Water softening is the process that reduces the levels of calcium, magnesium and other minerals or salts in hard water. Hard water causes problems throughout households and buildings due to calcium carbonate deposits, also known as lime scale. Hard water also causes scum to form in bathtubs and showers when mixed with soap. Water softening utilises reverse osmosis to remove the calcium and magnesium components within the water. Filtering the water is another option; however, it is a more costly procedure, and water softening is an easier and cheaper alternative. Soft water replaces the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. Sodium does not react with soap or form lime scale; therefore, it becomes a better alternative to hard water within a home.
When installing a water softener it is important to consider the location that it will be installed in. The unit should be installed near an electrical outlet, in order to provide power for the softener. A drain line should also be present, in order to take in the water during regeneration. It is important to ensure that the water softening device is installed at a location where the cold water is dispersed throughout the entire building. Soft water should not be transferred into any water devices that are used for plants or grass. The grass and plants need the minerals found in hard water, and softened water removes these in exchange for sodium.
Water softening is, on the whole, a beneficial process for households. The conversion from hard water to soft water does not reduce or alter the quality of drinking water. The essential minerals found in drinking water are not replaced during regeneration, making drinking water just as safe and healthy to consume. Using a water softening device is relatively cheap; costing between £150 and £200 per month.
Soft water produces many different advantages. Having soft water is ultimately a way to save money. With soft water, less time is spent using cleaning products to reverse the effects of hard water (i.e. soap scum and lime scale). Soft water also preserves plumbing systems. Without the build-up of lime scale, pipes and taps will remain unclogged, preserving water flow throughout the system. As well as preserving water flow, using a water softener can preserve hot water. Lime scale acts as an insulator, preventing water from heating up efficiently and consequently wastes energy and money; however, soft water does not cause lime scale build up, thus prolonging the life of a heater.