Residential water softeners remove calcium and magnesium-the primary mineral components of hard water-in a central unit that treats incoming water from the municipal water supply. Regenerative softeners utilize a process that involves a mineral tank removing calcium and magnesium ions from the water, and a brine tank periodically flushing out the accumulated minerals with a concentrated brine solution. After regeneration, the spent brine solution is backwashed out of the system, generating fresh brine for subsequent regeneration.
Using a sump to discharge brine from a water softener is discouraged. Sump pumps and related components (such as float switches) are not designed for exposure to saltwater. The corrosive effects of saltwater can damage rubber seals, as well as the cast iron pump body, stainless steel pump shaft, and pump impeller. Furthermore, discharging brine from a water softener into a sump typically voids the sump pump warranty.
