The Story Behind the Invention of the Water Softener
Hard water is hard to deal with. It brittles and dries out skin and hair. It causes clothing to become worn more quickly when it’s washed. And it’s also tough on the surfaces that the water hits. It can leave stains on sinks, shower walls, countertops and other areas.
Thank goodness for water softeners! They can make such a difference when it comes to water quality and are used every day in most households. So who invented this wonderful mechanism and why is its history important to know?
The Inventor of the Water Softener
Many people recognize the name Culligan but know very little about the Culligan who invented the modern-day water softener. Emmett Joseph Culligan was born in 1893 in Yankton, South Dakota. Living and working in the midwest, Culligan was very familiar with the effects of hard water.
One day, he found himself pacing the halls of a hospital while his wife was in labor and ended up in the boiler room. There, he learned that the hospital used zeolite to soften its water. He became fascinated with the idea of softening water and wanted to create a way to make this technology available to everyone. So he got to work and eventually created the first modern-day water softener that could be used at home.
Back Then...
The early 1900s were a critical time period in US history. It was a time of ups (the roaring 20s) and downs (the Great Depression), but also a time of new inventions. The manufacturing industry was booming and new technologies were created non-stop. People were especially looking for ways to improve life at home.
For many years, Emmett Culligan had worked in the real estate industry. But when the Great Depression hit, he needed to find alternative work. It was a perfect opportunity for him to start his own company that could provide new jobs to unemployed people while bringing water softeners to the average household, improving quality of life.
Developing a Water Softener
Of course, there have been some advancements in the look and design of water softeners today compared to what they looked like in the 1930s, but the mechanical setup is essentially the same.
The process of water softening uses an ion exchange in a resin tank to remove dissolved minerals that a standard filter won’t catch. It exchanges hard ions such as calcium and magnesium with sodium or potassium ions. As water continues to run through the water softener, the device will become exhausted over time, which is the point in time when homeowners need to add more salt to the softener.
As mentioned, this type of technology had already existed in hospitals and other commercial buildings, but Culligan modified the device and adapted it for the average homeowner. No more water stains, residue or mineral buildup in homes! That’s what a water softener is there for.
About Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC
At Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC in Stuart, FL their customers' needs and safety are of the utmost importance. Their loyal customers have been entrusting their plumbing needs to Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC since 1986. Contact them today to learn more about water filtration systems.
