When it comes to the water treatment industry, there are a few different myths and misconceptions that sometimes get floated around that can confuse homeowners who are interested in installing a system in their homes. One such misconception is the thought that water softeners use up a lot of water while they are operating. Today we're going to dispel this myth by answering the question, "does a water softener waste water?"
How does a water softener use water?
When you have a water softener installed, the water that enters your home is sent through the system before it is delivered to your home's pipes. That water goes through the softening process inside of the unit and then passes through on the other side.
The part of the water softening process that uses up water is the regeneration cycle. When the resin beads inside the tank are coated with hardness minerals and need to be flushed, the regeneration cycle begins and water is emptied out of the tank along with those hardness minerals. The amount of water that's used during a regeneration cycle differs depending on the unit.
Does a water softener waste water?
To call the water that's used up during the regeneration cycle "wasted water" would be missing the point. Does a dishwasher "waste" water? Does a washing machine "waste" water? Most people would say no, because those appliances provide an essential service to your home. The same goes for a water softener.
In fact, the service that a water softener provides actually helps conserve resources at home. For example, hard water can clog up your home's pipes. The pressure that builds up from the water that's pushing against those clogs can cause the pipes to burst, which can lead to leaks that waste many gallons of water.
In addition, a water softener protects your water-using appliances like your water heater, dishwasher and washing machine. By softening the water that those appliances use, a water softener saves both electricity and gas and helps prevent those units from breaking down.
The Hague WaterMax uses much less water than conventional softeners
Even though the water that's used by a water softener goes to good use, it's still a good idea to look for a system that conserves as much water as possible. That's why we recommend the Hague WaterMax, which is a system that uses 80 percent less water than conventional softeners, in addition to using 50 percent less regenerant.
If you have any questions about how much water is used by a water softener, or if you'd like a water system serviced or installed in your home, contact NC Water Consultants, your water softener and water filtration system dealer in North and South Carolina . We service areas all over the Carolinas, including towns like Mocksville, Weddington and Hickory, NC.