What does the water softener primarily remove from water?

The primary function of a water softener is to remove hardness from water, specifically targeting minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals contribute to water hardness, which can lead to scaling in pipes and appliances, as well as reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.

Water softeners typically operate using an ion-exchange process. During this process, calcium and magnesium ions in the water are exchanged for sodium ions, which do not contribute to water hardness. By effectively reducing the concentration of calcium and magnesium, a water softener improves the overall quality of water, resulting in benefits such as extended appliance life, reduced soap usage, and softer skin and laundry.

While other systems may remove chlorine, particulate matter, or heavy metals, these are not the primary functions of a water softener, which is specifically designed to tackle hardness issues in water.