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Here are tips on how to use water softeners
A recent survey found out that the average lifespan for a water softener is around 14 years. This was made possible by regular maintenance and cleaning. If you want your water softener system to last longer, then follow these 5 important maintenance tips for water softeners. Read about them below.
Regularly Check The Brine Tank
- If your water consumption is higher than the average household, then you must regularly check the brine tank. To check, simply open the lid of the tank. If you see the salt-covered with water then nothing needs to be done and everything is in perfect condition.
However, if you notice that the salt has gone dry, or if the water level looks too low then it is a good idea to add more water softener salt. If the water softener installed at your home is older than 10 years, then it is imperative to check the brine tank after every 2-3 weeks to make sure everything is well.
Use A Good Quality Salt
- Every time you refill the brine tank, make sure to use only good quality salt. Don’t save money on the salt as it can ruin your entire water softener system.
For excellent results, use evaporated salt pellets. These are the purest water softener salts available in the market and have almost zero amounts of impurities. It might be tempting to use block salt, but unless the manufacturer allows its use, it should be avoided at all costs.
DIY Clean The Brine Tank Regularly
- Regularly maintaining and cleaning the brine tank will keep your water softener away from problems. It is fairly easy to clean a brine tank and can be done as a DIY project.
Wait until the brine tank is nearly out of salt before starting your cleaning project. Scoop out the remaining salt from the tank. If the brine tank is dirty, then the remaining salt will appear as sludge. If the sludge is stuck at the bottom of the tank, then gently scrape it off using a stick or a broom handle. After removing all the salt and sludge, proceed to clean the tank. For this step, you’ll need clean water, detergent, and a brush. If you notice mold then you can use a mold remover as it won’t damage the brine tank. After washing and draining all the water, add new salt to the brine tank. Let the brine tank regenerate overnight and your brine tank cleaning project is finished.
Report Problems Early-On
It can be tricky to understand if your water softener has a problem, but if you are able to track a problem early on then you can save yourself from a major dent in your budget from water softener replacement. There are many telltale signs such as getting hard water that doesn’t lather with soap, water having a taste, stiff laundry, and scale buildup.
If you notice one or more of these signs, then your water softener isn’t performing up to the mark. Most problems can be fixed by cleaning the brine tank.
Hire A Professional
- If your water softener isn’t performing well or has issues then it’s best to call your manufacturer to ask about warranty and repair options. It is advisable not to attempt a repair by yourself as this can void your warranty and further complicate the problem.
A professional plumbing company can be hired that can inspect and fix your water softener. They’ve been trained to do so and can tell if you need a water softener replacement.
If your water softener has issues, or you would simply like to have more information then call us at 832-772-5501. We, at Proline Plumbing, are a plumbing and water softener systems specialist company operating in Houston Texas.