, as with flushing, this is only a temporary solution, and the problem will recur shortly after.

What about Tankless Water Heaters?

Even within tankless water heaters, the issues are the same: scale accumulation along the heat exchanger slows down the transfer of heat, resulting in decreased efficiency and reduced water heating capacity. Even worse, the mineral deposits can block the thin flow tubes that go through the tankless system, resulting in a significant drop in water pressure throughout the house.

Installing a Water Softener

A water softener is a device that replaces hard water minerals with sodium.When a skilled plumber installs a whole-house water softener on the main water line that feeds into your plumbing, your hard water problems will be resolved.Because of the energy-efficient efficiency and extended service life of your water heater, you will save money on your utility bills.Talk to one of our water treatment specialists now to set up a water testing appointment to see if you require a water softener.Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc.has been proudly serving the Central Florida community since its founding in 1975.

Apopka, Hard Water, Water Heater Repair, Water Softener, Water Treatment At 11:00 a.m.
on Monday, January 29th, 2018, |
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How Does A Water Softener Affect Your Hot Water Heater? Read These Amazing Facts!

Do you want to know how a water softener affects the performance of your hot water heater?This article will aid you in comprehending the consequences of water softeners.A lot of reasons might contribute to the shortening of your water heater’s lifespan.Neglect, poisonous gases, and high water pressure are all common causes of bacterial growth.You might be shocked to find that water softeners are a significant contributing reason to the failure of a water heater, especially in older homes.Water softeners were a need for anyone who lived in an area where the water was very hard.

In hard water, minerals such as magnesium and calcium can be present in high concentrations.
When soap is used, it may leave a filmy layer on clothing and dishes, giving the customer the impression that they are unclean.
Water softeners remove magnesium and calcium from water by exchanging sodium for them in a mineral tank that uses ion exchange technology to operate.

This is only a high-level summary.Continue reading to find out more information.

How A Water Softener Affect Your Hot Water Heater?

These consequences assist you in understanding how a water softener affects your hot water heater.
Water softeners have the potential to damage your hot water system and reduce its effectiveness.
Hard water must be fully treated before it can be sent through the filtering system.

The anodes within the heaters become corroded as a result of the water softeners.Annual replacement is required to ensure that it remains functional.Minerals in the water expedite corrosion and reduce the heater’s lifespan by as much as 50%.It is minerals, salts, iron, and other substances that cause the heater to work at its peak, lowering mineral ability and smoothing the water, among other things.The softening technique might consume a significant amount of energy while the water is being heated.

The water heater is always operating at maximum capacity.Anodes are constantly being drained throughout the procedure, which greatly reduces their useful life span.Repairing the anode is required in order to restore the warmer’s original functionality.If the heater’s anode is not changed, the heater’s efficiency will suffer.Softeners may also fail to perform their functions properly.

The water heater has an approximate lifespan of 8–10 years.Where the anode is installed in the water heater’s internal component is where the water heater’s primary function can be located.In order to restore a water heater to its former state, it must be replaced if rust forms inside the tank as a result of complicated water components being kept in the water.

To prevent the water from eroding the tank, modern water heater manufacturers include anode rods in the tank.It is quite efficient at absorbing the acidic components in their overall composition.Corrosion is prevented and the metal liner of a water heater reservoir is maintained by doing this procedure regularly.The water softener technique removes impurities such as salt from the water before discharging the softer water through a pipeline.

However, soft water has a greater influence on the water heater since it erodes the anode at a faster rate than hard water, resulting in a more severe impact.Although water softeners are essential in areas where hard water is prevalent, it is equally important to consider the influence on the water heater before installing them.Modern homes rely on water heaters, and if they are maintained on a regular basis, you can protect them from failing before their time is up, saving you money in the long run.

Could Water Softeners Cause Water Heaters Fail?

When a water softener is connected to a hot water system, there is a high risk that the water heater’s efficiency will be reduced.
On the other hand, numerous water heater manufacturers use corrosion-resistant paint and materials in the tank of their water heaters.
Even so, there remains the possibility of long-term injury.

It appears that ion exchange is a process that takes place within the tank.Because magnesium and calcium are used in the method, sodium is not used.By its very nature, sodium is a good conductor of electricity.The presence of excessive amounts of sodium will speed the disintegration of the steel tank’s structure.When compared to ordinary water usage, it is predicted that the steel depletion process is approximately five times quicker.

How Does Water Softener Works?

The ion exchange process is employed by the water softener device.
This method allows the gadget to effectively remove magnesium and calcium from the water.
It is necessary to start the operation as soon as hard water enters the minerals tank.

The water from the spherical resins bead first passes through a certain shape in the tank before continuing on.It was discovered that the plastic beads included Styrofoam molecules that were charged with the sodium ion.The water passes through the beads that have been negatively charged.Both magnesium and calcium particles, on the other hand, have a positive electrical charge associated with them.Due to the attraction between the two materials, the tank only contains one type of substance.

As hard water travels through the resin, the mineral ions are captured by the glass beads.This process cleanses the water and then releases the purified water back into the environment.The result of this activity is the production of a significant number of sodium ions.During the filtering process, the resin is responsible for removing the roughness of the water from the water.Warmers and softeners for water are available in a variety of configurations on the market today.

They are available in a number of different sizes and shapes.Depending on the needs, you may want to combine the finest devices in order to achieve a satisfactory result for the water distribution system.Individually, each of these things is available for purchase.

Because they employ completely different tactics, you will not be able to detect them at the same time.A further limitation is the water heater’s capacity to heat water to a specific temperature within a specified time frame.Softeners also require particular maintenance while in operation in order to preserve their long-term viability and efficiency.I suppose it’s beneficial to learn how to empty a hot water heater before doing so.

It’s A Wrap!

Please accept our congratulations on having grasped the concept of how a water softener might effect your hot water heater.
When you reside in a community where the water is hard, water softeners are a must-have item.
Hard water contains minerals, mainly magnesium, that are harmful to the body.

Don’t be afraid to learn about these topics as well; for example, how long should a water heater be drained and how to install a gas hot water heater.Thank you, friends, for sticking with me through this piece to the finish.

Wondering How a Water Softener Affects a Water Heater?

If you live in a region where the water is hard, you may be tempted to install a water softener to soften the water. When it comes down to it, hard water is just water that has picked up extra minerals on its route to your faucet, and those extra minerals can cause a variety of issues.

Common Hard Water Issues

Water with a Distinctive Taste or Smell Stains Caused by Hard Water Buildup of Soap Scum Shower heads and pipes that are clogged A water softener is put in the home of many people in the Greater San Diego region for the reasons stated above.
Hard water is abundant across the region, and depending on where you reside, it may be quite detrimental to your health.
The fact is that many individuals are unaware that a water softener can have detrimental effects on their water heater, resulting in the need to replace their water heater sooner than they anticipated.

THE ANODE ROD

The anode rod is the primary reason why water softeners might decrease the life of your water heater, and this is why you should avoid using them.
The anode rod is a component of a water heater that, while many people are unfamiliar with, is critical to its operation.
In most cases, the anode rod is constructed of aluminum or even magnesium, and if you don’t have one, your water heater will begin to leak far sooner than a water heater with its anode rod still in place.

Water heaters will ultimately fail due to corrosion caused by the water itself, without getting too scientific.This occurs because water and steel are incompatible with one another.Corrosive minerals, as well as the tiny electrical current generated within a water heater, all contribute to the water heater’s eventual failure.The anode rod draws corrosive elements and allows them to corrode it first before attracting more.It gives up its life in order to prolong the life of the water heater.

So, what is the connection between this and the water softener?To put it simply, the water softener works by replacing minerals in the water that cause it to be ″hard,″ such as calcium and magnesium, with sodium salt.Due to the increase in conductivity and corrosiveness of the water, the corrosion of the anode rod is speeded up significantly.Once the anode rod has been depleted, the water will begin to corrode the tank itself, which will finally result in the tank failing completely.To read a more complete description of the anode rod and its function, please see the following link.

THE BOTTOM LINE

None of this implies that you should forego installing a water softener or that you should consider getting rid of the one you already have.
There are folks who have been using a water softener for many years without experiencing any problems.
However, we would like to point you that, while many industry specialists advocate replacing the anode rod every few years, modern water heater types make it extremely difficult to change the anode rod.

Each manufacturer may have various sized anode rods made of different materials, and they may be accessible from different locations on the water heaters depending on the manufacturer.So, if you are considering replacing the anode rod on your own, we recommend that you contact the manufacturer, who will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information on your specific model.As usual, we hope this blog post has been beneficial in providing you with a better understanding of why your water heater may have broken sooner than intended and how this is connected to the fact that you have a water softener installed.We understand that using a water softener might cause your water heater to fail, and we advise you to keep up with your annual flushing of your water heater to avoid this from happening to you.This is beneficial to your water heater regardless of whether you have a water softener.

Whenever you have a question, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 1-800-833-4571, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.We will be pleased to assist you.

Ask Any Hour – Is a Water Softener Compatible with a Tankless Water Heater?

I think this is an excellent question!
In fact, a lot of our clients have come to us with queries regarding how water softeners interact with their water heaters, and our plumbers have answered them all.
As a result, in order to provide a full response, we will discuss both tanked and tankless systems in order to address both Gaye’s query and others we have received!

Because Gaye’s question is directly related to tankless water heaters, let’s start there for a moment.Tankless Water Heaters are a type of water heater that does not require a tank to be filled with water.A water softener is an excellent choice for clients who currently have a tankless water heater or who are contemplating making the move to a tankless water heater.We will actually suggest a water softener with every tankless water heater installation we perform since it helps to safeguard your water heater!The way it works is as follows.

Tankless water heaters require little maintenance, with the exception of passing a descaling solution through the system once a year to remove any hard water buildup on the heat exchangers, as recommended by the manufacturer.Hard water accumulation can reduce the efficiency of your tankless water heater, as well as corrode and break down the components within the tankless system.Because soft water avoids the formation of hard water in your tankless system, your tankless system is almost maintenance-free while using soft water.So, while it’s always a good idea to check on your water heater on an annual basis, if you have a softener, you won’t have to flush it as regularly.If clients do not currently have a water softener and would want to have one installed, we may do it at the same time as the water heater installation.

If clients do not choose to install a softener, there are still several advantages to owning a tankless water heater, like unlimited hot water and improved efficiency.Owners would just need to make certain that they are on top of their yearly maintenance flushing schedule.For further information about tankless water heaters, please see the following link: Water Heaters with a Standard (Tanked) Design A lot of water softener providers will promote them to homes since Utah’s water is so hard.

They will argue that utilizing water softeners in combination with a regular tanked water heater will reduce the wear and strain on the water heater.In reality, the situation is a little more complicated.Water softeners can be beneficial to your water heater in some situations, but they can also be detrimental in others.The hardness of water is determined by the quantity of calcium and magnesium present in it.

Water softeners work by using a process known as ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium from the water they treat.Essentially, the mineral tank of a water softener is filled with polystyrene beads that have a negative charge, which attracts the positively charged calcium and magnesium ions in the water.Calcium and magnesium are collected and flushed down the drain by positively charged sodium (salt) ions (or their more costly equivalent, potassium chloride) that have been charged positively.In water softening systems, the bags of salt and brine tanks are used to accomplish this task.This is also responsible for the somewhat saline flavor that soft water has.While it is true that a water softener will prevent a significant amount of calcium accumulation within the water heater, it is also true that it will damage the interior of your water heater tank at a far greater pace.

As a result, the softened water has so much salt that it sits in your tank, eating away at the components within until it literally begins to eat away at the steel walls of the tank itself.Even while you may not need to clean your water heater as frequently to remove hard water sediment, you will still need to do regular maintenance on it, paying special attention to a component known as the anode rod.The anode rod, which is also known as the sacrificial anode rod, is a component of your water heater that is designed to help it survive corrosion.Preventing water heater failure is made possible by the use of this rod.In order for your water heater to deteriorate before the anode rod, the anode rod must be attracted to the corrosive substance in your water.This is why it is referred to as a sacrifice animal; its death ensures that your tank is spared.

If you opt to install a water softening system, you should inspect and replace the anode rod at least once a year, or more frequently if necessary.
It is possible that corroding tanks will result in corrosion, leaks, ruptures, and other problems if not properly maintained.
Ultimately, there is no home improvement option that does not need ongoing upkeep.

It’s the only way to keep your systems running smoothly and efficiently, whether or not you use a water softener.For additional information on water heater maintenance that you can perform on your own, see this site.What are you interested in learning more about?

We would like to share some suggestions and information with you in order to assist you better understand the systems in your house.Is there anything specific you’d like us to discuss?We would much appreciate hearing from you!

To submit your question, either click on the button below or send it to:

Pete the Plumber – Calgary Plumber

Hot Water Not Hot Enough: Common Problems and How to Fix Them

You might be tempted to merely get by during the summer months if your water heater isn’t heating water effectively, if there isn’t enough hot water, or if the water you are getting isn’t hot enough for your tastes.
When the weather is nice outdoors, taking shorter showers and washing your face with tepid water isn’t a big deal.
Any issues with your hot water supply get accentuated throughout the winter months.

Nobody likes to face those dark, chilly winter mornings without first taking a lengthy, hot shower to warm themselves up.If your water isn’t as hot as it used to be and you find yourself turning the dial a bit higher, don’t be alarmed.This is a very typical problem in Calgary households.Many difficulties may be resolved by performing some general troubleshooting procedures.The question is, what kinds of issues should you be watching out for with your hot water system, and how do you go about resolving them?

Where do you start when your water is not hot enough?

Regardless of whether you have an electric, gas, or tankless water heater, problems with the water not becoming hot enough might arise over time.
Despite the fact that it sounds extremely easy, sometimes all it takes is a trip to the water tank and a few adjustments to the thermostat.
They can be accidentally bumped, which can cause the temperature to fluctuate dramatically.

Some individuals may forget that they have their thermostat set to a lower temperature in the summer to save energy.To solve this problem quickly and easily, just raising the temperature on the thermostat is recommended in this instance.Make sure that the temperature is not set higher than 120oF (or 49oC), since this might result in scorching and serious burns if the water is used at a higher degree.A malfunctioning thermostat, which means you’ll need to hire a professional to repair it, may be the cause of the lack of a temperature increase when you raise the thermostat setting.

When might you need to replace your water heater?

″If you are only receiving 5-7 minutes of hot water for showers, and you are unable to fill the tub with hot water, it is probable that the dip tube in your hot water tank has to be replaced,″ Pete’s professional advise on upgrading your water heater is as follows: We can make that alteration for you quite quickly and at a reasonable cost.
If your tank, on the other hand, is more than eight years old, it is most likely just growing old and exhausted.
It is preferable to make a change and be proactive than than waiting for an issue to occur.

You can reach out to us for further information on pricing.″ Your water heater’s system is likely to suffer from broken parts at some time if you do not do routine maintenance, such as annual cleansing, on it.The thermal switch, thermostat, and heating element are the most typically damaged elements.Typically, a qualified plumber is necessary to identify the problem and either replace the parts or completely replace your water heater.

Hot water not hot enough in the shower?

You may need to expand the size of your water heater – or switch to a tankless water heater – if you are receiving some hot water in the shower but not enough in the bath.
Someone showers or uses another hot water appliance before you and the hot water runs out before you finish your shower, it is a solid indicator that the water heater is insufficient for the household’s demands.
The demand for goods outstrips the supply.

In this scenario, you should consult with your plumber about improving your system.You may be able to upgrade to a more energy-efficient water heater, such as a tankless water heater that warms water on demand rather of keeping it in a tank, because technology is always evolving.

Need some hot water help?

While not having enough hot water is not as unpleasant as not having any hot water at all, it is still an issue that you should avoid if at all possible.
The majority of individuals are unsure of where to begin when troubleshooting a broken water heater.
Follow the troubleshooting techniques outlined above and address hot water problems immediately rather than waiting until the coldest part of the year.

You may reach Pete the Plumber at (403) 257-1766 or fill out our online appointment request form if you’d like us to inspect your hot water system.

Water Softener: How Does it Work, Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Water Softener

A water softener is often a filtering agent or appliance that is used to remove magnesium and calcium from the water that is being treated.
What the majority of people are unaware of is that all water is not created equal, particularly in terms of its chemical composition.
Some water has significant concentrations of magnesium and calcium minerals that have been absorbed from the soil, resulting in it becoming hard.

If the water lacks certain minerals or only contains a little amount of them, it is referred to as soft water.Water from streams and lakes is inherently softer than other types of water.Underground water in areas with large concentrations of chalk, gypsum, and limestone, on the other hand, tends to be hard.To soften the water, a water softener is used to remove the mineral components that cause the hardness of the water to be removed.Water softening is therefore defined as the process of eliminating calcium and magnesium ions from water, as well as other metal cations.

For further information on water softening, including why it should be used, how it works, and some of the pros and cons of water softening, please see the following links:

Types of Water Softeners

The process of water softening, as previously stated, involves the use of a filtration device, system, or appliance to remove the calcium and magnesium present in hard water, therefore making it soft. There are three basic types of water softeners, which are as follows:

1. Ion exchange

In the United States, it is the most prevalent form of water softener, and it is well-known for its use in the home.
It does this by substituting sodium ions for the metal ions calcium and magnesium.
The use of water containing sodium ions does not have the negative consequences associated with the use of water containing calcium or magnesium ions.

In order for the gadget to function, a big tank is filled with salt pellets, and then the hard water is poured in.It is the sodium ions in the salt that will react with and replace the calcium or magnesium ions in the water, resulting in the water becoming soft.

2. Salt-free

A mechanical filter is used to remove calcium from the water, hence there are a number of drawbacks to using this equipment.
It is unsuccessful when used with magnesium-containing water since it is unable to remove the metal element.
As a result, it does not perform exceptionally well when used with hard water.

To put it another way, it is typically intended to remove calcium from hard water sources.

3. Reverse osmosis

Using a semipermeable membrane, the device allows water to pass through, filtering out around 98 percent of contaminants in the process. It consumes a significant quantity of water and is very costly. It is, on the other hand, quite effective in removing chemical impurities such as magnesium, calcium, and others.

How Do Water Softener Works?

We shall refer to the ion exchange kind of water softener for the sake of this discussion because it is the most typically seen.
The procedure results in the removal of calcium and magnesium ions from the water and the replacement of these ions with sodium.
When hard water enters a mineral water tank, it passes over a bed of spherical resin beads, which help to soften the water.

The beads are comprised of polystyrene and are charged with sodium ions to give them their shape.The beads have a negative charge because they are anions, which means they are negatively charged.Because the calcium and magnesium ions have a positive charge, they are referred to as cations.Because opposing charges attract, the magnesium and calcium charges will be attracted to the negative charges on the resin beads, which will result in a positive charge on the resin beads.Because the beads continue to attract mineral ions, they are displacing the sodium charge that was previously attached to them.

As a result of this process, the water becomes free of calcium and magnesium charges.The resin beads continue to remove hardness from the water in the mineral tank, resulting in soft water being delivered to your residence.When the beads grow too heavy with mineral content, they may not be able to properly extract the calcium and magnesium ions from the water any more.Consequently, the control valve in the water tank opens, allowing the tank to go through a regeneration cycle.Water softening machines can operate at a high level of efficiency thanks to the control valves.

In the onboard computer of the control valve, a maximum capacity is pre-programmed based on the size of the home, the number of residents, and the amount of hardness in the water.In addition, a brine tank is installed to aid in the system’s regeneration.If you want to restore the positive charges on the resin beads, you can fill it with a highly concentrated solution of salt that contains either sodium or potassium.

Given that it is located close to the mineral tank, the salt is manually supplied to the brine tank in the form of pellets or blocks that dissolve when exposed to water.The microprocessor in the control valve will send out a one-time signal indicating that the softening capacity of the resin is declining.This will cause the heavy brine solution to be pulled from the tank and flushed through the resin inthe mineral tank at the appropriate moment.If the brine tank runs out of salt, the water will not be softened and must be discarded.

Why Should You Use a Water Softener?

1. Basically, it softens water!

Water softeners remove the calcium and magnesium ions that cause hard water to become soft and reasonably safe for use and consumption. Water softeners are also known as water conditioners.

2. It improves the mineral content balance of the water

Sodium ions are substituted for calcium and magnesium ions in water softeners.
It also has the additional benefit of lowering the content of calcium and magnesium in the water to the optimal levels that may be beneficial to one’s health rather than being harmful.
Furthermore, when sodium is utilized in water softening, it helps to maintain the balance of other minerals in the water while also providing the benefit of additional sodium in an appropriate proportion, which is really suggested for daily use.

In terms of health, sodium is important in maintaining the body’s fluid balance and transmitting nerve signals.

3. Removes toxins such as ferrous iron

Water softeners, in addition to eliminating the ions that cause water to be hard, also remove tiny amounts of ferrous iron, often known as dissolved iron, which is iron that has been dissolved in water. The iron is responsible for the darkening of the water’s color as well as the presence of visible stains on the toilet, bathtub, and other sinks and fixtures.

4. Lowers costs of appliance repairs and unnecessary replacements

Hard water is to blame for a never-ending stream of appliance repair costs and scale-filled pipes. Using a water softener will help to keep those pipes in good condition and reduce the number of times you have to call a plumber. It will also protect your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets against stains that are both irritating and difficult to remove.

5. Makes laundry and general cleaning easier

Hard water is responsible for the stiffness of washing and the dryness of hair because it inhibits the ability of the water to react with soap and detergent.
As a result, it makes it difficult to properly wash one’s hair after using it.
It also makes it more difficult to straighten laundry and wash clothes in general since it has the effect of limiting the ability of soap to react with water.

All of this may be avoided with the use of a water softener.

Advantages of Using a Water Softener

1. It makes water safe for consumption and easy to use at home!

When opposed to hard water, soft water is more sanitary to drink. It is also non-toxic and non-corrosive to clothes and appliances. A water softener is responsible for softening hard water, which has a propensity to reduce the ability of soap to respond when it comes into contact with it. Thus, it makes life easier while also extending the lives of one’s household goods and equipment.

2. It eliminates the build-up of scales

As previously said, hard water discolors appliances, toilets, dishes, sinks, and pipes, among other things. Soft water prevents the accumulation of scales and stains, so extending the useful life of these items by many years.

3. May put a strain on the plumbing system

The buildup of scales in hard water can actually exert strain on the whole plumbing system, causing it to fail and ultimately ruining the system itself.

4. Provides easy-to-use water

Soft water makes it possible for soap and detergents to perform as intended while also being kind on certain people’s skin.
Hard water is resistant to soaps and detergents, and it can irritate or feel dry to certain people’s skin, particularly if it is exposed to the sun.
Soft water also makes it possible for freshly cleaned items to seem as shining as they should.

It also has the added benefit of softening one’s hair.

5. For those who do not need sodium in water completely, it can be removed through reverse osmosis

Some water softeners may be criticized for generating water that has an excessive amount of salt, which is harmful to persons who are on sodium-restricted diets. Reverse osmosis systems, which are used to soften water by eliminating the salt content completely, are successful in counteracting this problem.

6. Soft water can significantly reduce the onset and exacerbate eczema

It has been shown that excessive amounts of hard water can cause eczema in children as young as three years old. The usage of hard water might further aggravate the symptoms of eczema. As a result, using a water softener may be able to prevent or decrease the development and aggravation of eczema.

Disadvantages of Using a Water Softener

1. The end products may be too soft for some people!

The final output is soft water, which may be too slippery and slimy for some people to drink.

2. Too much sodium

Soft water produced by an ion exchange water softening system contains sodium ions, which, if not properly handled, can accumulate to an unhealthy level.
Some people may wind up ingesting 3,500 mg of sodium per day, which is significantly greater than the recommended daily consumption of 2,300 mg of salt per day.
Despite the fact that such little levels of salt are unlikely to create harmful health consequences, the possibility that one may consume an excessive quantity of sodium via water softeners is worrying.

The presence of sodium in softened water has the potential to cause difficulties with septic systems.

3. Not suitable for irrigation

Irrigation water that has been softened but does not include calcium or magnesium is not appropriate for use in agriculture. This is due to the fact that it induces the formation of alkali soils, which have a weak structure and are unable to withstand irrigation systems.

4. They are expensive to install and maintain

Installing a water softener might cost as much as $2,000 or more. They also require frequent maintenance since the resin beads ultimately run out of sodium ions, which are needed to counteract the calcium and magnesium ions in the water.

5. The alternatives are also expensive

Potassium chloride pellets can be used in place of sodium or salt pellets in the tank as an alternative. They are effective in eliminating salt, but they are also pricey. Whereas the same amount of salt costs between $4 and $6 each bag, the same amount of potassium chloride costs between $25 and $30 per bag, depending on the supplier.

6. Messing with dietary mineral requirements

Some people may require nutritional supplements such as calcium and magnesium, which are available in hard water but are absent or hardly present in softened water in some cases.
As a result, they may cause problems with the dietary needs by substituting those essential substances.
References: B.

Swistock is the author of this article (12 July, 2011).Water softening is the process of softening water.Educators at Penn State University.Retrieved on the 12th of March, 2020, from J.Woodard’s et al (11 Sep, 2019).

I’m not sure what a water softener is, or how it works.System for supplying fresh water.Retrieved on the 12th of March, 2020, from

How Hard Water Can Damage Your Hot Water Heater

If you have hard water in your house, it implies that there are too many minerals in your water supply to drink.
While this is relatively innocuous for you to consume, it may do significant damage to your home’s appliances, particularly your water heater, if consumed in large quantities.
Make a call to Bell Plumbing and Heating, who are the water heater repair, installation, and maintenance specialists in Denver.

We have over 85 years of combined expertise dealing with water heaters of various shapes, sizes, and brands, including tankless.Given the extensive harm that hard water has caused in the past, we decided to compile a list of the most prevalent problems that might be caused by hard water.

Not Enough Hot Water

Hard water is often characterized by the presence of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Over time, they might begin to accumulate and deposit themselves in the bottom of your water heater’s reservoir.
When this occurs, the heat from your water heater’s tank may not be able to reach the water in the tank as effectively.

The Denver water heater professionals at Bell Plumbing and Heating can assist you in cleaning out those deposits and sediments in order to get your water heater back up and running.Contact us now.When it comes to tankless water heaters, the issue might be a little more complicated.Mineral buildup in the pipes can cause the flow of water to be restricted as it exits the building and enters your home.This might result in low hot water pressure and insufficient hot water supply.

Water Heater Sounds

It may sound unusual, but if your water heater has begun to make strange noises, it is possible that mineral build-up has formed inside the pipes and is causing the problem.
When you run your hot water, this build-up might cause a whining to screeching sound to be produced.
The Denver water heater repair professionals at can assist you in resolving this issue.

No matter what sort of water heater problem you’re experiencing, all you have to do is call the knowledgeable Denver water heater experts at Bell Plumbing and Heating.If your water heater is leaking or if your hot water is rust-colored, we will be able to assist you in rectifying the situation.

How to Make Softened Water Drinkable

Since 1998, we have assisted over 25,000 Arizona families.
The process of water softening might result in an excessive quantity of sodium being present in the water.
However, while the majority of soft water is entirely safe to drink, excessive salt levels may not be optimal for those who have high blood pressure.

Nonetheless, there is a technique to make softened water drinkable, even for individuals who have medical issues to consider.You will learn how to make softened water drinkable and get greater control over the water you consume in this section of the essay.

How to Make Soft Water

Since 1998, we have provided services to over 25,000 Arizonans.
Because of the process of water softening, the amount of salt in water might become excessive.
While the majority of soft water is entirely safe to drink, excessive salt levels may not be suitable for persons who have high blood pressure or kidney problems.

Nonetheless, there is a technique to make softened water drinkable, even for individuals who have medical concerns about it.You will learn how to make softened water drinkable and get greater control over the water you consume in this section of the website.

Degree of Hardness	Grains per Gallon	PPM (or mg/L)
Soft	<1.0	<17.0
Slightly Hard	1.0-3.5	17.1-60
Moderately Hard	3.5-7.0	60-120
Hard	7.0-10.5	120-180
Very Hard	>10.5	>180

Can I Drink Softened Water?

Most softened water is entirely safe to drink; however, the quantity of salt in the treated water may vary depending on how hard the original water was to begin with.If the hardness of the water is less than 400 parts per million of calcium before it is softened, it is safe to drink without any concern.You will need to filter your water further if the hardness of your water surpasses 400 parts per million (ppm), in order to minimize the sodium level of the soft water.