Nearly every state in the United States has hard water. This means that the water has a high level of calcium and magnesium ions. Though this is good for the health of the human body, it’s terrible for your plumbing pipes and water-dependent appliances. Hard water damages them by depositing a crust called limescale. Your water softener removes the calcium and magnesium and replaces them with sodium. How can you tell that your water softener is in trouble, and what can you do about it before calling in a professional?

The Water Tastes Salty

Though some people claim that softened water doesn’t taste as good as untreated water, it shouldn’t taste salty. When this happens, you might suspect a salt bridge, which is a buildup of clogs in the tank. This sometimes happens when you use low-quality salt or if your water softener is in a place where the humidity level is high. One fix for this problem is actually easy. All you usually need to do is gently tap the salt tank with a rubber mallet from bottom to top. This should loosen the salt bridge. If this doesn’t work, then call your plumber.

The Water Softener Isn’t Regenerating

Another problem is a water softener that’s not regenerating or whose regeneration is incomplete. Regeneration is when salt is added to the brine tank to replace the salt used to replace the calcium and magnesium ions. The reason your water softener doesn’t regenerate can range from a bad timer to clogs in the piping. The problem is usually the timer, so you should set it to work at a certain time. If it doesn’t switch on at that time, you know where the problem lies.

The Water Is Brown

Brown water can mean that the pipes bringing water to your fixtures are old and corroded, but it can also mean that the water is contaminated. Call in a plumber to have the pipes checked and your water softening system sterilized.

The Motor Doesn’t Turn On

The reason for the motor not turning on can be the system not being plugged in, the unit being shut off at the circuit box, or the motor just shutting down because it’s old and worn out. You might be able to buy a new motor, or you may need to purchase a new water softening system. Consult your plumber about how to move forward.

There’s Too Much Water in the Brine Tank

A brine tank that’s full of water can’t do its job of removing hard minerals. The problem can be a clog or a water valve that can’t control the flow of water into the brine tank. This might be a job best left to a plumber.

Call Us for Problems With Your Water Softener

Your water softener prevents hard minerals from damaging your plumbing and appliances, keeps your laundry from becoming dingy, and stops your hair and skin from feeling not clean enough after a shower. If you have problems with your water softener, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our plumbers at Aqua Gold Water Treatment in Muncie, IN.