We've put together a Novatek Water Softener Ultimate Guide to help you with any problems you might be having with your softener.
Part 2: Water is Hard Sometimes
Part 3: Error Codes - Troubleshooting
Part 4: Maintenance Tips and Tricks
Part 5: Novatek Water Softener Repair Services
Part 6: Novatek Water Softener FAQ
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Novatek Water Softener Guide
This guide will give you solutions to some of the most common problems you might encounter, as well as maintenance and service tips. So, let's get started!
Part 1: NO SOFT WATER?
There are a number of reasons why you have no soft water. These include:
Your Softener Has Developed a Salt Bridge
Your Softener Has No Power
Your Manual Bypass Valve Is In the Wrong Position
You Don’t Have Enough Salt
You Don't Have Enough Water Flowing Into the Brine Tank
You Have Problems With the Brine Line Flow Control
1. Your Softener has developed a salt bridge:
A salt bridge is probably one of the most common problems.
A salt bridge occurs when your salt solidifies in an arc above your water level creating an empty cavity between the salt and the water.
This can occur due to humidity or using the wrong kind of salt in your tank.
When this happens, the brine water is not able to reach the salt so your water softener cannot do its job.
Solution: You can break up the salt bridge by gently tapping on the outside of the salt tank with a rubber mallet. You can also try pouring some warm water over the bridge to dissolve it. If this doesn't break up the bridge, then use a long tool, such as a broom handle to chop through the solidified salt.
Once you have broken up the bridge, you should use up the leftover salt and then clean out your brine tank. You can do this by first waiting 4 hours to produce a brine solution and then manually regenerating your softener.
You can pour warm water over the bridge and then BREAK it UP WITH A BROOM HANDLE
2. Your Softener has No Power
Your Novatek water softener needs power to work. If it gets unplugged accidentally or if a fuse or circuit breaker has blown, then it won't be getting any power.
Solution: First, check to see if your softener is plugged securely into the outlet. If it is, then check your fuse/breaker box to make sure that you haven't blown a fuse or breaker for that outlet. If it has, then you need to replace the fuse or flip the breaker switch back on.
You can also test the outlet itself by plugging in a small lamp that you know is working in the outlet, if the lamp lights up, you know that the outlet is working properly. If the lamp does not light up then you know there is a problem with the outlet, in this case, it is best to contact a professional.
Make sure that you haven’t blown a fuse or tripped a breaker
3. Your Manual Bypass Valve Is in the Wrong Position
If your manual bypass valve is in the wrong position (if it is in the OPEN position), then your water softener will not be functioning properly.
Solution: The bypass valve is located at the back of the control. In order to have soft water, your bypass valve needs to be open. To do this your ON/OFF knobs should be in line with the inlet and outlet pipes. If your valve is closed, you can open it by turning the knob counterclockwise.
4. You Don’t have enough Salt
If you don't have enough salt or if you have run out of salt then you won't have soft water.
Solution: To prevent this issue, make sure that your softener is at least 1/3 full of salt at all times. The salt level should always be above the water level in your brine tank
If your salt level is too low, then press the RECHARGE button on your softener after you have replenished your salt supply to immediately recharge your system.
Make sure your salt level is always above your water level
5. You don't have enough water flowing into the brine tank
If you don’t have enough water flowing into your brine tank, you won’t have soft water.
Solution: Check your brine tank fill time to make sure that it is long enough. You may also need to clean your brine line flow tank control if it is plugged. The brine line is connected to the safety float assembly of your brine tank.
6. You have Problems with the Brine Line Flow Control
If you get any debris in your brine line flow control, then this can prevent your softener from working properly.
Solution:
Disconnect the brine line and retainer clip. Remove the brine line flow control assembly and remove the flow washer retainer with pliers.
Clean off the washer with water to get rid of any debris. If the washer is worn, you should replace it. For more detailed instructions, consult your owner's manual.
Replacing your brine line flow control is a more complicated procedure than the previous problems. If you would like a professional to do this for you, contact us.
For more difficult repairs, contact a professional
Part 2: water Is Hard Sometimes
There are a few possible reasons why you sometimes have hard water. These include:
Your Water Softener Setting Is Too Low
Your Softener Is Regenerating When You Are Using Hot Water
You Have a Mechanical Defect
1. Your Water Softener Setting Is Too Low
The Kitchener-Waterloo region has particularly high levels of water hardness. If your softener has not been programmed properly to handle the high level of hardness in this area, or if the hardness setting has been adjusted too low on your Novatek water softener, you won't have soft water.
Solution: Reprogram the control to the proper regeneration type, inlet water hardness, capacity or flow meter size.
To do this press the button on your control panel that looks like four arrows in a circle until your screen displays a capital letter "H". Use the up and down arrows to adjust the level of water hardness to your desired level.
If you would like help determining what your water hardness level is and would like help programming your water softener, contact the local experts at WaterSmart.
Make sure your NOvatek water softener is programmed correctly for the hard water level in your area
2. You Are Using Hot Water While Your Softener Is Regenerating
If you use hot water at the same time as your water softener is regenerating, then your hot water tank will automatically fill up with water that hasn't had a chance to get soft.
Your Novatek water softener’s regeneration cycle lasts about 2 hours, after which time your soft water service will be restored.
Solution: Try not to use hot water while your softener is regenerating. Set your softener to automatically regenerate at night when no one needs to use hot water. If you perform a manual regeneration make sure that you do this at a time when you don’t need hot water.
3. You Have a Mechanical Defect
Generally speaking, your water softener will function properly for many years, however, as with most appliances, you may eventually encounter a mechanical problem.
Solution: Call a professional to repair your water softener.
If you notice that your water is hard sometimes, make sure that your softener is regenerating properly
Part 3: Error Codes - Troubleshooting
Error Code 0 [Err 0]: Drive Motor Is Stalled
To fix this error, simply unplug your water softener from its power source. Wait a minute and then plug it back in.
Error Code 1 [Err 1]: Drive Motor Is Running Continuously
Unplug your water softener, wait one minute and then plug it back in. If the error code disappears, then the problem is resolved. If the code appears again then don't try to troubleshoot it further. You will need to contact a professional to fix this problem.
Error Code 2 [Err 2]: There Have Been More Than 99 Days Since Your Softener Last Regenerated
You will need to regenerate your water softener in order to fix this error. If the display also has the following: [7--5] next to the error code then that means there has been more than 7 days since the last regeneration and that all of your individual day settings are set at 0. You will need to initiate a regeneration cycle and set at least one of your individual days to 1 to fix this error.
Error Code 3 [Err 3]: Control Board Memory Failure
To fix this error, you will need to perform a master reset. Do not try to troubleshoot further. Contact a professional to fix this for you.
Only use pure water softener salt in your Novatek water softener
Part 4: Water Softener Maintenance Tips and Tricks
Use only pure salt, specially designed for water softeners. Never use regular table salt; it has too many impurities.
Don't add more salt until almost all of the salt has been used up.
Don't add too much salt when you are refilling it. The salt level should come up about two-thirds in your tank.
Clean your brine tank once a year.
Before you replace a water softener, have it checked out to see if it can be repaired instead. Most water softener repairs are relatively inexpensive.
You should get the injector assembly cleaned or replaced every year depending on your inlet water quality and water usage.
The seals and spacer cartridge should be inspected/cleaned or replaced every year depending on how much water you use and the hardness of your water.
Your water softener needs to be cleaned periodically to work properly
Part 5: Novatek WATER SOFTENER REPAIR Services
If you need your Novatek water softener repaired, contact WaterSmart. Our fully trained technicians are highly experienced and are able to work on any make or model of water softener you may have. We will always try our best to repair your water softener before we would recommend replacing it.
If you do, however, need to replace your softener, we can recommend the right type and size of softener that you need for the size of your household.
6. Novatek Water Softener FAQ
1. How long do water softeners usually last?
The lifespan of water softeners can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the unit, the type of resin used, and how well it is maintained.
On average, a water softener can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and re-bedding the resin tank, can contribute to a longer lifespan.
2. How do I clear the error on my water softener?
Clearing errors on a water softener will depend on the specific model and the nature of the error.
Consult the user manual that came with your water softener for guidance on troubleshooting and error resolution.
If you don't have the manual, you may be able to find it online through the manufacturer's website or by contacting their customer support.
3. Are water softeners worth the money?
The value of a water softener depends on individual circumstances. If you live in an area with hard water, a water softener can offer several benefits, including the prevention of scale buildup in pipes and appliances, softer laundry, and less soap and detergent usage.
Additionally, it can extend the lifespan of your plumbing and water-using appliances.
However, the cost of purchasing and maintaining a water softener should be weighed against these benefits to determine if it's worth the investment for your specific needs.
4. How often should a water softener turn on?
The frequency at which a water softener regenerates (turns on) depends on the hardness of your water and the capacity of the softener.
Most residential water softeners are set to regenerate every 7 to 10 days, but some high-efficiency models may regenerate based on water usage. It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and adjust settings according to your household's water consumption and hardness levels.
If you're unsure, consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
Water Softener Troubleshooting + More From WaterSmart
Even if you didn't purchase your water softener from us, you can still rely on us to fix it for you at an affordable price. You can trust WaterSmart for your water softener repair, purchasing, and installation as well as all your plumbing needs.
WaterSmart has been serving the Kitchener region including Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, and surrounding areas since 1994 with innovative water-softening products and excellent service.
We are committed to helping you improve the quality of your home's water. We live and work in the Kitchener-Waterloo region so we understand the hard water challenges of this area. We know how to program your water softener for maximum efficiency and are familiar with the types of water softener repairs that you might need.
Contact WaterSmart today to book an appointment.
WaterSmart also offers a full range of plumbing services that include, but are not limited, to:
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Leaks
Toilets and Taps
Clogged or Slow Drains
Countertop Pre and Post-Installation
Dishwasher Installations
Sump Pumps
Tankless Hot Water Heaters
New Plumbing and Renovations
Master Plumber and Gas Fitter
Backflow Testing or Device Installation
what WaterSmart customers are saying:
"My wife and I recently purchased a home that did not have a water softener since the house was built.…They are very skilled professionals and have great customer service. We also bought a reverse osmosis from them. They gave us detailed instructions on how to operate the softener and reverse osmosis. I would recommend these guys. Thank you Watersmart…[Read more]”
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