A water softener is a water treatment process that works on the principle called "cation exchange," in which ions of mainly hardness but also iron and manganese are exchanged for sodium or potassium ions, reducing their concentrations to insignificant levels. The exchange occurs within a tank using tiny synthetic resin beads made from a special plastic.After a period of use, the sodium or potassium ions are completely exchanged and the unit has to be "backwashed" or "regenerated." This requires the use of sodium or potassium chloride, which is loaded into a "brine tank" and dissolved to form a brine solution used to recharge the resin beads. As a local water softener company, we are very familiar with the water quality in all of the local towns and even specific areas within towns.
About Hard Water
Calcium (Ca ) & Magnesium (Mg)
The term hardness refers to the quantity of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water. These minerals, which come primarily from limestone type rock formations, are found to some degree in almost all natural waters. Calcium and magnesium cause problems for two principal reasons:
- When the water is warmed, they precipitate out of solution and form a hard, rock-like scale. This scale accelerates corrosion, restricts flow, and reduces heat transfer in water heaters and boilers.
- When they combine with soap, they react to form a curd, which interferes with cleaning, dries out skin, and leaves deposits on plumbing and clothes (bathtub ring; ring around the collar).
Hardness is measured in parts per million (or the equivalent mg/L) or in grains per gallon (gpg). Note: if the water analysis is given in ppm as CaCO3 then 1 gpg = 17.1 ppm. A common aspirin tablet weighs 5 grains). There is no established limit for the acceptable level of hardness in water, but it is generally considered to start to become problematic at around 3 gpg.
Waters that naturally contain very little hardness can also be problematic because they may be corrosive.
In addition to water hardness, your water can contain many other things affecting the water quality content. We can perform a full water quality test to give you a true picture of everything in your water. Here are some things that can be present in your water. In addition to water softening, we provide comprehensive solutions tailored to your home.
Pro H2O Water Softeners
The Pro H2O series will save you money in many ways. From reducing the amount of soaps and detergents that are needed for doing laundry to the need for costly plumbing repairs and replacement of fixtures.
Pro H2O Alternating Water Softeners
The Pro H2O WS1 Twin Alternating Water Treatment System Softens Water and will save you money in many ways. With the alternating system, you can ensure soft water 24 hours/day.
- Alternating twin mineral tanks
- 24 Hour Soft Water
Water Hardness Table
Here is a water hardness table for your reference. A simple water test will determine the water hardness in your home and allow us to determine how to best treat your water. Additionally, we test for other components in your water which we will go over with you. Whatever you decide regarding water treatment is completely your decision. Our job is to provide all of the data and the corresponding treatment solutions.
| Water Hardness Level | Grains Per Gallon (GPG) |
|---|---|
| Soft Water | 0 - 1 gpg |
| Slightly Hard Water | 1 - 3.5 gpg |
| Moderately Hard Water | 3.5 - 7 gpg |
| Hard Water | 7 - 10 gpg |
| Very Hard Water | Over 10.5 gpg |
Schedule an In-Home Visit Today
We will arrange for one of our product and installation specialists to come to thoroughly evaluate your home's requirements before providing you with a detailed action plan.
Highly recommend! Paul came to our house to give us an estimate on a water softening system and immediately we felt comfortable with their very detailed approach. Dave, our installer, was courteous, thorough and was happy to answer all our questions before beginning the work. When we had a concern, it was immediately handled the same day! We obtained a couple of quotes on a new water softener, and felt Professional Water Systems provided the best quality and service; and are very happy with our choice!