How To Maintain A Water Softener

How To Maintain A Water Softener

Whether you have a whole house or point of use water softener, you want to ensure it is functioning at its best. There are a number of simple steps you can take to maintain your water softener. Follow these top tips and you will be well on your way to keeping your system running smoothly for years to come!

1. Check Salt Levels

One of the most important things you can do to maintain a water softener is check the salt levels in your system. The salt in your brine tank is used to form a solution known as brine that helps regenerate the resin beads inside your water softener. When the salt is used up, the salt solution will need to be recharged with fresh salt in order for the softening media to work again. If you forget to refill the salt in your system, it can cause hard water problems throughout your home such as dingy laundry and spots on your shower door. It can also cause your soap to lather too little, making it difficult to get a good shower.

2. Clean The Brine Tank Regularly

The brine tank is the container that holds the salt needed for the regeneration process. It should be drained regularly for cleaning, sanitizing and troubleshooting. When filling the brine tank, don’t overfill it or it can create a problem called salt bridging, which interferes with the regeneration process and makes your water less soft than it should be. When it’s time to clean your brine tank, a simple solution of 2 ounces of unscented household bleach mixed with 3 gallons of water is an effective sanitizer. Let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then scrub it with a brush.

3. Clean The Resin Tank Regularly

The resin tank is a critical component of the water softening process. This is why it needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that the unit operates efficiently. Using a special resin cleaning solution (known as a rust remover) is a good way to clean out the beads in your resin tank. Make sure that you choose a product that is designed for use in water softeners, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

4. Clean the Venturi Valve Regularly

The venturi valve is what creates the suction to move water from the brine tank into the resin tank during a regeneration cycle. Occasionally, it can become clogged with sand, sediment, and other impurities. This can cause the entire system to stop working correctly. This is why it is recommended to clean the venturi valve on a regular basis. This will help prevent clogs and keep your system functioning at its best.

5. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Keeping a water softener in great condition throughout its lifespan is crucial. A neglected maintenance routine can lead to a breakdown or malfunction.  Therefore, it is important to schedule professional servicing for your water softener regularly. Contact Royal Water Works, Inc. today for more information on our residential and commercial water softener services!

Categorised in: Water Softeners