What are Water Softener Salts?
water softener salts are natural salts which are used in a water softening system. They are required for treating or softening hard water. What is hard water? water which is rich in minerals and which can damage household appliances, pipes, plumbing fixtures, and even your Ultraheat Radiators.
Softening salts are added to your water softener which acts as an ion exchanger, i.e hard water minerals are replaced by sodium ions, softening the water in the process, while the hard minerals are discharged from the system.
How to Know if your water Needs Water Softeners?
You need water softeners only if your water supply is that of hard water. How do you find that out? Many areas are already known for hard water. So, you may not have to get your water tested. If, however, you are not clear about that, you can get your water tested by a professional lab.
Usually, mineral content which is above 200 milligrams is considered to be the reason for water hardness. There are other signs also which you can look for. If your tap water looks murky or cloudy, if you find stains in your bathtub or your shower, or if your water-using appliances such as ultraheat radiators break down frequently, you may want to get your water tested.
what is different water softening salts?
Sodium or potassium chloride salts are typically used as softening salts. Both are equally effective for regenerating your softening system.
The two salts may be used independently or mixed. In most houses, the softening system usually bypasses your cold/drinking water line. In that case, you do not have to worry about which salt you use.
If, however, for some reason, your softening system is linked to your cold-water line, you may find traces of potassium or sodium in your water. Although the trace amounts will typically be insignificant and have no harmful impact on your health.
When to refill your water softener with salt?
You should check the salt level at least once every month. Many softening systems have various features which let you identify when your system needs refilling. Generally, two 40-pound salt bags are consumed every one to three months by an average size household. Salt consumption depends on the level of hardness, water usage, and your water softener.
How Much Salt Should be in My Water Softener for Home?
Salt consumption may vary according to the quality of the salt being used and the water softening system installed in your home. Many ordinary softening systems have pre-programmed consumption rates which may not match your water supply or usage rate.
This will either end in overconsumption or under consumption of softening salts. High-performance water softeners such as Water Softener Salt – Harvey and Kinetico have purifying cycles which can be customized according to your requirement.
Typically, water softeners are equipped with a digital/electronic meter which measures salt and minerals level, an increased or decreased consumption without any change in the water supply may be an indication that your softening system is not working properly.
Do you need to clean your salt tank?
Usually, a high performing softening system will not require cleaning. However, if you are using low-quality salt, you may notice salt mushing at your tank’s bottom. In this case, you will have to drain out your tank and clean it. Follow the directions mentioned in your softening system’s manual for effective cleaning.
Is water softener salt harmful to humans and animals?
Water softener salts are not suitable for either animal or human consumption. First, the salt crystal size may be harmful to pets, especially small ones. Second, some salts may have harmful ingredients. When it comes to humans, excessive consumption of sodium may lead to hypertension whereas that potassium can also be harmful.
However, willful consumption is unlikely and a good softening system will only leave traces of these salts. Even if you or your pet were to consume water softener salts, drinking clean water will flush out any salts unless you consume them in a very large quantity.
Conclusion
Get the right water softener salt for your water softening system. The performance of your system greatly depends on the quality of the salt you use. Make sure that you have installed the right softening system which matches your water usage.
Consider the hardness level of the water supply in your vicinity before buying a water softening system and/or water softening salts.