How Does a Water Softener Work?

It should come as no shock that water softeners take what’s considered “hard water,” and condition it to be “soft” – but what does that mean exactly?

In short, hard water contains hardness minerals, left behind most commonly by nature. While your water might still look and feel soft, the hardness minerals will make it more likely dry out your skin and hair, cause calcium build ups within your plumbing, and make cleaning clothes, dishes and even areas of your home significantly more difficult.

…Cue the water softening systems! These fantastic home additions can eliminate harsh minerals in two easy steps: water softening, followed by system regeneration.

Step 1: Water Softening

As hard water enters your home, it is immediately directed into a softening system. Once there, the water is funneled down into a resin bed of tiny beads charged with sodium. This sodium is the ticket to eliminating the calcium and magnesium that cause hard water symptoms. A “scientific trade” between the sodium and the hardness minerals occurs, allowing the resin beads to absorb those minerals as conditioned water flows out of the system and into your home.

Step 2: System Regeneration

After the water softening process is over, your system needs to recharge to ready for the next wave. That means getting rid of the hardness minerals and revamping the resin beads with sodium. This happens in the brine tank, which is a subcomponent of your water softener and contains a mineral stripping brine solution. As it is pumped back through the resin bead they’ll be flushed, recharged and ready to go again!

Looking to learn more about how home’s in the Orange County area can benefit from installing a water softening system? If so, dial 714-630-8766 and speak with one of the plumbing and water conditioning experts at Barker and Sons Plumbing & Rooter!