Water softener resin is a key component of water softening systems that remove magnesium and calcium ions from hard water. It comes in two types and typically lasts 20 years. If a water softener fails, it’s usually not the resin’s fault.
A water softener system is often an integral part of homes that have particularly hard water that can stain sinks and break down appliances over time. It’s generally not necessary, but it’s preferable to many who don’t want to risk water spots and possibly clogged pipes. There are a few major parts to this type of system, and water softener resin is one of the most important. Indeed, it is the main component of the system and is largely responsible for softening the water. It works by filtering out some unwanted impurities.
Water softener resin makes hard water softer by removing magnesium and calcium ions from the water that is fed into the tank. It plays an important role in each of the three processes that help make water soft. The resin is typically in the form of beads which carry a negative charge and are stored in the mineral tank in most water softeners.
To start the process, the resin is saturated with sodium ions. The water from the pipes then passes through the resin inside the mineral tank and the magnesium and calcium ions attach to the resin. Meanwhile, the sodium in the resin of the water softener mixes with the hydrogen in the water.
The next stage also involves the resin in a major role, except this time it’s inverted. The task of the resin in this phase is to eliminate the magnesium and calcium ions that it has previously captured, and to retain the sodium ions that it eliminated in the first phase. Finally, in the third stage, part of the water is transferred to another tank, called brine, where it is rinsed and mixed with salt.
There are two main types of water softener resin. The fine mesh resin can trap a myriad of minerals such as iron, which other types of resin often escape. This type is usually used by those who draw water from wells. On the other hand, hi-cap resin is usually best for typical city homes, which is why it can be found in most water softening systems.
Water softener resin usually lasts about 20 years. If a water softener fails to soften your water, it’s usually not the resin that is to blame, unless it’s been changed over the years. Often, the mechanism of the salt and the general softener must first be examined to determine the problem. If none of these are the problem, it may be time to see if the water softener resin needs replacing.
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