How does a water softener system work?

Water enters a tank filled with ion-exchange resin. The resin captures calcium and magnesium and replaces them with sodium or potassium ions, allowing softened water to continue through the home.

Once the resin approaches its treatment capacity, the system regenerates with a salt-based brine. The brine removes the collected minerals, which are rinsed to the drain, and recharges the resin for another treatment cycle.