Water softener reduces the calcium or magnesium ion concentration in hard water. These hardness ions cause two major kinds of problems. The metal ions react with soaps and calcium sensitive detergents, hindering their ability to lather properly and forming an unsightly precipitate-the familiar scum or bathtub ring. Presence of hardness ions also inhibits the cleaning effect of detergent formulations. More seriously, calcium and magnesium carbonates tend to adhere to the surfaces of pipes and heat exchanger surfaces. The resulting scale buildup can restrict water flow in pipes. In boilers, the deposits act as thermal insulation that impedes the flow of heat into the water; this not only reduces heating efficiency, but also allows the metal to overheat which, in a pressurized system, can lead to failure.

Water softener salt is a coarse grade of salt used in water treatment plants. The large grain size allows for excellent flow through the salt bed. It reduces the calcium or magnesium ion concentration in hard water. These hardness ions cause three major kinds of problems. The metal ions react with soaps and calcium sensitive detergents, hindering their ability to lather properly and forming an unsightly precipitate- the familiar scum or bathtub ring. Presence of hardness ions also inhibits the cleaning effect of detergent formulations. Water softeners are typically used when water is supplied from wells. Public water systems are also susceptible to hard water, although this is much less common.

Water splitting membrane separator is positioned between the electrodes in an electrochemical cell for removing ions from a solution stream comprises a housing having first and second electrodes. A water splitting membrane comprises a cation exchange surface facing the first electrode and an anion exchange surface facing the second electrode. A solution stream pathway is defined by the water-splitting membrane. The solution stream pathway comprises an inlet for influent solution stream, a channel that allows influent solution stream to flow past at least one surface of the water-splitting membrane to form one or more treated solution streams and a single outlet that combines the treated solution streams to form a single effluent solution. Preferably, the solution stream pathway comprises a unitary and contiguous channel that flows past both the cation and anion exchange surfaces of the water-splitting membrane, and more preferably is connected throughout in an unbroken sequence and extends substantially continuously from the inlet to the outlet.

Water strainers are used to deliver full flow of liquid while providing effective filtration of foreign matter in the supply line. It is designed for easy installation and cleaning. Its features include mounting lugs cast into both sides to assure universal mounting, four outside tie rods, and a stainless steel strainer basket to minimize electrolysis. Cleaning is accomplished easily without removing strainer from lines.