In most cities, the hardness indicators of tap water are off the charts, which negatively affects human health and the operation of household appliances. The level of water hardness depends on the concentration of minerals and salts in it. In the regions of the country there are different indicators. There are several effective methods that make water softer, but some retain its beneficial properties, while others make it unsuitable for further consumption.
Why water softening is needed
Using hard water for food and domestic purposes, soon scale forms on the walls of appliances and utensils, which are hard deposits of salts and minerals. Most often it is contemplated on gas boilers, washing machines and the details of an electric kettle.
Scale formation negatively affects the operability and power of household appliances, and soon it may completely fail. The water softening system for apartments and country houses reduces its rigidity. It is especially important to install filter systems in rooms equipped with autonomous heating.
With regular use of tap water, white flakes will soon form on plumbing fixtures. Clean the surface of the bathtub, toilet bowl, sink, bidet, etc. extremely difficult. To get rid of plaque, you need to purchase special household chemicals designed for a certain material. Detergents with a quality composition cost a lot of money. It is more profitable to spend money once and install, for example, a filter on the shower to soften water, than to regularly buy store-bought products.
With regard to health effects, water with a high degree of hardness is poorly washed off with detergents, such as soap. In addition, after it there is a feeling of “tightness” of the skin.
A high concentration of salts contributes to the formation of sand in the kidneys and the deposition of tartar, more often diagnosed diseases of the genitourinary system.
Such a liquid increases the consumption of detergents and household products, which negatively affects the family budget.
There are several ways to soften the water from the main water supply at home: install special cleaning filters, for example, Barrier or Aquaphor; resort to physical methods; add reagents (chemical reaction).
Cleaning filters
The installation of special filtration systems is the most effective and costly way to soften the flowing fluid. In specialized stores and ordinary supermarkets you can see various modifications of the filters.
The most budgetary and least productive - filter of the jug type. This is a small container made of high-quality plastic, equipped with multilayer cartridges that need to be changed regularly. With their help, only water molecules can be passed. Salts, minerals and other particles of dirt do not penetrate.
Using the installation is extremely simple: it is enough to fill in the upper compartment with tap water and wait until it drops down. As a rule, it takes no more than 10 minutes to clean 2 liters of water. The main disadvantages of this type include:
- The need to regularly replace cartridges with new ones (optimal frequency 1-2 months).
- A limited amount of water is softened.
There are several other types of filters and whole treatment systems. The most popular among them in the Russian market:
- Ion-exchange filter - a tank filled with saline, crystals or resin.Previously ionized liquid softens, as a result, salts and minerals precipitate. Such systems must be mounted on pre-cleaned water pipes at the entrance to the apartment or in front of household appliances, a bathroom or a kitchen.
- Reverse osmosis systems consist of two containers with a membrane through which tap water penetrates under high pressure. After purification, a person is provided with distilled water suitable for consumption. However, experts recommend not abusing it, since it is devoid of all useful.
- The magnetic filter is equipped with two powerful magnets, which are installed at the entrance of the water supply to the apartment. The efficiency of the device is due to the ability of magnets to change the structure of water at the molecular level. Unfortunately, there are no studies on how it affects human health.
The cost of water softeners varies widely. The initial price for jug type filters is 350-500 rubles.
Physical softening methods
You can soften the liquid using more budgetary methods that are based on the laws of physics. The main ones are:
- boiling;
- freezing
- upholding.
In the first case, an increase in temperature contributes to the destruction of mineral salts, which precipitate as a precipitate. The cleaning algorithm is as follows:
- Pour liquid into a small metal container and place on the stove.
- After boiling, simmer on low heat for at least half an hour.
- Cover the tank and set aside for a day.
After 24 hours, the upper part (it is usually covered with a translucent film) is drained. Despite the ease of implementation, this method of softening the liquid has significant disadvantages:
- scale forms on the walls of the dishes;
- the process takes a lot of time;
- after heat treatment, the water has an unpleasant taste;
- High temperatures kill nutrients and oxygen in liquids.
With the regular use of such water in humans, the functioning of the digestive tract can be disrupted.
The next method that deserves attention is upholding. The method is simple to implement, but such a liquid is suitable only for technical purposes. Softening Algorithm:
- Pour flowing fluid into a container.
- Cover with a lid, but not tight, so that dust and dirt do not get inside, and oxygen penetrates freely.
- Without stirring, stand for 4-6 days.
During this time, mineral salts will precipitate.
Freezing is an unusual method, but effective. The softening method implementation algorithm:
- Draw water into a transparent reservoir.
- Put it in the freezer or take it out if the temperature there is below zero.
- When approximately 75% of the liquid turns into ice, the remainder of the unfrozen water is poured.
After thawing ice, water is suitable for drinking, bathing newborns, etc.
It is worth mentioning the use of reagents, for example, baking soda, laundry soap, etc. After using chemicals, water is generally unsuitable for drinking.
Which mitigation method to use depends on the ultimate goals. For example, if water needs to be softened for cooking and just drinking, it is preferable to install special treatment systems or freeze it. If the volume of fluid consumed regularly is large, then again you need to give preference to filters.
