A traditional salt-based water softener system is comprised of a mineral tank and a brine tank. It is typically installed in a plumbing system at the point that water enters a home. This can also be referred to as “Point of Entry” (potential link). Using a process called ‘ion exchange’, the softener trades the hard water minerals for sodium. The mineral tank is filled with small polystyrene beads, also known as resin. The beads carry a negative ionic charge. The primary minerals in hard water, calcium, and magnesium, both carry positive charges. These minerals cling to the negatively charged beads as the hard water passes through the mineral tank. The brine tank uses common salt (sodium) to create a brine solution. Sodium ions also have positive charges, but not as strong a charge as either calcium or magnesium. When the brine solution is flushed through the system tank it comes into contact with the polystyrene beads, now saturated with calcium and magnesium. Once the beads are saturated, the unit enters a 3-phase regenerating cycle. First, a “backwash” phase reverses water flow to flush dirt out of the tank. Second, a “recharge” phase carries the concentrated sodium-rich salt solution from the brine tank through the mineral tank. The sodium collects on the beads, replacing the calcium and magnesium, which are flushed down the drain. Lastly, the mineral tank is flushed or “regenerated”, eliminating excess brine and the brine tank is refilled. Most popular water softeners have an automatic regenerating system. The most basic type has an electric timer that flushes, recharges or “regenerates” the system on a regular schedule.
Example: a family of 4 with 20 grains of hardness: Your family of 4 will use approx. 300 gallons of water per day (4 people x 75 gallons per person). Since the water has 20 grains of hardness, you'll need to treat 6,000 grains of hardness per day (300 X 20). Water treatment capacity = (48,000 x .75) divided by 20 = 1,800. Your system will regenerate after about 6 days (1,800/300). ((48,000 grain capacity x 75% capacity)/ 6,000 grains per day).
When a water softener is referring to 'grains' it's talking about how many grains of hardness it can process before regenerating. Grains of hardness processed depends on how large your household is, as well as how hard your water actually is. Our Tier1 Water Softener can process up to 48,000 grains of hardness before it's regeneration cycle.
Flow Rate (GPM): 11.2
Prevents Limescale Build-upHard water (calcium & magnesium) is a common problem for many homeowners and businesses. When hardness minerals are combined with heat it forms troublesome scale. Scale causes costly build-up in your plumbing, water heater, and other water using appliances. When combined with soap, the minerals for soap scum that makes skin dry and itchy, hair lifeless, laundry dull, and builds up on fixtures. |
Softer Water Benefits
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Dedicated Support Team
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| Automatic ByPass Valve | ✓ | |
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| Manual ByPass Valve | ✓ | ✓ |
| 48,000 Grain Capacity | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brine Tank Included | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3/4 Inch Connection | ✓ | ✓ |
