Three Common Water Softener Problems To Watch For
Posted on: 25 December 2015
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If you've recently invested in a traditional salt-containing water softener, it's important to understand that it isn't maintenance-free. In fact, there are a few common problems that you may face with your water softener. Understanding the most common water softener issues and how to deal with them can help you to head off potential problems before they become serious. Here's a look at a few common issues that you should watch for.
Mineral Deposits
Water softeners have several points where the minerals and salt in the system can lead to deposits. Two of the most common areas for mineral deposits are the brine line and the filter screen. If your water isn't softening properly or you're still seeing some hard water signs, check these first. It's best to start here because this is a quick and easy fix. Just follow the user manual for your softener to clean the buildup away.
Salt Bridge Formation
Salt bridges can form inside the water softener if the salt is left to accumulate. If this happens, you'll need to break it apart and then remove all of the excess salt from the surface inside. Hit the bridge with the handle of a tool or something similar to break it up, then gently scrape away any excess salt that's left on the edges.
Resin Bead Problems
The resin beads in the water softener are intended to last for the entire lifespan of the appliance. Unfortunately, you may find that certain minerals can lead to damaged or worn beads that need to be replaced. In particular, the resin beads draw sodium out of the water. If you're finding that your water is high in sodium or the softener is needing frequent recharges, that's a key indication that you may have a problem with the resin beads. You can talk with a water softener specialist to have them replaced professionally.
Motor Failure
Water softeners rely on the use of a motor to operate, and like any small motor, it's susceptible to failure. If the softener isn't running at all, it's a good chance that the motor has failed. Eliminate any power problems by checking all of the cables, then call a service technician to replace the motor if you can't find any other signs of trouble.
These are three of the most common sources of trouble with household water softeners. Talk with your local water softener service provider about a routine maintenance schedule and watch for signs of these issues to address them right away.
To learn more about water softener repair, contact a company like Metro Water Conditioning Inc.