What is the primary function of a water softener?

The primary function of a water softener is to remove calcium and magnesium ions from hard water. Hard water contains high concentrations of these minerals, which can lead to scale build-up in pipes and appliances, as well as reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents. A water softener uses an ion exchange process, where calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium or potassium ions. This process significantly reduces water hardness, preventing scale formation and improving the efficiency of cleaning products.

While filtering out impurities, enhancing taste, and increasing temperature may be important aspects of water treatment and heating systems, they do not pertain specifically to the water softening process. Water softeners focus specifically on addressing the issues caused by hard water, which is essential for maintaining plumbing systems and ensuring effective cleaning.