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Blog Do you see white spots in the water flowing from the tap in your home? Does your skin feel dry and tight after taking a shower? Do your boiler and washing machine often malfunction? The common cause of all these problems is hard water. Hard water is a condition that we do not realise in our daily lives but causes serious problems in the long run.
The water softener offers a permanent solution to all these problems caused by hard water. So what exactly is this device, how does it work and do you really need it? Let’s examine it together.
What is a Water Softener?
Water softener is a system that softens the water by removing minerals such as calcium and magnesium in the water. These devices protect both your installation and your devices by converting hard water into soft water.
Mains water in many regions of Turkey has a high hardness value. Especially in Central Anatolia, Aegean and Mediterranean regions, hard water problem is quite common. This situation causes serious problems in homes and workplaces. Lime accumulation in pipes, loss of performance in household appliances and high energy consumption are the main ones.
Water softening systems work on the principle of ion exchange. Special resins in the device turn hard water into soft water. Thus, clean, soft water reaches your entire home or workplace. The system is fully automatic and does not require any intervention from the user.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
The principle of operation of water softening devices is based on ion exchange. The system consists of three main components: resin tank, salt tank and control valve.
First, hard water enters the device and passes through the resin tank. Resin particles are charged with sodium ions. As the water passes, the calcium and magnesium ions in it are retained by the resin. Instead of these, sodium ions mix into the water. Thanks to this process, the water softens and lime formation is prevented.
Over time, the resin reaches saturation and regeneration is required. The control valve detects this and automatically starts the regeneration process. The resin is cleaned by drawing brine from the salt tank. The retained calcium and magnesium ions are discharged into the sewer. The resin is reloaded with sodium ions and is ready for operation.
This whole process is fully automated. Modern devices are equipped with digital control systems. The regeneration time is set according to your water consumption. Thus, both water and salt are saved. All the user has to do is to fill the salt tank at certain intervals.
What Does a Water Softener Do?
The benefits provided by water softening devices are quite extensive. It offers significant advantages in terms of both economic and health.
Protects plumbing and appliances: Hard water causes limescale build-up in pipes and appliances. Over time, these lime layers thicken and prevent water flow. The life of devices such as boilers, water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers is shortened. Water purification equipment and softening systems completely eliminates this problem. Your devices will last longer and the risk of failure is reduced.
Saves energy: Calcareous appliances consume more energy. For example, a calcareous boiler consumes 25-30% more energy than normal to heat water. Systems using soft water operate at maximum efficiency. This reflects positively on your electricity and natural gas bills.
Cleaning becomes easier: Hard water prevents soaps and detergents from foaming. In soft water, you get better results by using less detergent. Your dishes and laundry will be cleaner and brighter. There are no stains on glass surfaces and fittings. Bathroom cleaning becomes much easier.
Skin and hair health: Hard water causes dryness and irritation on the skin. Hair looks dull and tangled. Soft water, on the other hand, maintains the skin’s natural moisture balance. Hair is shinier and easier to comb. It makes a big difference especially for people with sensitive skin.
Economic advantage: Although the initial investment cost may seem high, it provides serious savings in the long term. Device repair costs are reduced, energy consumption decreases and you save on cleaning products. It pays for itself in 2-3 years on average.
Types of Water Softener
There are various water softener models on the market for different needs. Each has its own unique features and usage areas.
Manual water softening devices: They are the most simple and economical models. The regeneration process is done manually. The user regenerates the system by turning the valve at certain intervals. Suitable for small houses and places with low water consumption. Maintenance costs are low but require regular monitoring.
Semi-automatic systems: Automatic regeneration based on time. For example, automatic cleaning takes place every 3 days or once a week. Ideal for places with low water consumption. More practical than manual systems.
Fully automatic devices: They are the most advanced models. It measures the amount of water consumption and regenerates accordingly. It has digital display and smart control system. It saves both water and salt. It is the most suitable option for homes and workplaces.
Tandem systems: It has two separate resin tanks. While one is working, the other regenerates. Thus, uninterrupted soft water is provided. It is designed for places with high water consumption such as hotels, hospitals and factories. It is the most preferred model among industrial water treatment solutions.
Compact models without cabin: Small and stylish design. Easily installed under the kitchen cabinet or in tight spaces. Ideal for apartments. Same as standard models in terms of performance.
Magnetic Scale Inhibitor vs Water Softener
There are two different solutions to the limescale problem: a water softener and a magnetic limescale inhibitor. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Magnetic scale inhibitors change the structure of water using powerful magnets. It disrupts the shape of calcium and magnesium crystals. Thus, lime does not stick to surfaces, it flows with the water. It does not require electricity, has no maintenance costs and installation is very simple. However, it does not reduce the hardness of the water, it only prevents calcification.
Water softening devices completely remove the hardness of the water. Calcium and magnesium are physically removed from the water. Both calcification is prevented and all benefits are obtained. It provides skin and hair health, cleaning efficiency and energy saving. However, it requires periodic maintenance and the use of salt is mandatory.
Which system you choose depends on your needs. If you only want to prevent limescale, a magnetic system is sufficient. However, if you are looking for a comprehensive solution, a water softener is more suitable. Some users use both systems together for maximum protection.
Is Water Softening Necessary at Home?
The answer to this question depends on the water quality in your area. What is hard water and how to recognise it? There is a simple method to test the water: rub your fingertips after washing your hand. If the soap on your skin is not slippery and feels rough, your water is hard.
If you have the following symptoms, you definitely need a water softener:
If white spots appear on taps and sinks, this is a clear indication of limescale build-up. If there is a matt film on the glass of the shower cubicle, the water is too hard. If the salt compartment of your washing machine is constantly calcified and the laundry comes out hard, softening is necessary.
If your boiler or water heater breaks down frequently, there is probably a calcification problem. If your water heater is noisy, there may be limescale build-up inside. If your electricity bills are constantly increasing, calcareous devices may be the cause.
If your skin is dry after showering and your hair is dull and tangled, you are using hard water. If you consume more cleaning products than usual, this is also a sign of hard water.
If you are experiencing several of these situations, you should seriously consider buying a water softener. Although the initial investment cost may seem high, it saves both money and time in the long run.
Is the Water Softener Harmful?
There is some misinformation about this subject. Water softening devices are completely safe and not harmful to health when used correctly.
The most curious issue is the amount of sodium added to the water. Yes, a small amount of sodium passes into the water during the softening process. However, this amount is very low and poses no risk to health. For example, in a medium hard water, approximately 50-100 mg of sodium is added per litre after softening. This is less than the sodium in a slice of bread.
People with salt restriction should not worry. The amount of sodium in softened water is less than 1% of the daily dietary sodium intake. However, in very sensitive cases, a doctor’s advice can be sought.
Some sources claim that softened water destroys minerals. This is partly true but not a problem. Because 95% of the minerals the body needs are met from food. The amount of minerals taken from drinking water is quite low.
If you are concerned about drinking water, you can run a separate line to your kitchen tap. This way, the drinking water is not softened, but the domestic water is softened. However, this is usually unnecessary because softened water is completely safe to drink.
The important point is to use quality salt and regular maintenance. Do not use industrial salt, buy softening salt. Have the resin tank cleaned once a year. Thus, the system works healthy and water quality is maintained.
How to choose a water softener?
To choose the right device, you must first determine your needs. There are several important factors.
Water hardness: Have the water tested or obtain information from the water company. The capacity of the device is selected according to the hardness of the water. Very hard water requires larger capacity devices. We recommend you to get detailed information about what TDS is and how to measure water quality.
Daily water consumption: Calculate the number of people in your household and the average water use. A family of 4 consumes approximately 400-500 litres of water per day. The capacity of the appliance must meet this amount.
Installation space: Check the dimensions of the device. It is usually installed in the basement or utility room. If there is not enough space, opt for compact models.
Automation level: Fully automated devices are more practical but expensive. Manual systems are economical but require monitoring. Choose according to your needs.
Brand and warranty: Prefer reliable brands. You should ask for at least 2 years warranty. Make sure that the service network is widespread.
Resin quality: High quality resin has a longer life. Low quality resin can be used in cheap devices. Be sure to ask for technical specifications.
Salt consumption: Find out the salt consumption rate of the appliance. Some models are more economical. Calculate the monthly salt cost.
Price-performance balance: It may not be the cheapest or the most expensive. Balance between features and price. Make a long-term cost calculation.
How many years is the water softener used?
A quality device is used for 10-15 years. Resin life is 8-10 years with regular maintenance. The control valve and other parts are also long-lasting. If you pay attention to salt usage and water quality, the device will work for years without any problems.
How much salt is consumed per month?
This depends on the water hardness and the amount of consumption. For an average house, 15-25 kg of salt per month is sufficient. Salt cost is around 50-80 TL per month. Automated systems optimise salt consumption and save money.
Does the water softener consume electricity?
Automatic water softeners consume very little electricity. Electricity is used only for the operation of the control valve and timer. Manual water softening systems do not consume electricity as they are completely mechanical.
Can softened water be used for garden irrigation?
It is not a problem in the short term, but in the long term the soil may accumulate sodium. It is better to draw a separate line for garden irrigation. Or you can use a magnetic system. Hard water is more suitable for plants.
Does the water softener make noise?
Slight water flow sound is heard during regeneration. It is silent in normal operation. Noise level is around 40-50 decibels. It does not disturb as regeneration is usually done at night.
Is softened water used in the aquarium?
No, it should not be used. Aquarium fish require a certain mineral balance. Softened water disturbs this balance. Use a separate line or tap water for the aquarium.
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