Water Softening 101: How It Works and Why You Need It
Everything You Need to Know
Hard water is a common challenge in many parts of the UK, especially right here in our Colchester base! Hard water can cause limescale build-up and reduced efficiency of appliances, leading to all kinds of issues. Luckily for you, we are here to help! Our water softening systems are a truly effective solution. So, let’s see how we can make your hard water problems a thing of the past.
Everything You Need to Know
Water is essential to life, and we consume and use it every day. However, in its natural state, it can be a real breeding ground for all kinds of diseases – some of which can have a truly devastating impact. From e-coli to Legionnaires’ disease, contaminated water can be the root cause of many outbreaks. That’s where we come in!
Understanding Water Hygiene Treatment
Our treatment services begin with us conducting a full risk assessment. This is so we can evaluate whether suitable control measures are in place. Then, we will test your water to see if any harmful organisms are present. Once we have a clear picture of what is going on with the water on your site, we will be able to put together a plan of action. This will be tailored to your needs, giving you a swift and effective solution.
What Is Hard Water?
First of all, what is hard water? Well, it’s water that contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals enter water supplies as rainwater passes through limestone and chalk. There are no direct health risks of drinking hard water, and if you live in an area where it is common you wouldn’t know any different! However, hard water can have an effect in other ways. Some of the biggest problems associated with it are:
• Limescale will build up in everything from kettles to boilers and entire plumbing systems. This can reduce efficiency and increase energy costs.
• Hard water reacts with soap to produce less lather, meaning you will need to use more soap to get the same results.
• Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters all have shorter lifespans when exposed to hard water.
• Hard water can leave your skin feeling dry and your hair looking dull. This can be particularly severe in people with skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
How Does Water Softening Work?
Water softening will see us remove the calcium and magnesium ions from water, transforming your hard water into soft water! The most common method involves an ion exchange process. We pass the water through a synthetic resin, and this absorbs the calcium and magnesium ions by exchanging them for sodium ions.
When the resin is exhausted, we will recharge it with sodium ions by rinsing it with a brine solution – otherwise known as sodium chloride. The calcium and magnesium ions that we removed are flushed out during this regeneration process.
When ion exchange cannot be used, we can utilise other forms of water softening. These include:
• Antiscalant chemicals
• Nano filtration
• De-mineraliser
• Dealk
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Needs
Selecting the right water softening solution depends on factors like water hardness and what you are using your water for. The size and location of your property can also have a big influence. We will carry out a thorough assessment to see which service is best suited to your needs.
With years of experience to our name and a friendly, dedicated team, we are here to provide expert support throughout the entire process. There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to water softening, and we are here to deal with all your queries.
Talk to Us
Hard water is a widespread issue, but that doesn’t mean that you have to put up with it! Get in touch with us today, and we will be able to draw up a plan of action to soften the water in your premises!