Your water heater is one of the most significant investments in your home. Keeping it in proper condition for an extended period is essential to get the most out of your heater.
One of the things that will reduce your heater’s life is hard water. This type of water carries an excess of calcium and magnesium ions, contributing to the buildup of scale in water heaters. The scale accumulation increases your heater’s energy consumption and decreases its efficiency and longevity.
Here are some water softening methods to help you combat scale buildup.
Salt-Free Softeners
De-scaling softeners use nanotechnology filtering media, which changes the molecular structure of water to make it non-scale building. Water softened through de-scaling also helps to get rid of existing scale buildup in your plumbing system. Salt-free softeners require less regular maintenance compared to other systems and do not waste water through regeneration.
Ion-Exchange Systems
These systems replace the magnesium and calcium in your water with potassium or sodium and hydrogen. Sodium is the preferred softening choice since it is less expensive and more readily available compared to potassium. The potassium or sodium resin beads used to soften water undergoes regular flushing to refresh them after a certain period. This regeneration of the softener is the main drawback of the system since it wastes water.
Reverse Osmosis
This method not only softens your water but also purifies it. Reverse osmosis involves removal of minerals in an osmotic membrane chamber with tiny pores which only allow passage of water molecules. Magnesium and calcium ions are left behind, and soft and pure water is produced.
Millions of households face a myriad of plumbing issues due to hard water. The above softeners will protect not only your heater but also your entire home plumbing system. Get a qualified plumber to evaluate your water supply and plumbing system and advise you on the best softening method for your home.