A water conditioner is any water treatment system that reduces the scaling effects of hard water without using salt as traditional salt-based water softener do.
As mentioned earlier, water conditioners can be categorized into 3 types: Template assisted crystallization (TAC) and other systems using a catalytic media bed, chemicals systems, and magnetic/electronic units.
How Do Water Softeners That Don’t Use Salt Work?
TAC is based on a catalytic media bed. As the feed water flows through the bed, the majority of dissolved hard water ions are converted into relatively large crystals. This alters their adhesion properties. The crystals cannot stick to surfaces and remain suspended in the water along the way through your home’s plumbing system. The result: Up to 99.6% scale reduction.
In order to achieve high flow rates, a large media tank is required. And, depending on the condition of the feed water, pre-treatment might be mandatory – think high iron content.
As for water conditioners releasing a chemical into the water, they usually make use of chelation. Common chelation agents are citric acid or polyphosphate which bind the hardness minerals together to stop them from forming deposits. Results are mixed and we don’t like the idea of adding chemicals into our water so we wouldn’t recommend this water conditioner type if you can avoid it.
Lastly, electric and magnetic water conditioners which induce a magnetic field into the main water line. The field can be created using wrapped wire or simple magnets. It causes calcium and magnesium to form microscopic crystals which precipitate out. As a result, scale formation is reduced by up to 50%.
Benefits of Purchasing a Water Conditioner
Most importantly, a proper water conditioner reduces or completely eliminates the scaling effects of hard water. This means all plumbing elements in your home like pipes, fixtures, and fittings will last much longer and require fewer maintenance and repairs. The same goes for your water-using appliances (up to 30% longer lifespans). More benefits include:
- Even existing scale deposits will dissolve with time.
- Your water heater works more efficiently which means lower energy cost.
- Any remaining scale is much easier to wipe off.
- The conditioned water doesn’t feel slippery.
- There’s no excess sodium in the water.
- Water conditioners don’t need to regenerate so no downtime and no additional expenses for wastewater/salt.
- Maintenance is kept at a bare minimum.
- Affordability.
Water Conditioner FAQs
- Does a water conditioner remove hard minerals from water?
No, it does not. It only changes their characteristics. - Is conditioned water harmful?
It’s not! In fact, when you install a system using TAC nothing will be added nor removed from your water. - Can we use Water Distillers?
- Yes you can use water distillers and you can also check best water distillers on Water filters hub.
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