| While some people simply replace their water | | | | ions, the main component of salt. When hard water |
| softeners when they go bad, the more DIY-inclined | | | | (which is composed mostly of substances such as |
| among us can choose to replace faulty parts, saving | | | | magnesium) enters the resin bed, the sodium ions |
| money and learning quite a bit about water softening | | | | replace the hardness ions. This is beneficial because |
| in the process. If you count yourself as part of that | | | | sodium dissolves in water far more easily, thus |
| group, I suggest you read over this beginner's guide | | | | softening the water considerably and protecting your |
| to the three main water softener parts. While it will | | | | pipes and other hardware from excessive wear and |
| not serve as a comprehensive instruction manual for | | | | tear. Additionally, a softener will output water that is |
| every brand on the market, it will help you appreciate | | | | far lighter on the skin, cutting down on blemishes and |
| the inner workings of the water softener in a generic | | | | other negative reactions on the skin. |
| way. | | | | Brine Tank |
| Intake Valve | | | | The brine tank's sole function is to hold salt water, |
| Not surprisingly, this is where the untreated water | | | | standing ready to backwash fresh sodium ions back |
| moves into the softener device. It's more than just | | | | into the resin bed once it is in need of a refill. This |
| an inlet pipe though, generally including an adjustment | | | | process is generally referred to as "regeneration." |
| to put the softener into a maintenance mode. While | | | | Once the regeneration is complete, the beads in the |
| the softener is in this mode, it is safe to disassemble | | | | resin bed are re-coated with sodium ions and are |
| the device in order to get at the parts inside. Please | | | | ready to soften the water once again. |
| be strongly cautioned: Water softeners can | | | | While the inner workings of a water softener can be |
| sometimes retain a bit of pressure even when | | | | somewhat complex to the layperson, a little bit of |
| disengaged, so be sure to read your manual carefully | | | | research will go a long way in understanding the |
| and avoid performing any task if you have any | | | | function of all the various water softener parts. |
| doubts! | | | | Remember, if you are ever in doubt, there is |
| Resin Bed | | | | certainly nothing wrong with hiring a licensed |
| The resin bed is arguably the most important part of | | | | repair-person to perform this task for you. Better |
| the whole device, storing a collection of tiny beads. | | | | safe than sorry! |
| These beads feature a temporary coat of sodium | | | | |