A water softener can last 15 years or even longer if it’s well cared for. Another factor is the hardness of the water. The water in this region is considered very hard, so it’s important that you perform preventative maintenance on your water softener so that it can work well for years. Here’s how.
Flush the Brine Tank
Water softeners work by flushing fresh water through a brine tank before it goes to the fixtures in your house. The sodium in the brine replaces the calcium and magnesium that make water hard. In order for the brine tank to do its job, it needs to be cleaned out at least once a year. If it’s neglected, salt clumps up and makes the tank less effective. It’s possible for a layperson to clean out their brine tank, but it’s best to let a pro do it for best results.
Check the Salt Levels
In order to exchange sodium ions for magnesium and calcium ions, there needs to be a certain level of salt in the brine tank. All you need to do is uncover the tank and peek inside. The salt comes in little pellets, and the tank should be so full of them that you shouldn’t even see the water. If there’s even a layer of water, that means you need to add more pellets.
Choose the Right Type of Salt
Some people, even professionals, don’t fuss too much about the type of salt used in your water softener. However, many professionals insist that the salt be as free of impurities as possible. Salt that’s full of impurities can damage the water softener and degrade the quality of the water. Evaporated salt seems to be the best for very hard water. However, if you’re worried about the type of salt you should use in your water softener, ask a professional.
Keep an Eye on the Resin
The resin beads that come with your water softener should last the life of the system. However, contaminants such as iron can cause them to disintegrate. Tiny particles of debris in your water might be a sign that the resin’s breaking down. Call a professional to check the resin, and replace it if needed.
Install a Prefilter
If the water that comes into your home has a lot of contaminants, you might want to have a prefilter installed. Too much sediment can clog or even damage your water softener. Your system will probably have a prefilter when you get it, and it should last about half a year or a little longer. When it’s time to replace it, have a professional do it to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Hard water makes your clothes dingy even after they’ve been washed, leaves spots and clouds on your glassware and shortens the life of your plumbing pipes. If you’re interested in leasing a water softener, get in touch with our professionals at Aqua Gold Water Treatment of Muncie, IN.