The softening process does add some sodium or potassium to the conditioned water. The following chart shows approximately how much sodium or potassium is added to one quart of conditioned water based on the amount of feed water hardness. For comparison, (2) slices of white bread contain approximately 278 milligrams of sodium and (2) cups of milk contain approximately 226 milligrams of sodium. One large banana contains approximately 600 milligrams of potassium.

It all depends on the hardness of the raw water. The following table shows the additional amount of sodium consumed by drinking one quart of softened water.

Yes. Any CUNO water softener may use either Potassium or Sodium Chloride as a re-generant without changing settings. This is of special interest to anyone on a sodium-free or low sodium diet.

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Absolutely not! The amount of sodium that is produced by a water softener is miniscule in comparison to your daily allowance for sodium intake. For a further in depth look about sodium and water softeners or if you are on a sodium-restricted diet or therapy click here.

Example: if the water hardness is 20 grains per gallon, the softener will add 150 milligrams of sodium to each quart of water. That is equivalent to eating one slice of white bread a day.

Water is softened or conditioned by replacing hard ions such as magnesium and calcium with softer sodium or potassium ions. Water softeners must be regenerated regularly, renewing their ability to remove hardness from water.

It is suggested that a person first try using a quarter cup at first instead of a cup or more. The general rule is use as little soap as possible at first, and gradually increase the amount until you have a sufficient amount.

Softened water uses sodium ions to replace calcium in the water supply. With time, it will kill just about any houseplant. It is better to use distilled or unsoftened water. Those cottony spots could be cottony cushion scale. If their numbers are small, you can swab them off with insecticidal soap or alcohol-dipped cotton swab. If the numbers are too high, you need to turn to a systemic insecticide.

The savings provided by a water softener will produce a return on investment within two to four years, but there are also many hidden benefits: Removal of existing scale from your hot water tank and associated pipe work - save on repairs and maintenance. Sinks, taps, toilets, shower screens and bathrooms will remain scale free - no more ugly white stains to wash off. Up to 75% reduction of soaps and detergents - use only one tablespoon of washing powder for your washing machine.

Softening water requires an ion exchange process be employed to remove the hardness ions (calcium and magnesium) from the water. These ions are dissolved in water and can not be trapped by filtration. Filtered water involves separating mineral particles like precipitated iron and organic matter from water. As water passes through a filter media, particles, which may vary in different size, are trapped, and only clean water passes through to service

The lack of hardness in your water is altering the taste of the water. If you find that you want to change the taste of your drinking water to eliminate this taste, we recommend a Reverse Osmosis system.

If the hardness level of the raw (untreated) water is high so to as a general rule will be the sodium level of the treated water. This water treated water could harm grass and hinder plant growth. Also using softened water on outside plants and shrubs is wasteful. Many people simply by-pass one or more of their outside spigots for outside watering. This can be done when the system is installed.

If you're not convinced by the evidence of your own eyes that hard water damages everything it touches and increases your heating bills, we will happily bring you a free sample of softened water and we'll be pleased to answer any other questions you may have. This offer, which is limited to households within our normal installation area, is absolutely free with no obligation and no hidden strings. But we know that when you experience softened water, you will want it all the time.

Very little. In most cases, you'll find less sodium in a quart of conditioned water than in a slice of bread. If your doctor recommends a sodium-free diet, a reverse osmosis drinking water unit can reduce the total sodium content to near zero.

Calcium, magnesium and potassium are added for taste. At the levels used, they do not provide any nutritional benefits.

Many eczema sufferers do find that softened water is beneficial. Due to the complexity of eczema it is impossible to quantify why soft water helps but several reports suggest the following: Water softeners eliminate soap curd and result in a cleaner lather that is kind to skin, thus reducing dryness and itching When washing clothes in softened water, the amount of soap powder can be greatly reduced. Also, pure soap products can be used in preference to detergents.