water softener troubleshooting - brine line and brine line connector

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.

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.

water softener troubleshooting - diagram
This diagram describes all the parts of a water softener and how it works.

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:

  1. On an automatic softener check the brine line and injector for blockages every six months, and clean or replace the injector screen.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
water softener troubleshooting - salt bridge
Example of a salt bridge (a piled-up or clump of salt) that has formed in the water softener 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).

Water Softener Troubleshooting Guide

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 your water softener 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 contact us here or 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.

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