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Hard vs Soft Water
Mineral deposits leech from hard water at rising rates as temperatures increase. When hard water comes into contact with surfaces scale forms creating an insulating barrier that will require far more energy to heat water when within water heaters or boilers. Water hardness and the resulting scale build up can result in as much as 20% decrease in efficiency as well as reduced water flow rates leading for decreased operation performance. Independent studies reveal that appliances can last up to 30% longer when operated in conjunction with a water softener.
Whenever hard water comes into contact with cleaning chemicals a film of residue results, this is the sticky substance referred to as soap curd., it leaves a residue behind on fabrics, rings on baths and films on taps and sinks.
Both commercially and within the household the use of softened water has its benefits, the decrease in detergents costs and need to use less wash power and liquid creates less damage to the environment and will save you money. Soft water will also slow the fading of fabrics and keep white fabrics whiter for longer.
In order for a water softener to remain operational sodium chloride is required for regeneration. The use of Sodium Chloride is the basis on which Water softeners work. Sodium within the softener eliminates the hardness minerals on the resin beads. The quantity of sodium required for this procedure to take place is entirely dependant on how hard the water is that’s being treated. In most cases the level of sodium in the end product is very minimal and so doesn’t have an impact on human dietary requirements.
If you are on a sodium restricted diet and additional salt intake is a concern then it is possible to bypass your water softener in order to create a drinking water line. Another option would be to install a Reverse Osmosis point of use filtration unit that would remove all sodium and all other minerals from the water completely.
Both residential and industrial water softeners save time and money, prolong the life of your operational equipment, reduce energy costs are environmentally friendly and reduce physical cleaning efforts. If you live or own a business that operates within a hard water area then why not start saving your money and equipment and consider having a water softener installed.
Industrial Water Equipment have an area guide to hard and soft water areas within the UK.