Benefits of Soft Water
Water is called "hard water" if it contains excessive amounts of certain minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, because these substances leave a hard scale on surfaces that come in contact with the water. You can tell you have hard water if there's build-up on your sinks and bathtubs, or if you have to use large amounts of soap to clean dishes or wash your hair.
True to its name, hard water can hit you—and your pocket—hard. It works against you in most indoor uses, such as bathing, washing dishes, and shaving.
The Difference Between Softening and Filtering
What is the difference between softening water and filtering water? You don't have to be a hydrologist to understand the basic principles behind water filtration and water softening. Here's an abridged version of what happens when you filter or soften water.
Filtering water involves separating mineral particles, like manganese, iron, hydrogen sulfide or other organic matter, from pure H2O. By passing water through a "filter bed," or "media bed," these granular particles are trapped—and clean, purified water passes through the bed.
How Do Softeners Work?
The solution to the hard water problem is to get rid of the calcium and magnesium. While there are chemical treatments that do this, we believe that the healthiest and best method is installation of a water softener.
A water softener is a mechanical appliance that's plumbed into your home's water supply system. Softeners trade the damaging minerals for sodium ions. The process is called ion exchange.
Is Softened Water Safe to Drink?
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, more than 85 percent of the United States geography has hard water. While many consumers use a water softener so they can enjoy the benefits of soft water, there is some confusion about whether softened water is safe to drink.
Some consumers are concerned that drinking softened water will increase the level of sodium in their diet. Despite the myth, softening your water will not result in salty-tasting water. Sodium bicarbonate, which is different from sodium chloride (table salt), is formed through the water softening process.
Why is Soft Water So Slippery?
Many customers who have water softeners installed in their houses notice that their skin feels "slippery" after a bath. Some customers say, "My water is too soft! I can't rinse the soap off!" This reaction is normal for new soft water customers.
What causes that slippery feeling? Clean skin!
Benefits of Drinking Water System
The most highly-advanced drinking water system available, a reverse osmosis system using a series of filters, including the technologically-advanced RO module, reduces many microscopic impurities and chemical elements.
FAQs About Drinking Water Systems
Can I hook it up to my ice maker?
Yes—in most case we can connect directly to your refrigerator. Connecting the system will extend the life of your ice maker and make clearer, great tasting ice. You can turn your fridge into a Culligan "Water and Ice Machine".
How Do Drinking Water Systems Work?
Reverse osmosis is sometimes referred to as ultra-filtration because it involves the movement of water through a membrane. The membrane has microscopic openings that allow water molecules, but not larger compounds, to pass through. RO membranes also have an electrical charge that helps in rejecting some chemicals at the membrane surface. Proper maintenance is essential to retain effectiveness over time. Some units are equipped with automatic membrane flushing systems to clean the membrane.
Selecting a Water Treatment Product
Having your water tested will help you determine your exact needs, even though you may already know you have one or more water problems. In determining your needs, our water expert will look at a number of things. For example, the hardness level of the water and the size of your family will influence the size or type of equipment necessary for water softening. Additional problems may require additional equipment solutions. The same principles hold true for drinking water systems.