Today we are going to show you 3 easy steps to take if you need a water softener repair.
1. 3 Steps to Water Softener Repair
b. Clean Off Your Resin Tank Injector
2. When to Call for Professional Water Softener Repair
3. Why Hiring WaterSmart Is Better Than DIY
At WaterSmart, we have over 25 years of experience in the water softener and plumbing industry; and we'd love to share our expertise with you. We'll give you detailed instructions to help you fix your water softener if it isn't working properly. So, let's get started.
Water softeners come in one or two piece units
3 Steps to Water Softener Repair:
Step 1 - Clean Out Your Brine Tank
Your brine tank is the part of your water softener that holds the salt. It is sometimes referred to as the salt tank. Some water softeners come in two parts with the brine tank separate from the rest of the softener whereas other models come in as one single unit.
Take a look inside your brine tank to see if a salt bridge has formed. A salt bridge is like a crust or dome of salt that can form inside your brine tank. Beneath this bridge, there will be a large pocket of air.
It will seem like you have plenty of salt in your tank, however, you don't. This is because the water that comes into your brine tanks won't reach up to the bridge so your water softener won't be able to do its job properly.
To get rid of the salt bridge, you can:
try tapping the outside of your softener gently with a rubber mallet
or if that doesn't work you can use a broom handle or other long rounded object to break up the bridge inside your tank.
Water Softener Repair: Use a broom handle to break up a salt bridge
Throw out the broken-up salt and suck up any leftover salt using a shop vac. You can use some soap and water to thoroughly clean out the inside of your tank once the salt is all gone. Make sure you rinse it well with clean water before adding new salt to the tank.
*Tip: Try not to overfill your brine tank with salt. This can cause salt bridges to form inside. Check out our article called "How Much Salt to Put in Water Softener Brine Tank?" to determine how much salt you should be adding.
*Tip: Clean out your brine tank once a year to get rid of any contaminants that have built up inside.
*Tip: Wait until the salt is almost all gone from your brine tank before you re-fill it.
Water Softener Repair: Wait until the salt is almost all gone before adding more
Step 2 - Clean Off Your Resin Tank Injector
Your resin tank injector can get plugged with sediment from dirty salt over time and it will need to be cleaned.
Engage your water softener's bypass valve to shut off the water. If you are not sure where the valve is, consult your owner's manual. You can also check out our helpful post entitled "How to Put Your Water Softener in Bypass"
Next, you will need to run your softener through a manual regeneration cycle. This will relieve any water pressure that has built up. Again, if you are not sure how to do this, take a look at your owner's manual. Each type of softener will have a slightly different process for running a manual regeneration.
Remove the caps on both sides of your water softener head and thoroughly clean the injector and the injector screen making sure that you get rid of all the built-up debris. Place the caps back on your softener and return the bypass valve to its original position.
*Tip: Only use pure salt in your water softener. Regular rock salt contains contaminants that can leave large amounts of sediment in your brine tank that will cause it to clog up your injector and control valve.
Water softener repair: Only use pure salt in your water softener
Step 3 - Clean Off Your Resin Beads
If your water contains iron, then over time the iron will damage the resin beads in your water softener and prevent them from doing their job of removing the hard water particles and replacing them with sodium.
To fix this problem:
you can use an iron removal product
follow the directions on the package for the amount to add to your brine tank
run your water softener through a manual regeneration cycle.
*Tip: Using an iron removal product once a year will help keep your resin beads and your control valve clean.
The following video will show you how to do a manual regeneration to remove iron from your softener.
Over time iron in your water can prevent your resin beads from working - It will need to be removed
2. When to Call for Professional Water Softener Repair
If after doing the above water softener repair steps, your water softener still isn't softening your water as it should, don't simply decide to purchase a new one. It may need another type of repair.
Water softener repairs are usually relatively quite inexpensive with most repairs costing less than $200.
If you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, you can contact WaterSmart to come and take a look at your water softener. You can trust the professionals at WaterSmart to recommend repairing your softener before replacing it.
Most water softeners will last between 10 and 20 years depending on the quality of the softener and the amount of use it gets.
If, however, your softener does need replacing, WaterSmart can recommend the perfect softener to match your budget and that is specially programmed to solve the particular hard water challenges of the Waterloo region.
WaterSmart softeners are designed for the hard water problems of the KW region
3. Why Hiring WaterSmart Is Better Than DIY
Doing basic maintenance of your water softener yourself is fine, however, there are times when it is beneficial to have a professional take a look at it.
If there is something wrong with your motor or electrical components a professional will be properly trained to safely do the water softener repair for you.
The experts at WaterSmart also understand the unique hard water challenges in this area, so they are able to program your softener for you so that it will work the most effectively and efficiently.
If you don't have the time or don't want to do regular maintenance on your softener, you can contact WaterSmart to also look after that for you.
4. Water Softener Repair FAQ
1. Can Water Softeners be fixed?
Yes, water softeners can often be fixed. Common issues include salt bridging, resin tank fouling, or malfunctioning components.
2. Is it worth fixing a water softener?
Whether it's worth fixing a water softener depends on the extent of the issue and the cost of repairs compared to the cost of a new unit. Minor problems are usually worth fixing, while major issues may warrant replacement.
3. What is the life expectancy of a water softener?
The life expectancy of a water softener is typically around 10 to 20 years, depending on the quality of the unit, maintenance, and usage.
4. Why do water softeners stop working?
Water softeners can stop working due to issues such as salt buildup, resin tank fouling, malfunctioning valves, or electrical problems.
Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues and extend the lifespan of the unit.
You Can Also Trust WaterSmart for All Your Plumbing Needs
Looking to hire a professional plumber? You can trust WaterSmart with all of your plumbing needs. We are your local plumbing experts in the Kitchener-Waterloo region proudly celebrating 25 years of professional service.
If you are having problems with your sewer or would like to have it inspected, contact us today. We also provide a full range of other plumbing services that include but are not limited to:
Leaks and Repairs
Toilets and Taps,
Clogged or Slow Drains
Countertop Pre and Post Installation
Water Softener and Dishwasher Installations
Tankless Hot Water Heaters
New Plumbing and Renovations
Master Plumber and Gas Fitter
Kitchens and Bathrooms
"Absolutely wonderful! After getting many quotes, checking quality of units, warranty and businesses through the BBB, I chose to go with Watersmart Systems. Best equipment, price, warranty, and people!! The gentlemen that came and installed the unit were professional and polite. I will definitely be recommending this company!!"
- Kim Pickles
