How Does a Water Softener Work?
Before answering the question, “How does a water Softener Work?”, it helps to understand what hard water is and why it is a problem.
If you’ve heard about “hard water”, then you’ve probably wondered what exactly it is. Why is it a big deal? What is a water softener? How does a water softener work?
First off: No, ice is not hard water.
Second: No, a freezer does not make hard water.
And lastly: No, something that melts frozen water is not a “water softener.” (Sorry, bad jokes).
So what is hard water?
Rock puts the hard in hard water
When you think of hard water, think “hard” like rock, because that is what makes water hard. Ever noticed whitish, yellowish-colored build-up on faucets, showerheads or maybe in the bottom of your tea kettle? That substance is rock — mostly calcium and magnesium — that your water dissolved along its journey from the ground to your home.
Mostly, water hardness develops from two places. What is the topography and geography of where you live? For example, do you have lots of limestone in the ground? Then there is the quality of the water as it begins its journey to you, like how acidic your rainfall is. The more acidic rainfall is and the more limestone is in the ground, the harder water becomes.
Hard water is hard, as in, difficult
Why does hardness or softness of water matter? While having hard water can have some health benefits due to its higher calcium and magnesium levels (think bones, teeth, etc.), it can also wreak havoc on home pipes and appliances.
Problems start with whenever and wherever hard water is heated, stored or sits and evaporates. Then the no-so-great effects of hard water set in. Ever notice off-white colored residue caking up the ends of faucets or shower heads? That’s mineral left from evaporating hard water, also known as calcification.
Something to Consider
That same calcification on plumbing fixtures is happening inside coffee pots, water heaters, and appliances. Any appliances hooked into home plumbing — dishwasher, clothes washer, icemaker — suffer from hard water calcification. Over time, hard water wears down appliances. They work less efficiently and wear out sooner. That is why hard water is just plain difficult.
