Water softeners are simple, low-maintenance systems that produce dramatically better water by eliminating hard water's damaging effects. The ion exchange process exchanges undesirable minerals for desirable ones. Like a magnet, the hard minerals are attracted to the resin beads inside a softener tank and replaced with sodium ions. As the water moves through your pipes, it leaves behind this new sodium and picks up calcium and magnesium ions from whatever it touches: water heater tanks, dishwashers, toilet bowls and showers. With an ordinary water softener in place you can stop worrying about scale buildup in pipes, ice makers or washing machines; enjoy clear bubbly baths without soap scum on the tub walls; and have fewer scowling guests at your dinner table.