Water softeners consist of three main components: a mineral tank, a brine tank, and a control valve. In some smaller units, the mineral tank and brine tank are combined into one cabinet.
Professionals install whole-home systems at the point of entry of the main water line. Smaller units are installed under sinks or near a washer—these units only soften the water for that fixture, not the entire home.
Mineral Tank: Hard water passes into the mineral tank through resin beads, and an ion exchange occurs. Magnesium and calcium ions are exchanged for sodium or potassium ions from the brine tank.
Brine Tank: The brine tank contains sodium or potassium to recharge the resin.
Control Valve: The control valve determines when to clean the resin beads.