Water Softeners - Pros and Cons
Water softeners are necessary for washing machines, dishwashers, coffee machines, and other appliances to extend their lifespan. Water softeners are easy to handle and environmentally friendly. They make water pleasantly smooth and soft. The need for water softeners varies by region in Switzerland. This article will explain the advantages of water softeners and the potential issues they might cause.
When are Water Softeners Needed?
To determine if water softening is necessary, the water must first be analyzed. Environmental tests can be conducted on the household water. Water softening should be performed if the hardness level exceeds 14 °dH. If the water is less hard, special softening systems are generally unnecessary, as the water would become too soft despite adjustable settings. Water softening is carried out at the central cold water supply, protecting all subsequent faucets and appliances from lime scale and its consequences. The optimal water hardness is set at about 5 – 7 °dH. Water softening is already done during water treatment at the waterworks. If the water has a high lime content, a water softening system is very useful since hard water can damage appliances. For medium water hardness, consider using a water softening system to effectively prevent lime scale deposits on faucets and surfaces.
What is Water Hardness?
Water hardness originates in the ground, where water flows through and percolates. Minerals can dissolve depending on the type of rock, introducing calcium and magnesium into the water, which are crucial for water hardness. When present in high amounts, they form chemical bonds with other substances and harden, resulting in lime scale. Calcium and magnesium are the so-called hardness builders. Water hardness is determined by the ratio of various minerals in the drinking water.
There are three degrees of hardness:
- soft
- medium
- hard
The more calcium and magnesium the water contains, the harder it is. In Germany and Austria, water hardness is measured in "degrees of German hardness" (°dH), while in Switzerland, French degrees of hardness (°fH) are often used. A conversion table can be found at aqua24.ch.
Degrees of Water Hardness
Soft water has a hardness of less than 8.4 degrees German hardness. Medium hard water has a hardness between 8.4 and 14 degrees German hardness. Water with more than 14 degrees German hardness is considered hard. The risk of lime scale can be obtained from the water supplier. The water hardness level can be viewed online and directly inquired.
What are the Consequences of Hard Water?
Over time, hard water has visible consequences. It leaves a difficult-to-remove residue known as scale on faucets and surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen. Household appliances like kettles, washing machines, and water heaters also suffer from lime scale deposits.
Increased detergent use is another consequence of hard water. So-called lime soaps, formed from lime and detergent, are problematic. More soap is needed to achieve the same washing performance as with soft water. Hard water also causes washing machine heating elements to scale up if not properly dosed. Thus, it is essential to know the water's hardness level.
Deposits occur not only on visible surfaces but also on water-contacting parts within the drinking water system. Warm heat exchanger surfaces, like heating systems and heating elements of washing and dishwashing machines, are particularly affected.
Devices wear out prematurely, and more energy is consumed during operation. Lime scale conducts heat poorly, hindering heat transfer. A 1mm lime scale layer causes about 10% energy loss.
Increasing lime scale deposits in pipes can lead to blockages and corrosion damage.
Bacteria can settle because the rough, porous surface of lime scale allows microorganisms to adhere and establish themselves more easily.
Advantages of a Water Softening System
A water softening system prevents lime scale deposits on faucets and surfaces. It extends the lifespan of heating systems, keeps pipes clear and protected, and maintains the integrity of electrical appliances. The risk of contamination by germs and bacteria is reduced. Soft water makes skin softer and hair shinier. It also prevents energy loss, saving money.
Is a Water Softener Harmful to Health?
A water softening system can be beneficial for health when used correctly. Highly lime scale water can irritate and dry out the skin more quickly, making soft water preferable, especially for those with eczema. Using water softening systems can also be environmentally conscious, as less detergent is needed, and plants absorb nutrients more efficiently with soft water, reducing the need for special fertilizers in the garden.
However, there are some limitations to using a water softener.
How Does a Softening System Work?
The question arises of how softening systems work. Is a water softener harmful to health or not? Water softening is a chemical-physical process involving ion exchange, where hard water passes through a resin bed enriched with sodium ions. The calcium and magnesium ions in the hard water are removed and replaced with sodium ions. During regeneration, the softening system's resin is fully restored with a diluted salt solution, which is then disposed of with the wastewater.
This means the softened water contains added sodium, which should be considered in the daily sodium intake, especially for those with existing heart and circulatory conditions.
Bacteria in the Pipes
A water softener keeps the water in motion daily, effectively preventing bacterial growth. Softening prevents bacteria, such as Legionella, which prefer lime scale, from settling. However, bacteria can colonize the ion exchange resin if it is used for too long. Old water softener resin is a common source of bacterial contamination in drinking water.
Conclusion
Water softeners can be very useful and cause few problems. They provide wonderfully soft water for the entire household, offering many benefits.
However, it is crucial to ensure the device is regularly maintained and the resin is frequently replaced.