Since installing a water softener in your home or office is an investment, you should be on maintaining it so that it can operate efficiently and offer optimal performance. It is one of the home appliances through which water is continuously running. Read on for our top water softener maintenance tips.
Unless you clean and service it regularly, rust build-up and other residue will start to accumulate in your water softener. The best you can do is to hire a professional to service the appliance regularly.
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A Few Tips To Keep Your Water Softener In Top Condition
Check The Salt Levels
The primary function of salt present in water softeners is to regenerate resin beads which extract the hardness out of water. If you want your water softener to offer optimal performance, make sure that the salt level is not too low. Hard water won’t change into soft water and start leaving white residue on fixtures. There are even a few situations when hair and skin starts becoming dry and sticky due to hard water. You can check the salt level by looking at the brine task. Salt pellets should cover the visible water in it.
Replace The Resin Frequently
Since resin ease the ion exchange process, it is considered to be a vital element used during water softener operation. Though the resin installed in a majority of the water softeners are designed in such a way so that they can last for around 10 to 15 years, it can break down faster if the water has a high level of chlorine and iron. If you ever feel that the water softener is not capable of producing sufficient soft water even after consuming salt at the regular rate, it’s time to replace the resin bed.
Remember to test the water’s softness level after replacing the resin.
Add A Pre-filter
Iron, sediment, clay, sand and other substances found in tap water and well water can clog the water softener or damage it. If you want to delay installing a new system, add a pre-filter. Its primary task is to remove contaminants from the water before it reaches the water softener.
The system will offer optimal performance for around 9 months and after which you just have to hire a water softener installer. They have adequate experience and expertise to make the installation process easy.
Clean The Brine Tank
The brine tank should be cleaned at least once every year if you don’t want salt to form clumps or make the regeneration process less effective. How often you should clean the brine tank is dependent on the amount of iron or sediment in the water.
You will have to clean it more frequently if the level of iron is high. Instead of trying a DIY, hire a professional offering water softener maintenance as cleaning the brine tank is a bit complicated.
A Few Additional Tips To Keep Your Water Softener In Top Condition
- Inspect For Salt Bridges: Occasionally, a hard crust or “salt bridge” forms in the brine tank, preventing the system from regenerating properly. Break up any salt bridges with a broom handle or similar tool.
- Use High-Quality Salt: Using high-purity salt can minimize the amount of insoluble matter in the brine tank, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.
- Monitor Water Usage: Unusual spikes in water usage might indicate a problem with the water softener or plumbing system. Regular monitoring can help catch issues early.
- Regular Professional Inspections: Schedule annual inspections with a professional to ensure all components of the water softener are functioning correctly.
Need Help with Water Softener Maintenance?
If you can’t keep your water softener in top condition even after following the tips stated above, approach a renowned water softener installer and get the system replaced.