Which is the correct sequence for regenerating a water softener?

The correct sequence for regenerating a water softener starts with backwashing, followed by the addition of salt/brine solution, and concludes with a rinse.

During the backwashing phase, the flow of water is reversed to flush out accumulated impurities and sediment from the resin bed, ensuring that the system begins the regeneration process with a clean slate. This is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of the resin beads that exchange hard water ions for sodium ions.

Next, a salt brine solution is introduced into the system. This solution, made up of highly concentrated saltwater, is absorbed by the resin beads, allowing them to release the hard water minerals they've collected, such as calcium and magnesium, and recharging the beads with sodium ions. This step is essential for restoring the softener's effectiveness.

Finally, the rinse phase is performed to wash away excess salt and any remaining hardness minerals. This step helps to ensure that the water produced by the softener is as close to clean and soft as possible before it enters the household or facility's water supply.

This sequence optimizes the performance of the water softener and ensures that it continues to operate effectively, which makes the answer A the correct choice.