water softeners how they work

Water described as "hard" contains certain minerals which, have been dissolved in the water. The two main minerals are calcium and, magnesium. Hard water is not a health risk as such but, causes nuisance such as, build up of minerals on fixtures and fittings i.e. taps, shower roses, build up on heating elements and can be destructive to hot water and heating boilers which, can cause considerable damage in certain "hard" water areas and can prove costly when this causes damage to these fittings, especially boilers. It can also be noticeable when using soap/ detergents as, this can cause poor prformance when using these.

We've all heard of it but what is "hard" water or, "soft"water?

Hard water or, soft water which is supplied to you depends on the geology and ground, upon which, the rain fell on and "percolated" through. Pure rainwater is naturally soft but, when it "percolates" through chalk and limestone regions, it surrender's Calcium and Magnesium into the natural water supply to create hard water. Granite areas do not contain the same minerals and so, the water remains "soft".

So, whats the damage?

Limescale build-up on, and, inside appliances which, causes damage to the appliances is, produced by "hard" water being heated up(e.g. in washing machines, showers, kettles etc), the calcium and, magnesium then separate out and form a crust on the surfaces they come into contact with. This is known as "limescale". This can cause loss of heating efficiency in boilers, washing machines, showers, immersion heaters and, taps which, can prove very difficult to eradicate.

which water softener

These are various methods which can be used to soften water;

Granulated, activated carbon water filters ;these are filters found in water jugs. These are the simplest type of filters and, removes contaminants such as chlorine, large particles and parasites.

Carbon block, activated carbon water filters – These types of filters are generally built-in to the water supply in your home.

Ceramic carbon water filters – This type of filter is comprised of a ceramic part and a carbon part, this gives it an ability to filter out a broad range of contaminants from the water supply.

Reverse osmosis water filters – The water is passed through a semi-permeable membrane, which filters out almost every contaminant. These are considered to be the best form of water filtration.

Combination Systems – This filter has become available in recent years and are seen as an alternative to reverse osmosis systems.

Alkaline Water Machines – This system not only filters your drinking water but it makes it more alkaline. It is a good system environmental illnesses where there is too much acid in the body.

Magnetic Water Conditioners

Electromagnetic water conditioners are a relatively new invention. The idea is that by passing water through a magnetic field, the calcium and magnesium ion's are altered in such a way that they lose their ability to cause scale.

Some people are sceptical about the above various methods and, if, they do work. Although there are certain different manufacturers of the said methods, one came to mind as water kinetico.