How Do Water Softeners Work?

Water softeners reduce the minerals in your water via an ion exchange process.

This comprehensive guide to water softeners explains everything you need to know about the topic. Keep reading as we cover:

Soon, you’ll know enough about water softeners to understand if one is beneficial to add to your home. ​

Hard water is water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium. When present in large quantities, these minerals cause scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and fixtures. Hard water can also often have a bitter or chalky taste. Some signs that indicate you might have hard water are:

• Cloudy water
• Soap scum on sinks and showers
• Spots on dishes and glassware
• Reduced water pressure
• Shortened lifespan of water-using appliances
• Dry skin and dull hair

So, what does a water softener do? As the name implies, a water softener helps to “soften” hard water. Specifically, water softeners are designed to remove hard minerals before they enter your home’s plumbing system. It’s important to understand that there’s a difference between water softeners and water filters. A water filter removes contaminants from your water, while a water softener focuses on treating hardness and reducing mineral presence. Water softeners have many benefits, including improving water flow, cleaning effectiveness, and appliance longevity.

Water softeners work by triggering an ion exchange process to eliminate hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium. As hard water passes through the resin tank, positively charged mineral ions are attracted to the negatively charged beads. There is then an exchange between minerals where sodium or potassium ions replace calcium and magnesium ions. Once the water has been processed, the now softened water exits the system and flows throughout the home.

Your water softener will need to undergo a process known as “regeneration” regularly to ensure it continues to operate optimally. This is because, over time, the resin beads become saturated with hard minerals and must be “recharged.” During regeneration, the system flushes a saltwater (brine) solution through the tank to clean and reset the resin.

A typical water softener regenerates every 2 to 14 days. However, the exact frequency will depend on usage and water hardness. Some tips for homeowners to ensure the regeneration process is successful include:

• Keep salt levels maintained in the brine tank.
• Use high-quality salt to prevent bridging and buildup.

Some of the key advantages of using a water softener are:

• Longer-lasting plumbing and appliances
• Better efficiency and reduced energy bills
• Softer skin and hair
• Cleaner dishes and laundry
• Less soap scum

Most importantly, reducing detergent and energy use greatly benefits the environment and your budget. Investing in a water softener will save you money in the long term. A typical water softener system lasts between 10 and 15 years, so the initial investment can bring more than a decade of benefits to your home. Additionally, if you purchase a high-quality system and maintain it properly, it may last 15 to 20 years. To maintain a water softener, you need to:

• Regularly check salt levels
• Refill the brine tank when it's half full
• Drain and clean the brine tank annually
• Use the correct type of salt
• Use a water softener cleanser regularly
• Check for leaks or worn parts