A water softener is one of the best investments you can make for your home, but like any appliance, it needs regular maintenance to perform at its best. Follow this guide to keep your system running smoothly for years to come.
The most basic maintenance task is checking your brine tank's salt level. Here is what to look for:
Pay attention to your water quality. If you notice spots on dishes, dry skin, or scale buildup returning, your softener may need attention.
A salt bridge is a hard crust that forms in the brine tank, creating a gap between the salt and the water. The salt looks full from the top, but the system cannot create brine properly.
How to check: Carefully push a broom handle into the salt. If it meets resistance before reaching the water, you have a salt bridge.
How to fix: Gently break up the crust with the broom handle. Be careful not to damage the tank.
Salt mushing occurs when dissolved salt recrystallizes at the bottom of the tank, forming a thick sludge. This is harder to fix than a salt bridge and may require draining the tank.
Prevention: Use high-quality evaporated salt pellets and avoid mixing salt types.
Once or twice a year, give your brine tank a thorough cleaning:
The resin beads inside your softener can accumulate iron, manganese, and organic compounds over time. Use a resin bed cleaner (available at hardware stores) following the product instructions.
The venturi valve creates suction to draw brine into the resin tank. It can become clogged with sediment or salt deposits.
Some issues are best left to qualified technicians:
With proper maintenance, a quality water softener can last 15 to 20 years. The key factors are:
Whether you need a routine check-up, repairs, or a new system, our certified technicians are here to help. We service all major brands and offer free estimates.
Contact us today or call (949) 873-1129 to schedule a service appointment.
Schedule a free water test and get personalized recommendations for your home.
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