What does a water softener do?

Water softeners are specifically designed to conduct ion exchange reaction used for exchanging of positive ions of calcium (Ca2 +) and magnesium (Mg2 +) into negative ions of sodium. Calcium and magnesium are sometimes referred to as 'hardness minerals.

After completing ion exchange operation, water softener collects the hard minerals in a tank, and next during resin regeneration process discharges them into drain.