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Introduction to Water Softening
Water softening is probably one of the most familiar types of treatment in the water industry. The term "soft" is in regard to its effect on clothing, skin, plumbing, fixtures and dishware, as well as all water-using appliances.
Soft water does not contain scaling and hardening mineral. Typically, with soft water, fixtures of all types remain free of a white mineral buildup around outlets and faucet handles. Dishes and glassware will generally be spotless. Toilets and tubs will not have the proverbial "ring" of stain. Clothing will be brighter, softer and actually last longer, without the hardness buildup that wears on the fibers. The difference in skin and hair is usually quite noticeable.
Many times, people think the slippery smooth feeling on their skin when they use softened water is the soap not rinsing off. In fact, just the opposite is the case. The term "squeaky clean" is misleading. When soap mixes with hardness minerals, it creates a soap curd that does not rinse off. Thus, your skin squeaks. When your skin feels slippery, soap and mineral residue have been removed.
All mechanical softeners are water conditioners, and work on the same basic principles. They are not for dirt removal, sulfur odors, bacterial problems or primary drinking water problems.
For household applications, it is usually best to soften the entire water supply, versus softening only the hot water. In that instance, the hardness rises again as the hard cold and the soft hot combine. Generally, hose bibs for lawn watering should remain untreated, and we can bypass them at the time of installation. Sizing of a unit is done according to the amount of hardness in the water, the estimated amount of water used on a daily basis, and the flow rate potential based on the number of water-using fixtures.
Benefits of the Culligan Gold Series Water Softener
• Installs in basement, utility room, or garage • 2 tank system: water softener tank and 300# salt storage tank (takes up about 3 feet of space) • Removes hardness, which is calcium and magnesium and some iron with ion exchange • Treats the water as you use it and regenerates on demand or by gallons used • Automatic control operates the system (only maintenance is to add salt) • Culligan can delivery and dump the salt • Additional benefits include: 1. gets rid of dry skin and hair 2. no more white spots and stains on glasses, dishes, sinks, and shower 3. save money by using 75% less soap, shampoo, and detergents and have additional cleaning power and suds 4. save money by protecting your water-using appliances, hot water heater, sinks, fixtures, plumbing, clothes, skin, and hair
The Benefits of Softened Water
Reproduced From BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU Consumer Information Series: Tips On … Water Quality Improvement Web address: www.bbb.org
The benefits of softened water, in quality of life and in savings, can be felt throughout your home. Even people with only slightly hard water may notice a difference when they start using softened water.
· Water heating efficiencies on systems using softened water may be increased up to 29 percent if heating with gas; up to 22 percent if heating with electricity. · Pipes don’t clog due to mineral buildup, increasing the life and performance of your plumbing system. · Many soaps and detergents lather better and work more efficiently. · Many appliances last longer and perform better when operated with softened water, and softened water lets the shine come through when they’re cleaned. · Soapy residue on clothes is reduced so they may look better and last longer. · Sticky film on tubs and shower tiles may be reduced so you might find yourself spending less time cleaning. · Skin and hair are rinsed more completely making hair look shinier and skin cleaner.
Solutions to Drinking Water Concerns and Other Common Water Problems
Water softeners were designed to remove the hard minerals in water so that it could “work harder” and perform better in your home and business; it does that job very well. But, as sometimes happens, the process has produced unexpected benefits for its users by also reducing barium, cadmium and naturally occurring radium found in the water.
In areas where the source of water is hard or very hard, the local water utility may soften it to about 5 or 6 grains per gallon – still moderately hard. However, since the cost of centrally softening water is so great, many utilities and water companies leave the decision for soft water to the homeowner. A water softening system in your home or business, at the point-of-entry, can efficiently and economically reduce the gpg level to below 1.0.
How To Tell When You Have Hard Water
There are telltale signs of hard water, which may indicate a problem. These include:
Clogged appliances and pipes. Hard water minerals can form in appliances, such as a coffeemaker, and can build up in your pipes and plumbing equipment. This buildup can reduce water flow as well as increase the frequency of repairs.
Water heating costs increase. When hard water is heated, the minerals in it precipitate (leave the water) and form scale. Besides building up in teakettles and coffeemakers, mineral deposits can form an insulation barrier inside your water heater – so you spend more money to heat the same amount of water.
Many soaps and detergents don’t lather well. The calcium and magnesium in hard water act on many soaps and detergents to reduce their sudsing and cleaning abilities. The soapy residue they form is abrasive and can reduce the life your garments by clinging to clothing fibers and weakening them.
Sticky film on bathtubs, shower tiles – and you. The residue formed by soap and hard water can also create a sticky film on bathtubs and shower tiles, leaving you with the chore of scrubbing and scouring. And the same film sticks to you, often drying your skin and leaving hair dull and lifeless.
Typical Hardness Levels (grains per gallon):
Bowling Green: 7-10 Delta: 7-10 Napoleon: 10 North Baltimore: 10 Swanton: 10 Sylvania: 7-10 Toledo: 7-10 Waterville: 10 Wauseon: 10 Whitehouse: 7-10 |
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