A water softener primarily targets and eliminates minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium, from water. These minerals are the primary components of what is commonly referred to as “hard water.” For example, a homeowner experiencing scale buildup on faucets or appliances would benefit from the process undertaken by a water softener.
The reduction of these minerals provides several benefits, including preventing scale formation in plumbing and appliances, improving the efficiency of soaps and detergents, and extending the lifespan of water-using appliances. Historically, the softening of water was achieved through various methods, with modern systems relying on ion exchange to achieve optimal results and mitigate the adverse effects of hard water.