Water Softeners
At Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains, we understand that having a quality water softener makes your life easier and more comfortable. Softened water leaves your skin feeling clean and healthy but not dry and itchy. And the unit eliminates many of the worst household chores like scrubbing scale and mineral stains from your sinks, tubs, and toilets.
What Is Soft Water?
All water contains some level of minerals, including calcium and magnesium. The level of these minerals is what determines if the water is considered to be hard or soft. Water with a higher mineral concentration is considered hard.
How Do Water Softeners Work?
The technical name for a residential water softener is an ion exchange unit. And their job is to remove calcium, magnesium, and other minerals from water. Resin beads inside the water softener the mineral ions while replacing them with sodium or potassium. When the beads become saturated with minerals, they are cleaned in a concentrated salt or potassium solution. After the cleaning process, the solution is flushed down the drain.
The Advantages Of Soft Water
Soft water offers many benefits for you and your home, including:
- The prevention of mineral scale and build-up inside water lines, fixtures, and your home’s water heater
- It extends the life expectancy of many appliances that use water and suffer damage from scale build-up
- It prevents or significantly reduces mineral spots on glassware and dishes
- It prevents or reduces soap and detergent film and curds found in sinks, tubs, drains, and washing machines
- It is less damaging or drying to skin and hair
The Types Of Water Softeners You Might Consider
There are three types of water softeners that are common for household use. They include ion exchange units, dual tank water softeners, and salt-free water softeners.
Ion Exchange Units are very common and easy for homeowners to use. The most regular service that they require is replenishment of salt. However, these units are not ideal for someone who is limiting salt intake for medical reasons.
Dual Tank Units also use the ion exchange process. But the dual tanks add a level of reassurance that there will always be a regeneration cycle functioning, ensuring soft water 24/7. These units are more costly, but the larger capacity is appealing to larger households.
Salt-Free Units use a potassium chloride substitute for sodium. It is an excellent option for homeowners who are concerned about sodium consumption due to health concerns.
When You Are Thinking About A Water Softener
When you have questions and concerns about your home’s water, it can be very frustrating, but with a single call to 612-340-1444, you can begin to gather the information you need from a Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drain professional. Our licensed plumbers have been assisting customers throughout the community for decades. And we are always here to offer expert insight to our neighbors. After a brief meeting, you will have a complete understanding of water softener function, installation, and the cost of any units that will meet your needs.