If you have a water softener in your home, then you know how important resin is.
But what is water softener resin, and why is it so important?
In this blog post, we will discuss what resin is and how it is used in water softeners.
We will also provide some tips on how to care for your resin and ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
Table of Contents
What is Water Softener Resin?
Resin is a type of filter media that is used in water softeners to remove hardness minerals from water. It traps these hard minerals and prevents them from entering your home’s plumbing system.
Resin is a key component of water softeners.
Resin is usually made of synthetic materials, such as polystyrene or resin. It can be purchased in beads, pellets, or sheets and is often used in combination with salt to create a water softening system.
When you are shopping for a water softener, it is important to consider the type of resin that is used in the system. There are several different types available, and each has advantages and disadvantages.
Bead-type resin is one of the most popular types. It is durable and can withstand high levels of pressure without breaking.
Pellet-type resin is also popular because it is resistant to corrosion and can be used in both salt and non-salt systems.
Sheet-type resin is less common, but it can be used in smaller water softeners or for specialty applications.
Choosing the right type of resin is important for ensuring that your water softener performs properly.
Most new water softeners come pre-filled with the appropriate type of resin, but talk to your water softener dealer to learn more about which one is best for your system when needed.
How is Resin Used in Water Softeners?
Resin is used in water softeners to remove hardness minerals from the water. It does this by trapping these minerals and preventing them from entering your home’s plumbing system.
Without resin, your water would be hard and could cause scale build-up on your fixtures and appliances.
Keep in mind that minerals in water aren’t all bad. Many consider mineral water to be healthy. However, there can be issues when there are so much minerals that they have a negative affect on plumbing, appliances, or people.
Resin is usually combined with salt to create a water softening system. When salt is added, it dissolves in the water and creates a brine solution. This brine solution flows through the resin, where it picks up hardness minerals. The minerals are then flushed from the system and down the drain.
It is important to note that not all water softeners use salt. Some systems use a non-salt or “electrolytic” method to soften water. In these systems, resin is used to remove hardness minerals from the water without the use of salt.
Keep in mind that resin is a type of filter medium used to filter only particular elements from water. A comprehensive water test may show you have other unwanted chemicals present that would require another filtration type, such as reverse osmosis.
How to Care for Resin
To ensure optimal performance, it is important to properly care for your water softener resin.
Resin should be cleaned regularly to ensure that it continues to function properly. Salt buildup can cause the resin to become clogged, and this will reduce its ability to soften water.
Here are some tips:
- Keep the resin bed clean by regularly backwashing the unit. This will help to remove any built-up minerals or sediment.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners around the unit, as they can damage the resin beads.
- Always use fresh water when regenerating the softener. This will help to flush out the minerals and keep your resin clean.
- Replace the resin bed every few years, depending on how often it is used and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your water softener resin and ensure that your home’s plumbing remains free of scale build-up.
Proper Disposal of Resin
When it is time to replace the resin in your water softener, what do you do with the old resin?
Resin should be disposed of in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner.
Talk to your local water softener dealer for more information on how to properly dispose of resin. Some dealers may offer a recycling program for used resin, or you may be able to take it to a hazardous waste disposal facility.
Be sure to recycle any unused salt as well. Many municipalities have recycling programs for unused salt. Check with your local government to find out more about the options available in your area.
Salt and resin are two of the most important components of a water softener system. By understanding what they are and how they work, you can ensure that your system is running properly and blocking the scale-producing minerals.
Final thoughts
That was a quick overview of what water softener resin is and why it’s important in water softeners.
If you want to learn more about water softeners and hard water, be sure to check out some of our other articles.