Is It Time to Replace Your Water Softener?

Water softeners can be an essential part of a happy home. These modern marvels filter heavy minerals out of the water supply, leaving everything that comes out of the shower and faucets soft and pure. But as wonderful as they are, these appliances do not last forever, and they will eventually need to be replaced.

Fortunately, you won’t need to play a guessing game to figure out how to know when it’s time to replace your water softener. Here are some signs that you need your water softener replaced.

Water pressure

If you notice pressure changes in the water flow around the house, that may be a sign you need your water softener replaced. This happens because the water softener is connected directly to the water pipes in the home, so all the water has to flow through it first before reaching its final destination. If the softener is clogged or no longer offering resistance, that’s a sign it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. You’ll be able to tell if this is the case because it will result in a change in water pressure.

Water taste

Water softeners will subtly change the taste of the water in your home. They may also change the mouthfeel of the water. Untreated water can sometimes taste a little bitter, sometimes even slightly sweet or metallic. It also may leave your tongue and skin feeling a little bit more dry than usual. If you have a water softener and you notice these taste changes in your water, it may be a sign that the softener is on its way out.

Soap lather

One of the best things about having a water softener is that soap lathers better with soft water. That’s because the extra minerals in hard water make it harder for the soap to activate in the water. If you notice your soap isn’t lathering as well as it usually does, whether it’s in the shower, in the washing machine, in the sink or anywhere else, it may be a sign that the softener isn’t working as well as it should be.

Laundry

With that decrease in soap lather comes a decline in the effectiveness of your washing machine. If the soap isn’t able to lather up in the washing machine, it won’t be able to clean your clothes as effectively. If you notice your clothes feeling stiff or smelling a little sour when they come out of the washing machine, it may be due to mineral or soap residue on the clothes caused by an ineffective water softener.

Call a professional

If your water softener is more than 10 years old, it might be time to consider a replacement. If you notice signs that you need your water softener replaced, it’s important to hire a company with the right experience and a focus on customer service. For more information on how to know when it’s time to replace your water softener, or if you’re sure it’s time and you’re ready to get it done, contact Royal Water Works, Inc. today.

Categorised in: Water Softeners