The Benefit of Electronic Water Softeners

Well if you are surprised with the popularity of electric water softeners you don’t need to be as they are gaining more and more popularity with every passing day thanks to the advantages they provide to their consumers. It is the use of technology that has made them more popular and preferable as compared to traditional salt based water softeners. The use of electromagnetic waves instead of salts allows them to perform their work amazingly and accurately. Also these are the devices that don’t require maintenance and you will not have to bear continuous salt which is something for sure to release a lot of pressure from your pocket.

They are the type of water softeners that usually comes with a warranty of 5 to 20 years and does not require as much maintenance as you need to give to other traditional softeners. All you need to do is to get them installed and they are all set to operate.

There are also many magnetic type softeners which are available in the market today. What makes them so popular is their ability of being flow independent. With magnetic type softeners you needed to make sure that the water lines are refitted and the flow of the water is slow enough just to make sure that the ions are regularly mixed up.

This however is not the case with the electric type water softeners. They only get installed at one particular portion of the pipe which ensures that you will not have to maintain or refit your water pipe lines. This procedure is a lot more less costly compared to their magnetic counterparts.

Technology has really advanced as there are now also electric water softeners that are available in the market which are even programmed to send varying electromagnetic pulses, which play an important role to soften the existing balance in your water pipes.

They are programmed to work such as they will travel through your pipes and will balance the amount of precipitates that needs to be there in your water. They indeed make sure you get a great and a whole lot more efficient water flow in your whole water pipe system.

You may hesitate to get them installed because of the fear that they might effect other electromagnetic appliances in your home but don’t worry they don’t do so as they only operate in a very limited and specified range just to ensure this doesn’t happen.

by Sarah Korf

What is the difference between a WATER CONDITIONER and WATER SOFTENER?

The purpose of this article is to clarify different terms which consumers come across when buying water treatment products. The terms Water Softening and Water Conditioning are used interchangeably in the industry and do cause some confusion.

First of all you should know what is Hard Water?
Hard water is the most common problem found in the average home. Hard water is typically defined as water having more than 1 GPG (grains per gallon) of dissolved minerals in it, generally consisting of calcium, magnesium carbonate, and/or manganese.

Now you have to know why there is need to soften up water.
Soft water greatly reduces the scaling of pipes, faucets, and bath fixtures, and reduces spotting of glasses, dishes and flatware. Soft water also helps detergent clean your clothes better, while making your clothes last longer too! You can reduce your laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, hand soap and shampoo to half what you would normally use, not to mention soft water is much more pleasant to wash with, leaving less soap scum on you, and your tub/shower.

Now let’s talk about how Water Softener works. A water softener is used to soften up “hard” water. As stated above, water is hard when it contains hard minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and ferrous iron ion. The softener operates using an “ion exchange” process. When hard water contacts the cation resin beads, by passing through the softener mineral tank which have soft sodium/potassium ions attached to them, an ion exchange process takes place with the hard mineral ions, (normally calcium and/or magnesium), and during this contact, simply trade places with the soft sodium/potassium ions. This reduces the “hardness ions” of the water exiting the softener making your water “soft”.

Water filters differ from softeners in that filters are made to remove suspended solids, chlorine, pesticides and some iron bacteria. A filter will not remove dissolved solids, such as the minerals responsible for hard water.

Water Conditioning is a slightly different process. It works in much the same way as water softeners. It helps soften up water but instead of exchanging ions, it changes the crystallization process of magnesium and calcium. Basically, the claim is that these units change the electric charge of the hard water mineral molecules that are dissolved in the water. By supposedly changing the electric charge of the molecules, this causes the hard water minerals not to “stick” to whatever it comes in contact with, such as pipes, water heating elements, bath fixtures and faucets. As these units do not remove any minerals that cause hard water stains and buildup, we can’t say about their effectiveness.

All in all, it is necessary that the customer should be aware of the differences and make the choice wisely knowing the process and all the facts.

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by Lance Cheung

Hard Water – Is Yours Temporary or Permanent?

Although it may not be common knowledge, there can actually be a difference between the type of hard water that is supplied to homes throughout the world – water can have a ‘temporary’ or ‘permanent’ hardness. There are also common types of hard water depending on the ion (eg. magnesium or calcium) found in the water, which can cause different types of hard water stains and limescale formation.

Temporary Hardness

Temporary hardness is hardness that can be removed by boiling or by the addition of lime (calcium hydroxide). It is caused by a combination of calcium ions and bicarbonate ions in the water. By boiling the water, it promotes the formation of carbonate from the bicarbonate and will precipitate calcium carbonate (the limescale) out of solution, leaving water that is less hard after it has cooled.

When it has been heated, less carbon dioxide is able to dissolve into the water. Since there is not enough carbon dioxide around, the reaction cannot take place, and therefore the calcium carbonate will not “dissolve” as readily. Instead, the reaction is forced to re-establish equilibrium, and the solid calcium carbonate is formed. Heating water will remove hardness as long as the limescale that precipitates out is removed. After cooling, if enough time passes the water will pick up carbon dioxide from the air and the reaction will again proceed, allowing the calcium carbonate to “redissolve” in the water.

Permanent Hardness

Permanent hardness is hardness (mineral content) that cannot be removed by boiling. When this is the case, it is usually caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium sulphates and/or chlorides in the water, which become more soluble as the temperature rises. Despite the name, the hardness of the water can be easily removed using a water softener, or ion exchange column.

Hard Water Testing

If you are on a municipal water system, and would like to find out the hardness of the water to your home, the water supplier can tell you the hardness level of the water they deliver. If you have a private water supply, you can have the water tested for hardness. There are several different scales used to describe the hardness of water in different contexts.

The precise mixture of minerals dissolved in the water, together with the water’s acidity or alkalinity (pH) and temperature will determine the behaviour of the hardness, so single number on a scale does not give a full description. Descriptions of hardness correspond roughly with ranges of mineral concentrations:

Soft: 0 – 20 mg/L as calcium

Moderately soft: 20 – 40 mg/L as calcium

Slightly hard: 40 – 60 mg/L as calcium

Moderately hard: 60 – 80 mg/L as calcium

Hard: 80 – 120 mg/L as calcium

Very Hard: >120 mg/L as calcium

As a guide, 60% of the UK and 85% of the US population live in a hard water area, which can cause stubborn hard water stains on fixtures and fittings. Most water softener companies will be able to supply you with a free water testing kit. Once you’ve tested your water supply, the hardness of your water will be reported in grains per gallon, milligrams per liter (mg/l) or parts per million (ppm). One grain of hardness equals 17.1 mg/l or ppm of hardness.

Related Hard Water Solutions Articles

by US Army Africa

Hard Water – Get Rid Of It Using One Simple Device

It can be very cost effective to soften hard water, as it does not readily form lather with soap. This causes the soap to be wasted when trying to form lather, and as a result a scum can form. Hard water may be easily treated to reduce the effects of scaling and to make it more usable for laundry and bathing.

The Process

A water softener works on the idea of cation or ion exchange in which ions of the hardness minerals are exchanged for sodium or potassium ions, consequently reducing the concentration of hardness minerals to tolerable levels.

One of the most economical ways to soften household water is with an ion exchange water softener. This unit uses table salt (sodium chloride) to recharge beads made up of the ion exchange resin that exchange hardness mineral ions for sodium ions. As the hard water passes in between and around the beads, the hardness mineral ions are absorbed, displacing the sodium ions. This process is called ion exchange.

When the bead or sodium zeolite has a low concentration of sodium ions left, it is no longer effective, and therefore is unable to soften water. However, if the resin is recharged by flushing (often back-flushing) with saltwater it can be re-used. The high excess concentration of sodium ions alter the equilibrium between the ions in solution and the ions held on the surface of the resin, resulting in replacement of the hardness mineral ions on the resin with sodium ions. After this the resulting saltwater and mineral ion solution must then rinsed away, and the resin is ready to start the process all over again. This cycle can be repeated over and over to re-charge the device.

In industry, the same softening process methods are used, but on a much larger scale. These methods create an large amount of salty water that is costly dispose of. Temporary hardness, caused by hydrogen carbonate (or bicarbonate) ions, can be removed by boiling. For example, calcium hydrogen carbonate, often present in temporary hard water, is boiled in a kettle to remove the hardness. In the process, a scale forms on the inside of the kettle in a process known as “furring of kettles”. This scale is composed of calcium carbonate.

Hardness can also be reduced with a lime-soda ash treatment. In 1841, a process was developed by Thomas Clark that involves the addition of slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) to a hard water supply which converts the hydrogen carbonate hardness to carbonate, which precipitates and can be removed by filtration:

The addition of sodium carbonate also softens hard water containing calcium sulphate, as the calcium ions form calcium carbonate which precipitates out and sodium sulphate is formed which is soluble. The calcium carbonate formed sinks to the bottom, and the sodium sulphate has no effect on the hardness of water.

As you can see there are some relatively simple ways to eradicate hard water from your water supply, as well as the hard water stains that it causes. The processes have been around for a long time in some cases, and are available to use to stop the negative effects that having hard water in your home can bring.

Warm Regards,

Patrick Henry

HardWaterStainsTips

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by infomatique

Hard Water Stains – Cheap Ways to Remove Them From Your Kitchen

Hard water stains in the kitchen can be very tough to remove with ordinary cleaners. However, with the right approach they are easily eliminated from glasses, bowls, tea pots and kettles.

As you may already know, elbow grease is a poor weapon in the fight against lime scale, but with some basic chemistry knowledge you will be able to will dissolve those annoying hard water stains and remove them from your kitchen items in no time at all.

Abrasives may scour off stains, but if used regularly, harsh abrasives will gradually scratch the finish of glasses and bowls as well as other kitchen items causing unwanted damage. Coarse abrasives will also damage plastic, glass, plated and highly polished metals. Chlorine bleach can help remove stains, however, it can dull shiny finishes of porcelain enamel surfaces.

Acids also have an ability to remove hard water deposits and are typically found in toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers, metal cleaners and kitchen/bathroom cleaners that remove mineral deposits. However, there are some natural acids all around your home that can be easily used to get rid of hard water stains and limescale. They have been used for centuries for a variety of different purposes, but are also great for removing stubborn stains. These natural solutions are white vinegar and lemon juice…see below for some really simple ways of using them to remove stains from common kitchen items.

Natural Formula to Use:

Equal parts white vinegar and water, plus squeeze of lemon juice

Methods to Use:

Glasses and Bowls:

1. Make up enough solution to cover the cookware

2. Allow to soak for 15 minutes to one hour

3. Rinse thoroughly

Cookware:

1. Make up enough solution to cover the cookware

2. Allow to soak for 30 minutes to one hour

3. Rinse thoroughly

Teapots and Kettles:

1. Make up enough solution to cover the base of the teapot or elements of the kettle

2. Allow to soak for 20 minutes to one hour

3. Rinse thoroughly

Tip:

If the hard water stains and limescale are still present after soaking, try heating up the solution on a hob to aid the removal.

Warm Regards,

Patrick Henry

HardWaterStainsTips

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Has the hard water in your dishwasher been leaving your dishes and glassware cloudy? Thankfully, you don’t have to buy a new dishwasher, you just need an inexpensive additive. Jerry from Famous Tate Appliance & Bedding Centers explains how to get your cloudy dishes spotless again!

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by BigA888

Magnetic Water Conditioner

Magnetism is a mysterious phenomenon to most people, and even many of us who have taken a few courses in college physics often don’t feel we really “understand” it. In the 19th century, hucksters and scam artists were taking advantage of the public’s ignorance of magnetism by offering fraudulant magnetic products to treat everything from baldness to impotence, and an even wider variety of magical wonders are being hawked over the Internet nowadays.

There is a long history of the promotion of magnets to alleviate the “hardness” of mineral-containing waters, and particularly to control the deposition of scale in teapots, plumbing systems, evaporators, and boilers. There are now a large variety of devices on the market that claim to reduce scale deposition, and some claim to “soften” the water as well. The earlier devices mostly employed permanent magnets, but many now use alternating magnetic or electrostatic fields. The magnetic field surrounds the pipe at some point and penetrates it from all sides. This obviously limits its use to non-ferrous pipes such as copper or plastic.

Magnetic water conditioners designed for home use are relatively new. Most of what is available for the home can be purchased through independent distributors. Magnetic water conditioning systems are rarely available in home improvement stores or plumbing supply shops.

Conditioning water through a strong, focused magnetic field is a form of magnetically induced ionisation (IMI) known as Magnetohydrodynamics. Without the magnetic field chemical complexes contained within the water break down leaving minerals free to attract and bond to adjacent surfaces.
When the complexes are broken down in the magnetic field they take on a charge and act as crystalline centres that allow them to remain in suspension instead of forming crusts on the surfaces.

The theory behind magnetic water conditioner is to pass the flow of water in the pipes through a magnetic field. This allegedly changes the electrical charge of the ions in the hard water so that the minerals cannot form lime scale.

Does magnetic water soften the water? No, the essential natural minerals are still in the water but are held in suspension. It is because of this that most people say the conditioned water ‘feels’ softer. Less detergent and soap is needed and often the film on the water surface is reduced. Although, water that has been treated magnetically is completely drinkable. Traditional methods using salt leave sodium in the water, which makes it unhealthy for people with high blood pressure.

Still, there is no scientific consensus about the mechanism of how magnetic water conditioners might work. This is not surprising; the entire process by which ions form precipitation nuclei is poorly understood. The results have been mixed. Hopefully, the technology will be perfected and in the future, water conditioners will be available that are environmentally friendly and inexpensive.

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Dishwasher Tips – Top Ideas to Prevent Hard Water Build-Up That Increase Efficiency

Hard water supplied to your home can have a serious effect on household appliances – especially dishwashers which can accumulate a hard water scum or limescale film on the elements. This can increase household bills dramatically, as well as effecting the life of the dishwasher itself.

Fortunately there are some techniques that have been proven to work which will save you time and money maintaining your dishwasher. If you follow these steps you’ll be guaranteed the great performance from your dishwasher and reduced energy bills!

One easy way is to add a solution of white vinegar to a complete cycle periodically. This should keep your dishwasher fresh and ensure food soils are broken down and washed away during the washing cycle. Combined with the very hot water and the mechanical action of the dishwasher, white vinegar ensures a high standard of cleanliness than could be achieved by hand washing. As a result, harmful bacteria that might otherwise remain unseen on dishes are destroyed.

Other top dishwasher tips:

Use the 50°C to 55°C or lower temperature programs instead of high temperature programs when running your dishwasher. It could save you 84kWh in power and save you hundreds of dollars on electricity bills. Load dishes according to the dishwasher manufacturers instructions to allow for proper water circulation. Check and clean drains and filters regularly to ensure efficient operation. Take a few minutes to check in the machine users guide for the most efficient program according to the size or type of load in your dishwasher.

By performing these regular tasks, you will ensure that your dishwasher remains free of hard water build-up that can cause serious problems with your appliance. It will reduce the need for hard water deposit removal from your dishes and cutlery and save you time and money in the long run.

by badlyricpolice

Water Conditioners – The Environmentally Friendly and Low Cost Solution to Combat Hard Water

Have you ever traveled to another part of the US and noticed a difference in how your skin and hair felt after showering?  Depending on where you are in the country, you may find yourself using more cleanser than you’re accustomed to. For more than 85% of American homes, this is the reality of living with hard water – the hardest occurring in the Southwest region of the country including southern California. Hard water in simple terms means it has a high mineral content, with calcium and magnesium dissolved in water being the two most common minerals that make water “hard.” The degree of hardness becomes greater as the calcium and magnesium content increases.

While hard water is not a health risk, it is important to pay attention to how hard your water is for many reasons. Hard water causes scaling, which is the leftover mineral deposits that are formed after hard water has evaporated. This is also known as limescale. The scale can clog pipes, ruin water heaters, produce mineral buildup on fixtures and give you poor soap and/or detergent performance. On an industrial scale, hard water should be avoided as it can cause costly breakdowns in boilers, cooling towers, and other equipment that comes in contact with water. Hard water can also have a significant impact on your wallet. Here’s just a few hard water problems you may have experienced:

* The need for continuous laundering, which can damage fibers and shorten the life of clothes by up to 40 percent.

* Bathing with soap in hard water leaves a film of sticky soap curd on the skin. The film may prevent removal of soil and bacteria.

* When washing dishes, especially in a dishwasher, hard water may cause spotting and/or leave a film.

* Hard water also contributes to inefficient and costly operation of water-using appliances.

* Pipes can become clogged with scale that reduces water flow and ultimately requires pipe replacement. Limescale has been known to increase energy bills by up to 25%

So what can you do to offset the unwanted effects of hard water? When looking for a hard water solution, it may be worth trying a water conditioner first as they will often be significantly cheaper than a water softener, and more environmentally friendly, since they use little to no water and energy in its process. Water conditioners come with a low purchase and installation cost (easy DIY install), in addition to a low running cost.

When looking at hard water solutions, water conditioners are a great alternative to water softeners. In softened water the calcium and magnesium content is replaced with sodium, increasing the sodium content of the water, potentially making it unsuitable for drinking. In conditioned water, the calcium ions remain suspended in the water as small particles, but their propensity to form limescale is reduced. Additionally, conditioned water has the added benefit of the calcium remaining in the water, which is a good dietary mineral.  Water conditioners help protect Reverse Osmosis units, eliminate harmful effects of hard water scale, improve plant growth, and makes soaps and detergents go further.  All good news for the maintenance of your home and ultimately your wallet!

Smarthome Product # 3260 – Remove scale build-up due to hard water – Works on both hot and cold water systems – Makes it asier to wipe clean ceramic, plastic, glass, and metal surfaces – Scaly crust or stains in toilets or under faucets will be significantly reduced – Use less soap, and remove scale from your pipes – continuously, automatically and for only about in electricity a year. Clearwave is the most advanced computerized anti-scale device available today. Its computer chip is programmed to bombard water passing through your pipe with over 200 different electromagnetic low frequency pulses. These electromagnetic pulses have been scientifically proven to increase the electromotive attraction potential of the water to mineral salts. The result is that the mineral salts (mainly calcium bicarbonate) stays dissolved in the water instead of converting to insoluble calcium carbonate and attaching itself to the inside of pipes as scale. Existing scale in pipes, water heaters, toilets and faucets begin to soften and dissolve away, as well. Recommended for dishwashers, washing machines, coffee makers, and boilers.
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The Right Water Softener Parts to Ease Purification

Living in areas that have only hard water, like in deserts, requires one to have water softening, or purifying units to make washing, bathing, and drinking a pleasant experience. This purification is not possible without the water softener parts. Although installing such a unit could be as easy as following the instructions in the reader’s manual, it is also necessary to involve someone with some knowledge in plumbing, and water supply. This could save you from encountering problems in the future.

After locating the right place where you are to install the unit, it is good to check for the main closing point of the water supply. Another requirement is the instruction manual, plus the right tools to do the actual work. If you have a problem comprehending the instructions, then inviting someone with the basic knowledge is necessary.

The water softener parts that make water purification easy are included below.

• Salt mixture is necessary to soften hard water. Sodium chloride and potassium chloride salts are available. Experts recommend the use of potassium chloride salt, but its important to use the only type of salt recommended by your machine manufacturers.

• Brine tank is the part of the machine that feeds salt into the tank that holds hard water. You are required to clean this tank often to keep off dirt from getting into the soft water.

• The softener resin bed is necessary. During the process of softening hard water, the salt that is used has to undergo the filtration process to collect soft water. The salt residue collects at this resin bed thus; it is necessary to clean it up from time to time.

• The machines are fitted with two pipes for delivering hard water into the machine, and the other one for delivering soft water from the machine into our houses.

• Mineral tank has a meter and timer, which are essential for checking the ion level. The control valves are also necessary for regulating the flow of water.

Having a good water softener unit allows you to enjoy clean drinking water and enhances good health. It is essential then to ensure that you put all the water softener parts in place and to maintain them well. This helps to make sure that the machine is able to function for a long time while you are still enjoying soft water. Replacing this brilliant machine could be very expensive so why not reduce the cost by simple maintenance.

It is of great importance to invite an expert to check your softener unit regularly. Some parts of the machine need a person with the right kind of knowledge to replace them. Purchasing the water softener parts is easy as one can place an order directly online. You do not have to worry anymore as it’s possible to have access to clean and soft water. Even when the water table at the place of residence can only produce what you dread the most, ‘hard water’ the water softener machines can ease the problem.

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by Kevin Krejci

HARD WATER SOLUTIONS GOING GREEN

HARD WATER SOLUTIONS GOING GREEN

 

89.3% of homes in the United States have issues with hard water, which refers to the dissolved mineral content of the water. Hard water can cause limescale, which is the left over mineral deposits in your water that build up in your pipes and appliances. Limescale build up contributes to the inefficiency of water-using appliances, which can significantly increase energy consumption.  According to the US Department of Energy, as little as 1/32” of scale build up on a hot water heater or boiler can cause a 10% increase in energy usage. A 1/4” of build up can increase costs upwards of 40%.  Limescale build up can also cause hot water heaters, swimming pool pumps and other appliances to prematurely stop working. Limescale can also clog pipes reducing the flow of water and can leave unsightly deposits on faucets, tile, toilet bowls and tubs.

 

Water hardness does depend on location, the source of the water and the water’s exposure to sub-surface rocks and limestone. Wells and aquifers typically have the hardest water, although it is not unheard of for some public water supplies to have hard water as well. There are several options for determining water hardness, whether it be contacting your local water company or purchasing a simple to use water quality test kit, like the one sold by www.amiservices.us

 

Treatments for addressing hard water are varied.  Often, the solutions of choice are the use of filters, water softening agents or ion exchange units, which use sodium chloride or potassium chloride. These treatments require regular monitoring and are costly due to need for maintenance and the use of consumable parts.  Additionally, these solutions should not be considered ecologically friendly due to concerns for the environmental impact from the use of chemicals and the discharge of brine water (sodium) into aquifers and accumulated waste in landfills from spent filters. 

 

Today, being ecologically sensitive and using green products has become of the utmost importance across the globe. Magnetic and electrical signal devices offer a far more environmentally friendly means of eliminating hard water deposits, as there is no salt or chemicals to affect the ground water or plant life.  AMI Services offers two such solutions for addressing hard water through the use of magnetic devices and devices that emit electrical signals directly into the water system.  The Magnetizer and the Hydrocare HC-38 prevent limescale and reduce the damage associated with limescale, extending the life of standard home appliances and hot water systems by naturally softening the water through reduced surface tension.  The Magnetizer and the Hydrocare HC-38 work on all types and sizes of pipes and installation for both is simple and do not require a plumber. Both are reliable, efficient and maintenance free with no consumable parts.  While both the Magnetizer and the HydroCare HC-38 reduce energy costs, it is the Magnetizer Hard Water Solution that is a truly ‘green’ product, as it requires no power to operate.    

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