Hard water is defined as water that has abnormally high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While there are no health or safety issues associated with hard water, many homeowners opt to install a water softener to reduce the mineral levels before using or drinking the water.
Water softeners work by removing calcium and magnesium ions from the water and replacing them with sodium ions. While your unit can last for a decade or more before it needs to be replaced, you may run into a situation that calls for water softener repairs. Continue reading to learn a few signs that your water softener isn’t working as it should.
Reduced water pressure
The first thing you may notice is reduced water pressure when you hop into the shower or turn the faucet on. The water pressure reduction is due to excess mineral buildup inside your plumbing that’s restricting water flow. Keep in mind that there are many possible causes for a drop in water pressure, so call a plumber to perform an inspection.
Scale and mineral buildup
Scale and mineral buildup, also known as hard water spots, can appear on your shower doors, faucets or sink basins. These spots aren’t the end of the world, but they aren’t very attractive. While you can continue to scrub them off, hiring a professional plumber to make water softener repairs is the best way to stop these spots once and for all.
Dry and itchy skin
Rinsing off all of the calcium and magnesium from your skin can be a challenge, and it gets quite uncomfortable—those minerals leave your skin feeling dry and itchy. The fastest fix is to check the brine levels in your water softener. Simply add more if the salt levels are low, and your skin should feel smooth as silk.
Water lathering
With soft water, soap lathers up easily when you’re in the shower or washing your hands. That’s not the case with hard water or when your water softener is on the fritz. If you’re having trouble getting soaps to lather up, consider calling a plumber to inspect your water softener. Hopefully, it’s a quick fix, but if something more serious is going on, you might need to invest in a new water softener.
Change in water taste
Another easy way to tell if your water softener is having problems is a distinct change in water taste. If your water suddenly tastes salty or just “off,” the salt levels may be low. Another possible cause is a stuck valve in the system. If adding salt doesn’t resolve the issue, contact a plumber to make that quick fix for you.
We can handle your water softener needs
Whether you’re looking to invest in a new water softener or you’d rather repair your current one, be sure to call Big City Plumbing, LLC for assistance. With fair pricing and years of experience repairing and replacing water softeners, we’re happy to be your go-to team for all of your plumbing needs.