If you are lucky enough to have a water softener in your home, you know how wonderful it is to have soft water running through your taps. Not only does it make your skin and hair feel better, but it also helps keep your appliances running smoothly. But like all machines, water softeners require regular maintenance to function at their best. In this blog post, we will discuss what to know about owning a water softener so that you can enjoy its benefits for years to come.
Use the Right Salt
There are four types of salt you can use for your water softener. They are:
- Solar salt
- Evaporated salt
- Rock salt
- Potassium chloride
The type of salt you use is not as important as making sure the granules are a uniform size. If the granules are different sizes, it will be difficult for the water softener to work properly. Most hardware stores will carry the right salt for your water softener. Just make sure to check the label before you make your purchase.
Check Salt Levels Constantly
As we mentioned before, you should check the salt levels in your water softener’s brine tank regularly. This is especially important if you live in an area with hard water.
Hard water contains high levels of minerals. Some of the most common minerals include magnesium and calcium. They can build up in your water softener over time and reduce its efficiency. As a result, you may find that you need to add more salt frequently.
If you notice this, consider having your water tested. This will help you determine if you need to adjust the settings on your water softener.
Break Up Salt Bridges
If you notice a hard, white substance forming on the bottom of your brine tank, don’t panic! This is just a salt ‘bridge’ and is perfectly normal. Salt bridges occur when the water softener pulls too much water from the brine tank during the regeneration cycle.
All you need to do to break up a salt bridge is use a broom handle or other long, sturdy object to poke it. Once you’ve broken up the salt bridge, your water softener should be able to function properly again.
Schedule Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
The best way to keep your water softener running smoothly is to schedule regular cleaning and maintenance. This may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it’s worth it in the long run. A professional can clean your water softener and check for any potential problems. They will also be able to advise you on the best type of salt to use and how often you should be refilling the brine tank.
Exercise the Valves
Your water softener has two valves: the brine valve and the backwash valve. These valves control the flow of water in and out of the softener. It’s important to exercise these valves regularly to prevent them from sticking.
To exercise the brine valve, simply open and close it a few times. You can do this by hand or with a power drill. To exercise the backwash valve, open it and let water flow through for a few minutes. Then close the valve and ensure there is no water leaking.
How To Maintain My Water Softener
We hope this blog post has been helpful in teaching you how to maintain your water softener. Just remember to use the right type of salt, check the salt levels regularly, and schedule regular cleaning and maintenance.
If you do all of these things, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of soft water for years to come! Big City Plumbing, LLC is always here to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.