Whether you’re thinking about getting a water softener or you’ve been enjoying the benefits of soft water for a while now, it’s always good to know how to maintain your water softener. Are you tired of dealing with hard water problems in your home, like unsightly limescale residue or dull, acne-prone skin? A water softener can be a true game-changer and elevate your quality of life.
To ensure quality soft water for years to come, maintaining your water softener is key. You can keep your water softener in tip-top shape with just a few simple steps! But, if you’ve already got enough on your plate, don’t worry. Evolving water-softening technology has ensured we have several water-softener alternatives that require little to no maintenance.
5 Key Steps to Maintain Your Water Softener
1. Check your water softener’s salt levels.
Although most of our water softeners use less salt in regeneration than other systems, salt is still needed to remove the excess minerals from your tap water. To keep your water softener performing at its best, regularly check the salt levels in the brine tank. Our water softeners boast the newest water-efficient technology and an optional salt monitoring system that will alert you when the salt level is low. Refill the salt as needed. The standard for a multi-person household is about one 40-lb. bag of salt every 1 to 2 months.
2. Establish regular brine tank cleanings.
Too much or too little salt can cause hardening or mushing in the brine tank. This can clog drainage points and hinder the regeneration process. It’s a good idea to periodically empty the tank and manually remove any buildup that has accumulated. By establishing regular brine cleanings, you can ensure that the salt dissolves properly and your system is softening water efficiently.
3. Check for salt bridges and salt sludge.
Even if you’ve been consistent with cleaning your brine tank, it’s still possible for salt bridges and salt sludge to form over time. Both can stop the regeneration process completely and damage your softening system, if not addressed. A salt bridge can happen when salt levels aren’t regulated properly and a hard crust forms to separate the water from the salt. Salt sludge accumulates at the bottom of the tank and hinders effective drainage.
If you feel something hard in your brine tank, use a broom handle or other long object to gently break up any salt bridges and clear out the salt sludge to keep the process running smoothly.
4. Inspect your resin tank.
The resin tank is one of the most important parts of your water softener because it’s where all the magic happens! Here, unwanted minerals are exchanged for sodium ions and the water-softening process begins. Inspect the resin tank for signs of sediment buildup or elements wearing down (i.e. resin beads). If you see anything irregular, contact your water quality technician to clean the tank or replace the resin as needed.
5. Take advantage of water softeners with little to no maintenance.
These simple maintenance tasks can help your water softener last longer, but we recommend scheduling professional maintenance for your water softener system once a year. The experienced water quality technicians at Conner Water Systems can inspect and clean the entire system and diagnose potential problems. For a low-maintenance water softener, look for the Chlorine Generator feature, which not only automatically cleans your system but adjusts to your water use habits as well!
Since portable exchange tanks are maintained entirely at our facilities, P.E. tanks are a popular water-softening system alternative that requires absolutely no maintenance. Plus, because portable exchange tanks don’t release a salt discharge into your sewage system, they’re the environmentally friendly option for treating hard water.
Enjoy all the benefits of soft water without having to maintain a water softener!
A water softener can be a big investment, but one that pays off in countless ways. The benefits of soft water extend in all directions, from softer skin and shinier hair to spotless dishes and less replacing of your household appliances! By following these simple maintenance tips and practicing smart water use, you can enjoy all the benefits of soft water without hefty maintenance costs that always hit at the worst time.
Maintaining your water softener regularly provides your home with better water quality and protects against big breakdowns down the road. Ask about our water softener alternatives made to work with your lifestyle! Portable exchange tanks are great for renters, California residents with water use regulations, and those with no time for user maintenance. Getting clean, quality water should always be this easy. Contact us today to explore your water treatment options!
