Water Softener Service and Repair
Water softener service is normally recommended annually as it is for most other water filtration equipment. These systems process thousands of gallons of water per month and remove significant amounts of minerals and contaminants. Consistent water softener service will provide consistent system performance and help avoid the need for more expensive repairs in the future. It is possible to have interim operational problems (identified later) which can potentially be diagnosed and remedied by the homeowner.
High Efficiency Water Softener
IF WATER SOFTENER IS NOT WORKING, CHECK THESE:
Sounds simplistic, but make sure the water softener is “on” and working, that is, that the system has power. After that:
- Check inside the salt tank: Is there salt in the brine tank? If not, add at least a few bags of salt to the tank.
- Check for power to the softener: If the unit uses electricity to run a timer, be sure it’s plugged in to a live outlet and has power. Some water conditioners use a low-voltage transformer to power the control – be sure that device is present, plugged in, and working. Also, a power failure could cause the timer to be improperly set. Re-set the day of week and time of day on the water softener timer after an electrical power failure or after the softener has been powered “off” for a time.
- Check the water softener bypass valve: You want first to see that the water softener is not on “bypass” – is household water flowing through the unit? This valve is an option and may not be installed on your unit, but there may be standard plumbing valves or globe valves that accomplish the same purpose.
- Manual regeneration cycle: Then try a manual regeneration cycle – you’ll see on most units a lever you can push on the control box to start that regeneration process. Note: your home will not be delivered conditioned or softened water while the water softener is in the regeneration cycle, therefore, its best not to use water (or use as little as possible- flushing toilets is OK, etc.) in the home until the regeneration process is complete. This is why most programmed regeneration is set for late at night when water usage is much less likely.
- Feel & test the water supply: if you can’t get a lather when bathing the system may not be sufficiently treating the water.
OTHER WATER SOFTENER SERVICE SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR
Without fully diagnosing, it can be very difficult to determine what is really causing the problem and whether of not a water softener service or repair is even necessary. This is where a service technician will be able to trouble shoot the situation and come to a determination and solution to the problem. While there are so many possible symptoms and problems a softener may experience, the following are a few that you may see.
- Excessive salt usage by the system is requiring higher than normal salt tank fill ups
- Stains on home fixtures even though the water softener seems to be running properly
- Mineral discharging from the water softener and into the home’s water supply
- Loss of water pressure in the home’s distribution system downstream from the softener
- Hard water evidence observed right after a regeneration cycle.
There are many other types whole house water filtration systems or “point of use” systems to remove bad tastes & odors, sediment and many other objectionable minerals and contaminants in the water. Starting with a water test will lead to the right approach. For more information on bad odors & taste in your water, see the link at http://bad-odor-taste/.
