The chemical composition of water from wells is often not up to standard. The high content of dissolved salts of calcium, magnesium and iron makes it stiff. When using such a liquid, scale appears on heating devices, and the skin condition worsens. Hard water in the well is suitable for irrigation, but in other cases it should be softened. Filters will help to normalize the indicator.
The chemical composition of hard water
A high concentration of salts of alkaline earth metals makes water hard. It may contain carbonates, sulfates, magnesium and calcium chlorides, and mineral suspensions. The amount of impurities depends on the type of soil. According to the degree of hardness, the liquid is of three types:
- soft - up to 2 ° W;
- medium hardness - 2-10 ° W;
- hard - from 10 ° F.
The indicator estimates the concentration of calcium and magnesium particles in water. If the value is above 7 ° F, the liquid acquires a bitter aftertaste, it must not be drunk.
Types of Stiffness
Two types of stiffness are distinguished depending on the chemical composition of the dissolved impurities:
- Temporary - created by the presence of calcium and magnesium bicarbonates. The problem is solved by boiling, when heated, the salts disintegrate.
- Permanent or static - arises from dissolved phosphates, chlorides, sulfates. It can not be removed by boiling, you will need to soften the liquid with a special filter.
In more than 90% of cases, during chemical analysis in wells and wells, the fluid is temporarily stiff.
Causes of Impurities
Moisture is mineralized by passing through soil layers. If the region has deposits of limestone, dolomite or gypsum, the liquid receives many impurities. In shallow wells, their concentration changes several times a year. In the spring during the flood and in the fall in the rainy season, it drops to a minimum. In the heat, when the liquid level in the well drops, the salt concentration increases. In an artesian well, the indicator is stable. Soft water is provided by wells in the sand, the highest level of impurities in sources on calcareous soil.
Harm from hard water
Admixtures of salts have a negative effect on human health, the state of tissues and household appliances. Their presence in the liquid can be determined by several signs:
- the appearance of scale on metal utensils, heating devices;
- high consumption of detergents;
- rough structure of the fabric after washing;
- dry skin and hair, the appearance of irritation or dermatitis, dandruff, itching;
- bad taste;
- overgrowing of the pipeline.
Plaque on the surface of the kettle, heating elements, pipes requires an increase in heating costs, can lead to breakage. You have to regularly clean white deposits from faucets, shower heads, plumbing and tiles. Drinking liquids with salt impurities leads to problems with the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract.
Given the magnitude of the negative consequences, the installation of filters to soften water from a well in a private house becomes a vital necessity. To determine the amount of impurities, home tests are carried out or a sample is taken to the laboratory.
Softening Methods
The softening of the liquid from an autonomous source or water supply system is carried out in several ways:
Thermal methods (freezing and boiling)
To remove the water hardness from the wells, a thermal method is used. After boiling, the hydrocarbons decompose.A residue remains on the walls of the dishes, but the liquid becomes softer. This is an easy way for home use. At the same time, it is allowed to get rid of dangerous bacteria and microorganisms.
Freezing also helps to reduce salt concentration. Ice formation occurs gradually, the liquid that remains around it will have many impurities. It needs to be drained. After thawing, soft moisture will be obtained. Both methods allow you to clean a limited amount of fluid consumed.
Chemical reagents
To soften the water, chemical additives are used in the form of tablets, powders, concentrates. They are laid in washing machines, dishwashing equipment. When dissolved, the reagents soften the liquid. They are not added to drinking water. For these purposes, use available means: soda, vinegar, citric acid. Baking soda is added when cooking at the rate of 1 tsp. for 3 liters of water. It is recommended to use acidified liquid for washing your hair and removing scale. All chemicals are used in strict dosage.
Industrial filters
The most effective way to reduce the rigidity of water from wells is to install filters. In a country house or cottage where there is a minimum of household appliances, it is enough to buy a filter jug. A decrease in salt concentration occurs when passing through a cartridge. Inside it is a backfill of zeolite, ion-exchange resin and activated carbon. Cartridge replacement occurs after 30-40 days. Popular manufacturers of jug filters: Aquaphor, Barrier, Geyser, Brita.
Ion exchange
Installations are columns or plastic containers with ion exchange resin. They allow you to remove calcium and magnesium ions from the liquid, replacing them with sodium ions. The equipment is installed on the pipeline in front of household appliances and prevents the appearance of scale. Also, ion-exchange filters are part of the water treatment. After them, be sure to place cartridges with activated carbon. Installations differ in productivity and resource size. The filter resin needs to be replaced. In columns it is periodically regenerated, in small flasks cartridges are changed.
Reverse osmosis
The best filter for softening hard water from a well and improving other parameters is considered a reverse osmosis system. It is designed to be installed in a water supply system under pressure. The system consists of several filter elements that remove mechanical, organic, mineral impurities and hardness salts. The main purification is achieved after passing through the reverse osmosis membrane. A significant minus of the installation is the high price. Among the manufacturers distinguish companies: Atoll, Barrier, Geyser.
Magnetic filter
The softener is a magnet crashed into the trunk. Passing through the filter, metal salts precipitate due to the emergence of new crystallization centers. Compact equipment is installed on any part of the pipe. A thread is used for the connection. The use of a magnet is relevant in hot and cold water supply, heating systems, before pumps. Converters without chemicals exclude scale in the washing machine and dishwasher.
Electromagnet
One of the softeners is an electromagnetic installation. The device is controlled by a microprocessor. It is powered by electricity. The electromagnetic waves emitted by it destroy metal salts in the stream and deposited sediment. Loose impurities are washed with water. The device is expensive, but it has been functioning for several years without requiring maintenance costs.
Purification of water from an autonomous source makes the liquid tasty and healthy. The softener in the filtration system reduces the harmful effects of impurities on household appliances and heating appliances.Removal of metal salts favorably affects the health and appearance of people, reduces the cost of detergents.
