Water Softeners & Accessories
Do you have hard water in your home? If so, investing in a water softener and accessories is the perfect solution for reducing limescale build-up. It provides an effective way to soften that hard water while making it easier on your appliances and plumbing fixtures.
At Posh, we have an extensive array of water softeners and accompanying accessories that come in various sizes and features to suit your preferences and needs.
From basic water softeners to salt-free systems, our selection offers something for everyone. Plus, you can find all the accessories you need to optimise and maintain your water softeners system – such as cleaning kits, replacement filters, starters and additives.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is laden with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. Over time, these can accumulate in the plumbing system of your home as well as appliances resulting in clogged pipes and a decrease in hot water efficiency.
Moreover, hard water causes lime-scale to form on taps and basins, making them difficult to cleanse.
Determining whether you have hard water depends on local standards and regulations. You can get your water tested to determine if it is classified as being of ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ quality. Additionally, the area where you live can give an indication of the hardness of your water.
Different Components Of A Water Softener
A water softener consists of several components that work together to reduce the hardness of your water. Here are some of the most common components:
Mineral Tank
At the core of water softener systems is a mineral tank, which houses an array of tiny plastic beads known as zeolite. Zeolite has the remarkable ability to attract and filter out minerals like calcium and magnesium from incoming H2O sources.
This process is known as ‘ion exchange’, where hard minerals are exchanged for sodium ions. As the zeolite collects more minerals, it must be regenerated or replaced.
Brine Tank
The brine tank is an integral part of a water softener. It holds a solution of salt and water, known as ‘brine’, which is used to regenerate the zeolite during the ion exchange process.
The brine is drawn from the brine tank by the water softener’s motor when regeneration is required. After the ion exchange process is complete, the brine is flushed out of the mineral tank and into a drain.
Control Valve
The control valve is the heart and soul of a water softener. It commands when regeneration cycles should occur while controlling how much water travels through your system. By properly setting up this component, you can enjoy optimal performance from your unit.
It also monitors how often regeneration happens, as well as how much salt is used in the process. Different models of control valves offer varying levels of automation and control over the system.
How Does It Work?
A water softener works by exchanging hard minerals for sodium ions. Here's a simplified explanation of the process:
- Hard water enters the water softener system, passing through the mineral tank then the zeolites attract and remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the incoming water supply.
- The hard minerals are exchanged for sodium ions and stored in the zeolite beads, and as more minerals are collected, the zeolite must be regenerated or replaced.
- This brine is drawn into the system by the water softener's motor when regeneration is required.
- The brine enters the mineral tank and loosens any minerals that the zeolite beads have collected; then, the brine is flushed out of the mineral tank and into a drain.
- Once regeneration is complete, softened water is ready to be distributed throughout your home.
Benefits Of Having A Water Softener
Having a water softener provides a number of benefits. Here are some of the most common ones:
Reduced Limescale Build-Up
The minerals found in hard water can cause limescale to build up on your taps and sinks. This can quickly become unsightly and difficult to remove.
A water softener will reduce the amount of limescale in your home by removing these minerals before they enter your plumbing system, making it easier to keep fixtures clean.
Improves Efficiency
If you have hard water in your home, the minerals it contains can wear away at your appliances' parts over time and lead to greater energy costs. Softening this water could help reduce damage done to these machines while also boosting their efficiency.
For instance, expect higher energy bills if limescale accumulates on a heating system's heat exchangers, ultimately shortening its lifespan. Investing in softener systems for better appliance performance is an easy solution.
Longer Fixtures Lifespan
As hard water can destroy pipes and fixtures due to corrosion, it is worth investing in a water softener. Doing so will not only extend the lifespan of your pipes and fixtures but also save you from experiencing costly repairs or replacements.
Enhanced Water Quality
Softened water has improved taste, smell and texture compared to hard water. This makes it easier for you to enjoy your drinks, food or other activities that involve using water.
Improved Skin & Hair Health
Softer water is gentler on skin and hair, making it less likely for you to suffer from dryness or irritation. And, if you already have dry skin or hair, a water softener can help improve the condition.
Saves Money
By reducing the amount of limescale build-up in your plumbing system, a water softener can help you save money on costly repairs and maintenance bills. Plus, by improving the efficiency of your appliances, you’ll also be able to save on energy costs.
Different Types Of Water Softeners
There are several different types of water softeners available on the market. Here’s a quick overview of each one:
Single-Tank
If you live in an area with low water pressure or a spotty supply, a single-tank water softener is an ideal choice for your home. This type of system maintains and stores brine and softened water within its tank, so it always has reserves.
Additionally, because there's only one storage unit involved here—as opposed to two in twin-tank systems—single tanks are simpler to manage and need less salt per regeneration cycle.
Dual-Tank
Two-tank water softeners use two separate tanks to store softened and brine water. This type of system is more suitable for large households or those with high demand, as it allows for simultaneous regeneration and use of water.
Electric
Electric water softeners provide enhanced performance and rapid regeneration for households with high demand, as they are driven by electricity. This type of system requires more salt than other systems to complete its regenerative process efficiently.
Non-Electric
Manual water softeners using non-electric systems are the perfect choice for low-demand households, as they require less salt per regeneration cycle than other options.
This makes them an economically savvy option for those looking to save money in their home and conserve resources simultaneously.
At Posh, we have a stock of water softeners and accessories from leading brands, so you can find the perfect product for your needs. Our products are designed to be easy to install and maintain so that you can enjoy the benefits of softened water in no time.
What Is Hard Water?
How Does It Work?
Different Types Of Water Softeners
