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Plumbing Tips | November 13, 2024
Water Softener Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide
Is water softener troubleshooting important? Yes. And here’s why.
Hard water combines with soap to leave a dull film on fixtures, tubs, and sinks. Mineral buildup can also block pipes and corrode water heaters, washing machines, and faucets. Your water softener keeps this from happening, which extends the life of your household fixtures while reducing repair and maintenance costs.
Table of Contents
How Does a Water Softener Work?
A water softener reduces water hardness by exchanging magnesium and calcium ions (which react with soap) for sodium ions (which do not react). This keeps minerals buildup (often called scale) from appearing on all of your water-using fixtures and appliances.
If you’re interested in getting a water softener installed in your home to enjoy the benefits one provides, contact your local plumber to talk through the process of what that would entail.
Water Softener Maintenance Tips
Although its various cycles may seem complex, the water softener is a simple plumbing fixture to maintain. Here are some simple maintenance tips prior to troubleshooting:
- On an automatic softener check the brine line and injector for blockages every six months, and clean or replace the injector screen.
- If a water softener is installed in a warm place, like near a furnace, condensation can form in the brine tank. This results in compacted salt (called salt bridging) which blocks the flow of salt water from the brine tank to the resin tank. Break up or remove a salt bridge when this happens.
- Iron, if heavily concentrated in your water supply, breaks down the resin beads in a water softener. This may can block hoses or valves. If your water contains 3 ppm (parts per million) of iron, add a bag of resin cleaner to the resin tank. You can also install a charcoal-activated iron filter on the supply pipe if the water contains more than 3 ppm.
Example of a salt bridge (a piled-up or clump of salt) that has formed in the tank. Make sure to break up the salt bridge thoroughly with a broom handle. Do not contaminate it with your hands (also, undiluted salt can be harsh on your skin).
Related Resources
- How does a water softener work?
- Remove hard water stains: the ultimate guide
- Gas water heater troubleshooting guide
- What to do in a plumbing emergency troubleshooting guide
- How to fix a leaky faucet troubleshooting guide
- Toilet troubleshooting
Final Thoughts
As you can see, water softener troubleshooting and maintenance are fairly simple. Just make sure to check at least once every six months, or whenever you notice an issue.
Clues that it needs looking after include water that feels different (not as silky), shampoo or soap that doesn’t lather up as much as it used to, and soap scum on dishes and glassware.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help with repairing or troubleshooting your water softener.
1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.
