Water softeners are amazing devices that remove harsh minerals from water, including calcium and magnesium. These devices make the water from your drains better for your skin and clothes. Water softeners even help improve the taste of tap water; however, your water softener needs to work correctly for your household to receive all the benefits. That’s why it’s important to know when to invest in a water softener replacement.
Read on if you’re wondering when is the best time to replace your water softener:
- Cloudy water: A sure sign you may need a water softener replacement is cloudy water. Water softeners are designed to remove calcium and other minerals from tap water. If these materials are present, they may turn your water cloudy.
- Funny taste: Some people start wondering when to replace their water softener after noticing a strange taste when drinking tap water. Water softeners usually make tap water taste clean and crisp; however, a metallic taste could signal problems with your water softener. You don’t want to experience that taste every time you drink, so be sure to contact a plumber right away.
- Dirty dishes: Sometimes dirty dishes just mean you or your dishwasher haven’t cleaned them well enough, but consistently foggy dishes or dishes covered in residue could mean the presence of hard water. Hard water often makes dish detergent less effective, so you’ll have a much harder time cleaning dishes when the water softener isn’t working.
- Laundry issues: After investing in a water softener, many homeowners notice an improvement in their clothes. This is because soft water helps keep clothes soft while preserving their color. If you notice residue left on your clothes after washing them, there’s likely a problem with your water softener. Stiffer-than-usual clothes could also signal the need for a water softener replacement.
How long do water softeners last?
It depends on the type of water softener you have. Electricity-powered water softeners typically last somewhere between two and 10 years. Water softeners powered by kinetic energy usually last much longer, around two decades.
Taking care of a water softener
Proper maintenance will help ensure your water softener lasts as long as possible. This maintenance should include routinely checking for slat bridges, using a resin bed cleaner and only using top-quality salt. It’s also important to take care of water softener repairs as soon as possible. Even smaller issues could end up doing major damage to your water softener.
If you notice any problems with your water softener, contact an expert right away. While maintaining a water softener is fairly easy for anyone, it’s best to leave repairs to the professionals.
If you have a problem with your water softener or are interested in having one installed, contact Big City Plumbing, LLC. We only offer the best water softener options at fair prices. Once you’ve decided on the perfect water softener, we’ll quickly and efficiently install it at your home. We also offer top-quality water softener replacement services to ensure your property has the water quality you’ve come to expect.