The Role of Salt Pellets in a Conventional Water Softener

Posted on October 17, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to our water softeners, we don’t put much thought into how they work. So long as our water quality continues to meet our standards, we trust that our water conditioning system is doing its job right. However, it is common to question the purpose of putting salt in our water softeners, since it seems like a strange task.

The truth is salt is the secret to having soft water. Continue reading to learn more about water softener salt, including some key terms that will help you better understand what it is for.

Call 317-784-1870 For Water Softener Service in Indianapolis.

The Basics of Water Softener Salt

Water softener salt plays a major role in hard water removal. To understand how water softener salt works, you first must have a basic understanding of how a water softener uses ion exchange technology to remove hard mineral ions from municipal water. See our blog, “The Basics of Water Softening” to learn a quick review of the water conditioning process.

Basically, traditional tank-style water softeners that use salt have a resin tank, where thousands of tiny resin beads hold electrically-charged ions. When the water softener system regenerates overnight, the resin beads fill up with sodium ions provided by the softening salt. The sodium-filled resin beads attract all the magnesium, calcium, and other minerals in hard water as it passes through, and trades them for the sodium ions.

Water Softening Terms You Should Know

Resin Beads – Water softener resin beads are the ion-exchange media used to implement the ion-exchange process that renders hard water, soft. Also known as sulfonated co-polymer of styrene and divinyl benzene, the most commonly used resin beads in the water softener industry are polystyrene-type gel resin beads, which are primarily Polystyrene and Divinylbenzene (DVB).

Resin Tank – This is where the water softening process takes place. The hard water passes through the resin tank, which contains resin beads, or ion exchange resin, ready to attract all the hard mineral ions and swap them with softer sodium ions.

Brine Tank – This tank is important to tank-style water softeners because it is where the salt is filled. For the average home, the brine tank need only refilled around six to eight times, annually. Just be sure to use the right salt!

Brine Solutions – A water softener produces a brine solution from the salt added in the brine tank when it regenerates. A mixture of water and salt, this brine solution serves to cleanse the resin beads and recharge them for their next softening cycle.

Regeneration – Regeneration is the process of a water softener removing hard mineral ions from water. It is normal for a water softener to take up to an hour or more to finish a regeneration cycle. Of course, this all depends on the size, make, and model of the unit, and the number of occupants in the home.

Timer-Based Regeneration – Water softeners that enter their regeneration cycle on a preset schedule are known as timer-based regeneration models. They are quite outdated, and do not come highly recommended. Although there might be some benefits to setting your own regeneration times, newer models do a more efficient job, which saves you money.

Demand-Initiated Regeneration – A water softener that comes with this feature is very efficient. It is designed with sensors that monitor your home’s water usage and make adjustments as needed. This as-needed operation saves water, time, and money.

If you’re looking for assistance with treating hard water, make sure to contact a local plumbing expert today! Just call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for trusted water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

What is Water Softener Regeneration and How Does it Work?

Posted on March 13, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Do you have hard water in your home? If so, you may be looking for ways to soften it. One of the most popular solutions is a water softener system. This system uses resin beads and salt to remove minerals from the water, making it softer and better for drinking, cleaning, and other tasks. A key part of this process is something called water softener regeneration, which helps keep the resin beads clean so they can continue working effectively.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what water softener regeneration is and how it works.

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The Process of Water Softener Regeneration

Water softener regeneration is a process that helps keep water softening systems running efficiently. During the water softening process, resin beads inside the tank become filled with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals are what make water hard and must be removed to achieve softer water. The resin beads absorb these particles, so they don’t enter your home’s water supply. However, over time the beads can become saturated and stop working effectively. This is where regeneration comes in.

During regeneration, salt brine is added to the tank which helps clean the resin beads and remove any trapped particles that are making water hard. The salt brine attracts the mineral ions which stick to it and then flush out of the system. This flushing helps restore the resin beads so they can start softening water again. The water softener regeneration process usually takes several hours and is usually performed at night when water usage is low.

Water softener regeneration is an important part of keeping your water softening system running properly. If you have hard water, it’s a good idea to invest in a quality water softening system that includes regular regeneration cycles to keep your water supply clean and free from mineral buildup. With proper maintenance, these systems can last for years and help you enjoy softer, better-tasting water every day.

The Importance of Routine Water Softener Service

Quality water softener service and maintenance is essential for any home with hard water. Not only does regular water softener service improve the water quality, providing water that is better tasting and healthier to drink, but it also plays a role in preserving plumbing fixtures and appliances, reducing limescale buildup and extending their lifespan.

Professional water softener maintenance ensures that the water softener functions properly, protects against hard water problems, and keeps your home running smoothly. Investing in water softener services will lead to improved water quality and long-term savings on utilities and repair costs.

Investing in the services of a qualified water softener repair technician guarantees that your soft water system provides clean, safe, and crystal-clear water for years to come. Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for trusted water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Facts About Water Softener Regeneration Cycles

Posted on October 18, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Water softener regeneration is the process of removing accumulated minerals from the water softener unit. This is typically done with a salt-based solution, which helps to break down the mineral deposits and flush them out of the system. Regeneration can be performed manually or automatically, depending on the type of water softener unit you have. Automatic regeneration is generally the more convenient option, as it does not require you to remember to perform the process on a regular basis. However, manual regeneration may be necessary if your water softener unit is not working properly.

Continue below to learn more about water softener regeneration, including the difference between manual and automatic regeneration.

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Regeneration Cycles in Water Softeners

Water softener regeneration is the process of removing hardness-causing minerals from the water.Most water softeners regenerate at night, during periods of low water usage. This is because the process of regeneration uses a lot of water and can cause disruptions in service if done during peak hours. The specific time that your water softener regenerates will be set by your local water company or plumber.

The two most common methods for regenerating a water softener are manual and automatic:

Manual regeneration involves manually initiating the process by adding salt to the unit. This method is often used when water hardness is not too high, and the unit does not need to be regenerated too often.

Automatic regeneration is initiated by a timer or controller, which begins the process automatically based on preset intervals. This method is often used when water hardness is high, and the unit needs to be regenerated more frequently.

Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons to both manual and automatic regeneration. Manual regeneration is typically less expensive and easier to do, but it requires more frequent attention. Automatic regeneration is more expensive and may require more maintenance, but it is more convenient and often provides better results.

When choosing a water softener regeneration method, it is important to consider the type of water hardness, the frequency of use, and the budget. Whichever method is chosen, regular maintenance and attention will be required to keep the unit functioning properly. Speak with a professional Indianapolis water softening company for advice on which type is best for your home or business.

Hard Water Treatment

If you have hard water, you may notice that your plumbing fixtures and appliances are covered in a white, powdery substance. This is called lime scale, and it is caused by the high concentration of minerals in your water. While lime scale is not harmful to your health, it can cause significant damage to your plumbing system and reduce the efficiency of your appliances. A water softener unit can help to remove the minerals from your water, which will prevent lime scale from forming. Be sure your water softener remains in good condition with routine maintenance and regular care.

Are you interested in speaking to a licensed professional to learn more about water softeners and your soft water needs? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation for saltless water softeners in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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