If your water supply has a high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium, it has what's known as hard water. These minerals can clog plumbing and appliances, while also leaving your dishes and bathroom tiles covered in soap scum. A water softener is a potential solution for these problems. Here's what to know about these devices before having one installed.

How Do Water Softeners Work?

Most devices use ion exchange to reduce the mineral concentration of a supply. The softener pushes water into a tank containing resin beads, which exchange positively charged mineral ions for negatively charged sodium ions. The minerals remain within the tank's resin beads and the purified water moves to the home's plumbing fixtures. Resin beads are cleansed via a brine tank, which pushes saltwater through the resin tank to remove the accumulation of mineral ions. You must regularly add salt to the brine tank to ensure the resin beads remain effective. 

Dual-tank ion exchange devices also utilize this method, except they have two tanks containing resin beads instead of just one. Dual tanks allow you to use the water softener during the regeneration process, which isn't possible with a single tank. There are also salt-free softeners that use potassium chloride instead of sodium. 

How Can You Choose the Best Option for Your Home?

While ion exchange softeners that use salt are effective, they increase sodium levels in the water supply. As a result, people on salt-restricted diets are better served by equipment that uses potassium chloride instead. Speak to your doctor about the potential effects of salt-based softeners to make an informed decision.

If you have a large household that uses high volumes of water every day, a dual tank design is probably best. Dual tanks treat water efficiently when demand is high, so there's less downtime as you wait for the softening process to occur.

If you're interested in getting a water softener, Morgan Well & Pump Inc. is happy to lend a hand. Based in Kannapolis, NC, they install water treatment systems to ensure your supply remains fresh and tasty. As a family-owned business established in 1948, they pride themselves on offering high-quality service throughout the state. Call (704) 933-0479 to schedule an estimate, or learn more about their filtration services online.