There is no life without water. From our oceans to the composition of our cells, water is as vital and essential as the air we breathe. Yet, by the time it reaches your home, your water supply may contain an excess of minerals or contaminants that make it unsuitable for everyday use. Water treatment rids you of these issues and improves the quality of your water supply.
Treating hard water has several benefits, such as improving taste and removing mineral content. The most common methods to tackle hard water problems include conditioners and softeners. Although they share some similarities, these methods produce different effects.
The main similarity between softeners and conditioners is that they reduce the harsh properties of hard water. The difference lies in the process and the degree of water quality each method produces. We break it down for you, so you can make a better decision regarding water treatment for your home and property.
Softeners remove minerals like calcium and magnesium and rely on ionic exchange. Water conditioners change the properties of these minerals so they do not cling to pipes and surfaces.
At Atlantic Blue Water Services, we effectively take care of your water treatment needs with conditioning and softening services. With our seamless installation process, you’ll spend less and enjoy better water quality in your home.
What is Hard Water?
Most homes in the United States have a hard water supply. This water contains a significant amount of calcium and magnesium deposits. Although these minerals are odorless and tasteless, they are challenging to clean.
Hard water leaves a white residue after it dries. You can usually spot it on plates and utensils, and it covers showerheads and faucets. Hard water makes it difficult to work up a lather when using soap and shampoos. It weighs down your hair and stains your clothes. These issues are relatively minor when it comes to the damage hard water has on appliances.
It may not be something that crosses your mind often, but many everyday appliances use water. From your air conditioner and washing machine to your dishwasher, hard water is rough on these machines and decreases their efficiency.
Just as the mineral residue sticks to your home’s surfaces, it does the same in pipes and gradually clogs or weakens them over time. The best way to protect appliances is through water treatment with conditioners and softeners.
Water Conditioners
Water conditioners purify water from common contaminants. They prevent mineral ions from sticking on pipes and damaging appliances. However, keep in mind that conditioners don’t remove the minerals from your supply. Some examples of different water conditioners include:
Electromagnetic conditioners: Uses the process of agitation at the molecular level to modify how the minerals act in your hard water supply. They produce fresh, clean, and great-tasting water at a cost-effective price.
Carbon filtration conditioners: These appliances allow you to enjoy fresh-tasting water without a heavy taste and smell. Carbon absorbs impurities but doesn’t altogether remove the minerals from your supply. Carbon filters are quite common nowadays and are a cost-effective and straightforward method to filter drinking water.
Salt-free conditioners: This type of water treatment is usually for well water. The conditioner changes the hardness properties so that it doesn’t clog your pipes. The actual hardness of the water remains, however.
Some property owners opt to use conditioners because they are quick and reliable. If the purpose is to stop the minerals from clinging to pipes and appliances, these solutions are a suitable water treatment option.
Water Softeners
If you want to rid your water supply of minerals, softeners are your best water treatment option. Through the process of mineral exchange, sodium or potassium ions replace the heavy calcium and magnesium ions in the supply. Softeners don’t mask the water’s properties, but alter it completely.
You’ll notice that your water seems lighter and fresher after water softener treatment. With an absence of the heavy minerals, clothes that come out of the washing machine will be brighter, and your kitchen and bathroom fixtures will no no longer have unsightly white residue. Your water supply will taste and smell better, and you will increase the lifespan of your appliances.
Softeners use a more sophisticated water treatment system than conditioners. They come with a resin bed that traps the minerals and a filtration system that keeps hard material out of your drainage systems.
What Option is Better?
If you don’t use your water supply for drinking and only want to prevent damage, water conditioning is a good option. However, if you are looking for the complete removal of minerals and use your water supply for drinking, too,, water softening is more suitable for your needs.
At Atlantic Blue Water Solutions, we offer both water treatment services to property owners. We help you choose the option that works best for your property. Call us today at 410-840-2583 to discuss your water treatment options and to learn more about our services.