When faced with questions about the effectiveness of water softeners in removing iron from our water supply, it is worth dispelling any doubts. While water softeners may seem like a reliable solution, the reality can be a bit different.
Action of water softeners
Water softeners, based on ion exchange resin, are designed to remove excess calcium and magnesium ions, which are the main causes of water hardness. The process involves replacing these ions with sodium ions, which are much less harmful to our home appliances and water systems. But what about iron?
Although water softeners are primarily designed to remove calcium and magnesium ions, they also have the ability to remove some iron from water. The mechanism of action is similar - iron ions are converted into sodium ions. Unfortunately, this process is not as efficient as with calcium and magnesium ions and can lead to problems in the long term.
Problems with using water softeners to remove iron
The main problem with iron removal with water softeners is that the iron tends to "clog" the ion exchange resin. Over time, this can lead to a drastic decrease in the ion exchange capacity of the resin, which results in a much lower efficiency of the water softening process.
In addition, the iron removal efficiency of a water softener is highly dependent on the condition and quality of the input water. If the concentration of iron is too high, the softener may not be able to effectively remove it, leading to the supply of water with a high concentration of iron to our systems. This can lead to the appearance of red stains on the fittings, dirt on the seals of the shower cabin or sediment in the kettle.
When is a water softener suitable for iron removal?
Although not recommended as the main solution, water softeners can be effective in situations where iron levels are at the limit of normal. If you are dealing with water that contains iron close to or slightly above the acceptable limits, a water softener may be a sufficient solution.
A water softener can remove small amounts of iron and still effectively soften water as long as the ion exchange resin is not overloaded. It is an economical and convenient solution that eliminates the need to install an additional filtration system.
However, remember that regular servicing and maintenance of your water softener is critical to its long-term performance and iron removal efficiency. Regular control of the quality of the input water and the efficiency of the softener will allow you to detect any problems earlier and take appropriate action.
Effective solutions to the problem of iron in water
If you notice that the water in your systems contains too much iron, you should consider installing a dedicated iron filtration system. Such systems are designed specifically to remove iron and can effectively solve this problem without burdening the water softener.
