Water softeners are devices that remove hardness minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, from water. Hard water can cause a variety of problems, including scale buildup in pipes and appliances, dry skin and hair, and spots on dishes. Water softeners can help to improve the quality of your water and protect your plumbing fixtures and appliances.
There are a variety of different types of water softeners available, including ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and distillation. Ion exchange water softeners are the most common type, and they work by exchanging the hardness minerals in water for sodium or potassium ions. Reverse osmosis water softeners use a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities from water, including hardness minerals. Distillation water softeners boil water to create steam, which is then condensed back into water. The hardness minerals are left behind in the boiling process.