The Importance of Water Softeners
A water softener is a device that is used to remove excessive amounts of certain minerals that are commonly found in most municipal water supplies, such as calcium and magnesium. Water softeners can improve drinking water and prevent pipes from getting clogged with damaging materials. In addition, water softeners are able to prevent a person’s skin from being irritated by hard water in showers, and it can also prevent water stains on dishes and clothing. It is possible to purchase water softeners that can treat all of the water that is used in a full-sized home, and there are even models that can meet the demands of an entire apartment complex. There are also smaller water softeners, which only treat water that is used for a home’s shower, sink, or dishwasher. However, the most common models are installed right where groundwater enters the home, so hard water damage is completely avoided. If you are concerned that hard water may be affecting your home, it is important to contact a well trained Round Lake plumber from Duane Blanton Plumbing.
Water softeners generally operate through a process called reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis is the mechanical process by which water is forced through a membrane in order to reach equal amounts of salinity. Water softeners use this process, filling the municipal water supply with a large amount of salt, or in some cases, potassium, and then pushing it through a filter before it enters the home. When the water goes through the filter a large amount of salt and minerals are removed, which causes it to have the desirable properties of what is referred to as soft water.
There are a couple of minor things that need to be done in order to keep a water softener working properly. The most common form of water softener maintenance, is simply keeping the softener filled with a supply of salt. Most softeners will use a large amount of salt, so it is a good idea to keep a 20-40 pound bag in the home at all times. Water softeners may also need to have their filters replaced and/or cleaned, which is why it is valuable to have a trusted Round Lake plumber from Duane Blanton Plumbing on call 24 hours 7 days a week.
If you live in the Round Lake area and are in need of a water softener installation or water softener system maintenance, contact Duane Blanton Plumbing at (815) 781-2567.
