How Does a Water Softener Prevent Limescale Buildup? A Pentair Water Softening Company in Medinah, Illinois Explains

Limescale buildup is a common problem that can negatively impact the aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom. Have you ever wondered how limescale buildup originates? The answer: hard water.

In essence, limescale is a small pile of magnesium and calcium particles. These particles go where hard water goes, and then get left behind in a heap after the hard water has evaporated.

There are several things you can do to get rid of limescale. However, the only permanent method is to install a water softener. Are you interested in learning about the specifics of these systems and how they work to prevent limescale? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This Pentair water softening company in Medinah, Illinois is going to explain below.

Where Does Limescale Buildup Come From?

Limescale buildup is a white, powdery substance that most typically appears on metal sinks, shower heads, etc. It comes from hard water, and it remains after hard water has evaporated. At its core, it’s a collection of calcium and magnesium particles, which are both plentiful in hard water.

If you have hard water running through your pipes, you’re almost sure to encounter limescale buildup in your bathroom and kitchen. If you have soft water running through your pipes — which is possible with the help of a Pentair water softening company in Medinah, Illinois — you’ll never encounter limescale buildup in your home again.

How to Get Rid of Limescale

There are two general methods for getting rid of limescale. The first method is to simply wipe the limescale off with a wet towel. The issue with this is that it’s not a permanent solution. When there’s hard water running through your pipes, more limescale buildup will appear in the future.

This is why most homeowners prefer to go with the second option: installing a water softener. The water softener will remove all traces of calcium and magnesium from your water supply, thereby eliminating any chance of limescale appearing.

If you’re interested in installing a water softener, you can always get in touch with your local Pentair water softening company in Medinah, Illinois. They’ll not only supply you with a water softener, but they can install it for you as well.

How Does a Water Softener Operate?

Water softeners operate by removing all calcium and magnesium from the water that passes through them. But how do they go about doing this on a consistent basis?

It all lies in a scientific process called ion exchange. This is when positively charged ions swap with negatively charged ions. In regards to the water softener, sodium ions swap places with calcium and magnesium ions.

This is facilitated with the use of resin beads. These beads hold onto sodium ions. Then, whenever hard water passes through, the sodium ions leave the resin beads and make room for the calcium and magnesium ions to attach to them instead.

By the time the water has left the water softener, it’s entirely free of calcium and magnesium. It only contains small amounts of sodium, which makes no discernible difference.

Because calcium and magnesium no longer exist in the water, limescale buildup can no longer occur. To ensure that it never appears again, fill the water softener with softener salt on a regular basis.

Looking for a Pentair Water Softening Company in Medinah, Illinois?

Are you ready to eliminate limescale buildup in your home for good? If so, and if you’re ready to have a water softener installed by a reputable Pentair water softening company in Medinah, Illinois, Johnson Water Conditioning is the top choice.

Our skilled and experienced team has installed Pentair water softeners throughout the Medinah area for decades. Regardless of your water softening needs, we are the people to call. Contact us today to discuss your water softening needs.