A water softener works through a process called ion exchange. The water softener contains resin beads with a negative charge. When the brine solution, made from salt, is run through the resin beads, the positively charged sodium ions in the brine solution replace the calcium and magnesium ions in the water. This exchange removes the hardness-causing minerals from the water, resulting in softened water. The sodium ions are then flushed out during the regeneration process, and the resin beads are ready to soften the water again.

A water softener can remove dissolved minerals, such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and radium by replacing them with sodium chloride or potassium chloride. People with certain health issues need to be aware of the extra sodium that a water softener can add to the water. Additionally, using a water softener may cause your water to be corrosive which can be a health concern if you have copper or lead pipes.

Note: The most important advice we can provide you is if you are going to add treatment to your home water system, be sure the treatment device has been certified to remove iron by an independent third-party certification organization.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. They will provide specific guidelines on installation, operation, and maintenance. It is very important to understand how your specific model regenerates, what type and amount of salt is recommended, how to clean your resin and brine tanks, and how to perform tasks such as cleaning and replacing filters, inspecting valves and connections, and checking for any signs of leaks or issues.

If you have any problems, consult with a water treatment professional-we would recommend contacting one who has been certified through the Water Quality Association’s Professional Certification Program.

If you are noticing signs of hard water, such as mineral deposits on dishes and glassware, it is recommended that you test your water before and after it passes through water softener. Compare the two results to see if the hardness decreases and the salt increases, which indicates that the softener is working. In addition to testing, you can also monitor the salt usage. If you begin using more or less salt that can indicate a problem with your water softener. Also, check to see if the resin has been covered with iron, sediment, or another contaminant, or fouled. Resin fouling will lead to a decrease in water softener performance. Make sure you consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific water softener model for more detailed guidance on how to determine if your water softener is functioning correctly.

How do I know what kind of treatment option I should install on my well? Private Well Class.

Home Water Softening. 2019. Minnesota Department of Health.

Purchasing and Maintaining a Water Softener. Energy.gov