Water softeners save homeowners from the headaches of spotty dishes and dry skin. However, they do require regular maintenance. Luckily, most of the routine work is a do-it-yourself task. To keep your water softener in top shape, follow these simple steps:
Check the Brine Tank
While water softeners are generally safe to use, problems can arise occasionally. Keeping an eye on small components can help you avoid these issues ahead of time.
One common problem is having a dry brine tank. While this may not be a big deal in the short term, it can lead to poor performance and even system failure. Make sure to check your brine tank regularly. It should always have a few inches of water above the salt dial or digital valve setting.
If you notice that the brine tank is empty, you can scoop out the water manually and dump it down a drain. You can also clean your brine tank by sanitizing it with vinegar. This will help eliminate any encrusted salt that has formed, which can cause blockages. You can also use Iron-Out, a rust stain remover, once a year to keep your brine tank looking new. This will prevent the buildup of mineral deposits that can reduce your softener’s efficiency.
Clean the Resin Tank
New Braunfels water softener installation uses resin beads to attract and remove hardness minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals build up in pipes and on appliances, leading to clogs, poor appliance performance, and dull, lifeless hair and skin. Water softeners eliminate these contaminants to improve the quality of your home’s water.
The resin tank must be cleaned regularly to keep it working correctly. This can be done by draining the tank and pouring it down a drain, or you may choose to use a specific cleaner solution. Many types of cleaners are available for water softeners, including ones focusing on particular minerals (e.g., calcium). Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using a cleaner.
The venturi valve, which creates suction to transport brine into the resin tank, should be checked and cleaned periodically. This part should be unscrewed, removed, and washed with soap and hot water. Bleach can also be used to clean your water softener. However, it is essential to remember that too much bleach will cause your resin beads to deteriorate and can ultimately make your water softener ineffective.
Clean the Venturi Valve
Microbes (bacteria and mildew) can contaminate a water softener for many reasons. These organisms promote growth and may result in a foul odor or poor water quality. A water softener can also clog if the nozzle and venturi are not cleaned. The nozzle and venturi are responsible for cycling water into and out of the resin tank, so you must clean it regularly.
First, turn off your water softener to clean the nozzle and venturi. Then, carefully remove the dome-shaped cover from the nozzle and venturi housing. Usually, two clips on the back of the body hold it in place. Flex these clips gently as you pull the cover off, careful not to break or loosen the inside parts.
Clean the nozzle and venturi assembly with soap and water and, if needed, a rust stain remover like Iron-Out. This helps prevent the clogging of small components that can reduce your water softener’s efficiency and lengthen its lifespan. It would help to clean your nozzle and venturi when you refill the salt tank.
Clean the Filter Screen
Water softeners are great for helping to solve many issues that can arise from hard water, like soap not lathering properly and scale buildup in pipes, sinks, and tubs. However, they require maintenance to keep them operating at peak efficiency.
Clean your brine tank regularly, refilling it roughly once every month with salt. If your resin tank is dirty, use a dedicated resin bead cleaner or bleach cycle (if the manufacturer allows this).
Resin beads become less effective over time and may need to be cleaned or replaced. Watch out for signs that your water softener is not working correctly, such as unusually frequent recharging or a noticeable difference in the taste, smell, and appearance of your home’s water.
The venturi valve and injector can be clogged by sediment, which also causes them not to work. Remove the venturi cap during regular inspections and clean it thoroughly with soapy water. You can also use an iron remover or specialized cleaner to sanitize the injector and venturi valve.
Clean the Drain
Water softeners are a great way to prevent mineral buildup in appliances throughout the home. They also remove a small amount of iron, improving your drinking water’s taste.
Despite their effectiveness, water softeners require some essential maintenance to function well. Keeping on top of refilling salt, cleaning the resin tank, and examining the machine regularly ensures it performs as intended. Using the correct type of salt in your water softener is also essential. Using high-quality salt can increase the lifespan of your system and keep it running efficiently for years to come.
The most common problem with water softeners is clogged venturi valves caused by sediment entering the system. The easiest solution is to clean the drain tank during a maintenance inspection. This involves shutting off your softener, emptying the tank, siphoning or dumping all of the salt, and washing the inside of the tank with soapy water. It is recommended to clean the tank around twice a year. You can unscrew the tank cover, remove the internal parts, and wash with soapy water.
