How water softeners work
The process whereby hardness minerals are removed from your water is described below:
- Water flows through the resin bed.
- As water flows through the ion exchange resin, hardness minerals (Calcium & Magnesium) are attracted to the resin and are removed from the water.
- Eventually, the resin reaches its capacity and the resin must be cleaned. (This process is called “regeneration”.)
- The control valve initiates the “cleaning process”, based on gallons used (not time).
- During the cleaning process, brine water flows through the resin and the hardness minerals become attached to the sodium in the brine water.
- After a period of time, the resin is rinsed so no salt will get into your water.
