Water softeners work on the principle of "ion exchange". "Ions" are electircally charged atoms or groups of atoms. Tiny beads of plastic (called resin) inside a water softener mineral tank are surrounded by ions of sodium or potassium which have a weak magnetic attraction to the resin. Calcium and/or magnesium ions (hardness) have a stronger magnetic attraction to the resin than the sodium or potassium.

A water softener removes calcium, magnesium, lime, and iron from supply water. By removing these minerals, you eliminate buildup in pipes, on fixtures, and in your RV water heater.

Hardness is removed by a process called "ion exchange." Hardness-causing particles and debris are positively charged. The water runs through the resin system, which has millions of negatively charged sites. As the water flows past these sites, calcium, rock, iron and magnesium attach to the sites and are "bumped off."

Consumers so inclined can purchase simple water hardness test kits at pool supply stores and most hardware stores.

Our standard installation is quick and unobtrusive. Once installed, you can forget about it except for adding salt as required. In most cases our standard domestic installation method is suitable for most households. If there are any difficulties we can advise you about this when we carry out the survey. But rest assured ... we usually have a way to get round any problems.

The most common water softening method is called "ion exchange.” Put simply, this type of softening is a process where calcium and magnesium (the minerals that make water hard) ions are exchanged for sodium ions. This exchange takes place in a "resin bed" made up of a tiny bead-like material. The beads have a negative charge and attract and hold positively charged ions such as sodium.

Yes, if the iron is still in solution ( it has not been oxidized ). How much it can remove depends on the size resin tank of your softener. The more iron in the water, the larger the resin tank needs to be to remove all the iron. E-mail us for advice on your situation.

Hardness is a measure of the amount of calcium and magnesium minerals in water. Groundwater typically has a higher mineral content than surface water. A high concentration of minerals in the water can make it hard to lather, hence the term “hard water.” Soft water, on the other hand, has a low concentration of minerals, and requires extra rinsing to remove soap. Our water is moderately soft, with 65 milligrams per liter of hardness.

If you are connected to a municipal supply, call the water Superintendent, or City Hall. They can either provide the answer, or direct you to the proper individual. Remember the conversion factor: it takes 17.1 PPM to equal 1 GPG. In other words, if your water has 171 PPM calcium in it, divide 171 by 17.1 to get the answer in grains. This example would be 10 grains, or GPG.

Hard water is caused by calcium and magnesium minerals that are dissolved in water. Hard water interferes with laundering, dishwashing, bathing, and personal grooming. Soap and hard water form deposits that are difficult to remove. Hard water also affects appliances. For example, scale can build up in water heaters, causing them to malfunction. Water is softened by passing it through a water softener, which removes calcium and magnesium salts.

Depends on your water usage and hardness level. In a typical household it will regenerate every 2-7 days.