How Does a Water Softener Work?

You are probably aware of the benefits of having softened water in your home but have you ever wondered what goes on in that water softener unit you have plumbed in under your sink? We have touched on the science side of things in previous blogs but you may be interested in the actual mechanics of your water softener. So how does a water softener work?

Water softener design

Although water softeners can differ in design, they all share the same characteristics:

The service cycle

This is when the water softener is producing softened water. During this cycle, hard water from the mains enters the control valve and is sent down through the resin bed where the hardness minerals are removed. The newly softened water then travels up through a tube and out to the rest of the house’s water supply.

The regeneration cycle

Regeneration is the process of flushing through the resin beads so that the service cycle can start again. This is initiated by the control valve. Salty water (known as brine) is sucked up by the control valve and through the resin where it collects the hardness minerals and then flushes them down the drain. The regeneration process is the reason why you need to add salt to your water softener.

We are always happy to answer any qusetions that you may have so if you would like to find out more on how does a water softener work, please get in touch!