The level of his health depends on the quality of drinking water that a person constantly uses at home. The composition of the liquid includes almost a quarter of all the trace elements that our body receives. If the liquid contains too many hardness salts, then the assimilation of these substances becomes impossible. Moreover, hard water negatively affects health and affects the performance of all kinds of appliances in the house.
The importance of using a softener
The need for a softener increases as much as possible for those homeowners who have their own well or well. The softener of a hard artesian liquid can relieve the following unpleasant moments:
- specific taste, sensation of hardness and other impurities;
- the presence of sediment after settling boiled water;
- accelerated scale formation in teapots and washing machines, as well as on heating elements of other appliances;
- distinct lime drips on plumbing;
- increased consumption of detergents for dishes, washing, hygiene.
High rigidity can be recognized by such unpleasant consequences as a feeling of severe dryness and tightness of the skin after washing.
If you look even further, the lack of a water softener in a private house leads to the following consequences: a huge layer of scale in pipelines and a heating system, salt deposits in pumps and stations, the destructive effect of harsh liquid on the accumulator and membrane tanks. All this leads to the fact that such equipment as pumps, washing machines, kettles, boilers and heaters break down after 2-5 years after the start of use. In addition, all this leads to an increase in the cost of electric energy.
The use of filters to soften water in a private house is the only way to eliminate these negative consequences and prevent large financial costs.
Types, features and principle of operation of water softeners for a cottage
There are 2 types of softeners: the first work on reagents and other chemicals that trigger the reaction to reduce stiffness, others activate physical processes without introducing new elements into the water. Inside these two groups, water softeners in the cottage are divided into the following subspecies:
- Electromagnetic. Consists of a permanent magnet and an electric processor. There are no chemicals in its composition. However, an electromagnetic softener can only be used to produce household water that is not suitable for drinking. Thanks to the filter in water, a new form of salts is created, which does not stick and does not settle on the elements of other systems. One of the advantages of the system is the possibility of self-cleaning even from old calcareous deposits in pipes.
- Ion exchange. The most powerful, popular and effective filter that provides not only technical, but also drinking water. This cartridge consists of an ion-exchange resin, which passes water through itself and starts certain reactions. Any dirty salts are retained in the resin, and the liquid receives positive sodium ions at the outlet. Ion-exchange filters can be made both in the form of jugs, and in the form of large stationary installations.
- Reverse osmosis. A reverse osmosis magnetic filter is supplemented with a function to remove bacterial impurities. Any foreign substances in it are eliminated at the molecular level, but such an installation is not cheap.The disadvantage is that the system simultaneously removes useful salts from the liquid. Therefore, you can’t drink such water constantly.
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- Reverse osmosis system
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- Ion exchange filter
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- Electromagnetic softener
Chemical purification methods are divided into reagent and polyphosphate. In the first case, coagulants are used that bind and excrete compounds of magnesium and calcium. Sodium, phosphonates, soda ash are used as reagents. The method is suitable for processing household liquids.
The polyphosphate method is based on the use of sodium foliphosphates. At the same time, purified water is saturated with sodium ions. This method can be considered one of the varieties of the reagent method of purifying water.
Filter criteria for home
In order to make water softening in a country house rational from a financial and technical point of view, it is necessary to choose a design that corresponds to the size of the room and the parameters of the liquid hardness:
- Compact filter softener. It is installed directly on the pipe, through it the water goes to the washing machine and other devices, for example, to the boiler. Inside may be a reagent - salt, as well as a magnetic field. But you can only use such a filter to get household fluids. Each device in the house will need a separate compact filter.
- Main softener. It is also installed on the pipe, but before branching into different elements of the home water supply. Its cost is higher, and the speed is slightly lower than the first, so choosing it is better for small houses.
- Cartridge filter. Consists of a transparent flask and a replaceable cartridge with an ion-exchange resin. It is used during the exchange period of 4000 liters (six months of work).
- "Cabinet" filter. Small installation suitable for a small cottage. It contains ion-exchange technology and is 2 times more effective than other softeners. The water after it is suitable for drinking. Easy to install in a small plumbing cabinet.
- Ion exchange column with salt tanks. Large vertical installation with ion exchange resin. Consists of several elements. Ideal for large summer houses and homes.
Ion exchange columns come in different sizes, differ in performance and design. They may also have a different level of automation, which directly affects the features of system maintenance.
The purchase of an ion-exchange softening system is justified by the fact that it significantly improves the quality of water. As a result, the service life of household appliances is increased, and the liquid used in food has a positive effect on health.
The cost of water softening equipment
To organize the system, the installation itself is required, as well as consumables that change every 1-2 years of use of the devices. Phosphate, salt filters, cost an average of 1,500 rubles, but they soften the liquid only for domestic use.
Pitcher filters have a short service life - up to 3-4 months, and with increased water hardness - up to 2 months. Pitchers can cost a little, but due to the constant need to change cartridges in the end, the price will be higher.
Magnetic water softening systems for a cottage have a price of 2000 rubles per insert with permanent magnets. If an electromagnetic installation is used, then its cost starts from 8,000 rubles.
The ion exchange system is the most expensive, but the most effective. She gives the best softening of water. It costs from 25,000 to 45,000 rubles on average. At the same time, it has enough power for many years of work.
The choice of equipment for water softening should be based on such criteria as: the amount of fluid consumed in the house, its degree of hardness, the financial capabilities of the cottage owner and the area of the private house.The purchase of certified equipment, even a simple jug, is the best solution to improve the quality of drinking liquid.
