How to Use Water Softeners & Conditioners
Water softeners and conditioners (the terms are used interchangeably) both do the same thing. They work to remove minerals from the water that cause build-up in the pipes of elements such as magnesium and calcium. There minerals also react badly with soap, causing soap scum and making it hard for soap to lather. Water softeners remove these ions and replace them with sodium ions. Using a water softener or conditioner is a simple matter of adjusting the system's settings and maintaining it. Read the steps below to learn how. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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How to Use Water Softeners & Conditioners
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1
Understand how it works. Water softeners have three parts: The mineral tank, which is where the magnesium and calcium are removed and the salt replaces them, the brine tank, which is where the salt is stored, and the control valve, which is how the flow of water is controlled. The water enters the valve, then the mineral tank. Salt is added to the water when it enters the mineral tank.
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2
Choose the size you want. Water softeners (or conditioners) are actually small appliances. They come in two sizes and styles: Cabinet and two-tank. The two-tank system is largest and is used for larger water flows. Most residential homes use the cabinet style.
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3
Have the system installed. This should be done only by a professional plumber, as the system is directly attached to the main water pipes in your home.
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4
Set the water softener frequency (some call this the recharge cycle). This can be as little as once per week or as often as once every two days. It depends on how much water you use, which your plumber can tell you. On average, a family of four will need the cycle to be set for every three days. Some systems have a setting where it will sense how hard the water is and adjust the cycle accordingly.
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5
Set the water softener clock. This is the time of day you want the cycle to occur. It is best to set it for when the plumbing will not be used by any other appliances. Most systems come with the clock pre-set for 2:00 am.
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Set the salt dosage. This tells you how many pounds of salt will be used each time the water cycles through.The amount of salt used depends on how hard your water is, which your plumber can tell you. Five pounds is average for a four-person household.
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7
Check the brine tank once per month to make sure it has enough salt. Refill when needed. Periodically clean the tank if it gets dirty, as salt often has tiny amounts of dirt in it.
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Tips & Warnings
Make filling the brine tank part of your "first day of the month" routine, so you don't forget to check it.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit www.pwgazette.com
