---
title: "How It Works: Water Softener | Hydro-Chem Systems, Inc."
description: "How It Works: Water Softener"
---

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## How It Works: Water Softener

November 01, 2018

 by [Hydro-Chem Sales](https://blog.hydrochemsystems.com/author/hydro-chem-sales)

Water passing through the mineral tank loses positively charged calcium and magnesium ions to negatively charged plastic beads. The brine tank holds a salt solution that flushes the mineral tank, replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium. A meter at the top of the mineral tank regulates recharging cycles. The valve assembly routes water flow for each phase of the regeneration cycle.

1. The backwash phase removes dirt from the mineral tank.
2. Recharging the mineral tank with sodium from the brine solution displaces calcium and magnesium, which is then washed down the drain.
3. The final phase rinses the mineral tank with freshwater and loads the brine tank so it’s ready for the next cycle.

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