what to look for in a water softner
Water softeners are cocky-cleaning. When the softening resin has absorbed as many difficult water minerals as information technology can, the system regenerates, flushing calcium and magnesium downwardly the drain while rejuvenating the resin bed.
How does this modern miracle work? Let's take a closer expect at how the magic happens.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
H2o softeners remove hardness minerals by swapping sodium ions for calcium and magnesium ions in a process known equally ion exchange. The resin bed has a negative charge and attracts minerals with a positive charge, trapping them in the resin tank — you lot tin read more than almost how a water softener works here.
When the resin chaplet are saturated, the control valve floods the resin tank with brine solution, breaking the electrical bonds betwixt the resin and minerals. Calcium and magnesium are swept abroad, and you enjoy softened water. Known equally regeneration, this procedure occurs in five distinct steps.
What Are the Five Stages in the Softener Regeneration Process?
The v stages of regeneration are:
#1 The Alkali Refill Cycle
The first phase of the regeneration process is the alkali refill wheel during which water flows into the brine tank creating a salt alkali solution.
With most modern water softeners, this begins lx-90 minutes earlier backwashing begins. With older models, the brine bike may be the concluding pace in the regeneration process. If your alkali tank always contains water, you lot have a so-chosen "wet" alkali tank organisation.
#two Backwashing
Next comes a short, preliminary rinse wheel. Water is directed up through the resin tank and out the bleed, flushing out whatsoever accumulated atomic number 26 or clay particles to improve resin efficiency.
#3 Brine Draw
Step three is the brine describe cycle during which saltwater solution flows from the brine tank into the resin tank through the brine valve. This brine rinse triggers the ion exchange process, replacing the difficult water minerals in the resin bed with sodium ions.
#4 Fast Rinse Bicycle
The fast rinse wheel sends mineral compounds and any remaining brine solution downward the drain, restoring the resin bed.
#5 Slow Rinse Cycle
Finally, a short wearisome rinse restores the normal direction of water flow and settles the resin beads back into their usual position. The service bicycle is now complete, and voila, you can now savor soft water.
Water Softener Regeneration Cycle FAQ's
How is the Regeneration Cycle Triggered?
H2o softeners have an electronic command valve that initiates regeneration in one of two means — on an owner-set schedule or based on your h2o usage. Known as "metered regeneration," the mod water softener estimates when the resin bed is saturated based on the h2o hardness levels programmed into the unit. It's a prepare-it-and-forget-it system.
Use-based regeneration cycles are more than efficient, conserving salt by regenerating the resin bed just as needed. Yous'll still, however, have the option to manually regenerate the system if necessary. The transmission regeneration process is as uncomplicated as pressing a button.
How Long Does the Regeneration Cycle Take?
It varies by model and menstruation charge per unit, but the regeneration procedure takes an average of 70-100 minutes.
Is H2o Available During the Regeneration Wheel?
Water is available during the regeneration bicycle, only information technology'south untreated. So, set your water softener to regenerate overnight to avoid any inconvenience. Well-nigh come factory preset to regenerate at ii AM, but you lot're in the driver's seat. If you're a night owl, ready it for noon.
Can I Tell When My Water Softener is Regenerating?
Regeneration cycles won't touch on water pressure, but the h2o softener will brand noise during regeneration — it's unavoidable. But how much you hear it depends on the model and where it'southward located.
Nigh modern water softeners are well-insulated and relatively quiet, but y'all may hear valves clicking and a whooshing sound as water flows through the resin tank during backwashing and the fast rinse cycle. Recall of information technology as a soft water symphony.
How Often Should a Water Softener Organization Regenerate?
A properly programmed and adequately sized water softener should regenerate every two-three days. Regular regeneration is vital to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria within the water softener arrangement. Only experience gratuitous to take a vacation — almost models will automatically regenerate once weekly regardless of water usage.
How Much H2o and Salt Should the Water Softener Regeneration Cycle Utilize?
The average water softener uses vi-viii pounds of salt or potassium chloride and 20-fifty gallons of water each time it regenerates. The amount varies based on hardness levels and the size of your system.
Troubleshooting the Water Softener Regeneration Cycle
Regeneration is an essential office of the softening process. It commonly functions like clockwork, merely occasionally, something goes awry. So, permit'southward examine the virtually common issues with the water softener regeneration process. The good news is that in about cases, you lot won't demand a plumber.
Your H2o Softener Is Not Regenerating
Adequate brine menses into the resin tank is essential for normal water softener performance. If your water softener has all of a sudden stopped regenerating, the alkali valve may exist clogged with hard minerals. Information technology'south a 2-minute fix with a soft toothbrush.
The Regeneration Process is Taking Too Long
If your water softener seems stuck in regeneration way, a decrease in catamenia rate or a chock-full valve may be the culprit.
Water softeners require a minimum period rate to regenerate properly. If your city water force per unit area has suddenly decreased or your well is putting out less water than usual because of a drought, information technology could slow the flow rate into your system and lengthen the regeneration process.
If the bicycle takes too long, a partially clogged Venturi valve — the valve that controls h2o flow into the resin tank — may also exist to blame. Annihilation that obstructs h2o flow between the brine tank and the resin tank will cause bike delays.
Your Water Softener Organisation is Regenerating Too Ofttimes
If you accept a new water softener that's regenerating more than often than it should, bank check the settings — the hardness level may be set too loftier. Metered regeneration depends on accurate input, and so make sure your settings reflect your h2o exam results.
If you didn't test your water, information technology's also possible your system isn't the right size. An undersized water softener volition constantly regenerate to go along upward with usage while an oversized organisation volition regenerate too often if the menstruum rate is too depression.
The Regeneration Bike Uses Too Much Salt
A clogged Venturi valve is often to blame for a common salt-hungry arrangement. If it doesn't produce plenty vacuum to pull out the recommended amount of water of out the brine tank, the water left backside dilutes the common salt content in the tank, making the softener call up it needs more. Clean the valve periodically with a soft toothbrush to maintain optimal performance.
Resin loss could besides exist a factor. Fifty-fifty the best water softener resin has a finite life span. If it'due south been ten or more than years since yous've replaced the resin beads or you lot take very hard water, information technology might be fourth dimension to furnish the resin bed. Alas, goose egg lasts forever.
Farther reading: Is my water softener using also much salt?
Final Thoughts
Understanding how and why your water softener regenerates is the key to its efficiency and your h2o quality. The water softener regeneration wheel is all that stands between you and the costly consequences of difficult water. For those looking into a new organisation, have a look at our latest guide.
yokoyamawhispiever.blogspot.com
Source: https://qualitywaterlab.com/softeners/water-softener-regeneration/
Post a Comment for "what to look for in a water softner"