With more than 30 years’ experience in the residential and commercial water treatment space, Mark Nelson is a Class 1 Drinking-Water Operator and a CBWA (Canadian Bottled Water Association) Certified Plant Operator. As founder and president of Nelson Water in Ottawa, Mark focuses on dealing with challenging water treatment system designs for problem water. He also heads the largest water bottling plant in the city of Ottawa with a delivery network throughout the Valley.
Although we rely on our water softener systems, they tend to be ignored unless something goes wrong. Out of sight means out of mind for most people and this is perfectly natural because they are designed to work automatically. But, like any complex system, a water softener does require a little professional attention from time to time. A water softener represents a significant investment and it makes good sense to protect it. For this reason, we recommend regular water softener servicing to ensure that the system is working efficiently. The next natural question is “How often should I service my water softener?” and that will be the focus of this article.
A Brief Primer
Although the frequency of water softener may seem like a simple question, it can be tricky to answer and there are a number of factors in play. But, regular water servicing will improve efficiency and it could even extend the useful lifespan of your system. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that can affect the servicing intervals for your water softening system.
The Water Softener Brand
Like any type of appliance, all water softeners are not the same and some are better than others. The best examples are extremely efficient, durable, and reliable performers. This type of water softener typically needs some occasional maintenance to work efficiently. But, other less expensive systems seem to break down or even fail on a pretty regular basis. This can lead to expensive repair bills and downtime where you won’t receive any soft water at all. “You get what you pay for” is an adage that seems to apply here, but it isn’t an absolute and you can get a good water softener system at a reasonable price. More expensive doesn’t always mean better but if you do choose or have a cheaper system it will probably require more servicing.
The better water softener manufacturers supply an owner’s manual with their equipment. This will offer plenty of advice on many aspects of the system including the recommended servicing intervals. Many manufacturers recommend an annual professional checkup to ensure that the equipment is working as intended. Some systems come with a longer 10-year warranty and regular servicing may be a condition. A warranty is worthwhile and you want to keep it as long as possible which means that servicing is a must.
Water Softening Salt Choices
The type of water softening salt that you choose to use can have a major effect on the performance and efficiency of your water softener. The best choice is evaporated salt pellets or cubes because they are very pure and they lack the impurities of other salts. The pellets and cubes are also more effective when the ion exchange process takes place. Some other good options include solar salt (sourced from the sea), salt blocks, and potassium salts for those with sensitivity to sodium. If you’re using a less expensive salt that contains a lot of impurities, you may be adding contaminants to your system. This can create plugs, blocks, and buildups in your water softener that require professional attention. Generally speaking, when you use poor quality salt you will require more frequent servicing for your water softening system.
Adding Salt to the System
The brine tank should be checked every 2-3 months to ensure that there is sufficient salt in the system. If the salt is low you need to add more evaporated salt cubes or pellets to facilitate the ion exchange and make the water soft. The owner’s manual for your system should have guidelines on how and when you need to add salt to your brine tank. As a rule of thumb, if you can see through the water to the bottom of the tank it’s time to add more salt. Don’t fill the brine tank beyond the halfway mark or you could be risking a buildup that will degrade the efficiency. If you notice that the salt level doesn’t seem to change much over time, it could be a sign that your water softener has failed. At that point, you need to contact your local water treatment specialist and ask them to investigate.
Gradual Changes in Water Quality
When you become used to soft water, it can be a strange experience to encounter hard water issues again. Perhaps you have started to notice the appearance of hard water indicators, including soap scum, dull laundry, stains on dishes, scale on plumbing fixtures, dry hair and skin, and others. When a change takes place over an extended period, you may not notice the change at first but it will indicate a loss of functionality in your water softener. If you’ve noticed a lack of softening and a drop in water quality, it’s time to schedule a checkup for your system. If you have other filtration systems installed they may be affected and it’s a good idea to get them checked at the same time.
Amateur Water Softening Maintenance
We have seen a rise in the popularity of DIY media in recent years and many people want to save money on a wide variety of projects. Developing new skills is admirable, but there are some tasks better left to professionals, and water softening servicing is one of them. A water softener is a complex and expensive system that you rely on every day to make your water soft, easier to use, and kinder on your other home systems. If you attempt a DIY service without formal training, it’s easy to cause damage which can lead to an expensive repair bill or even a replacement. When it comes to servicing, always choose a local water treatment specialist to protect your system and improve efficiency. A water treatment professional can also make adjustments to your system that will save you money on your utility bills.
If you are in the market for a new water softener system or you need some regular maintenance, contact your local water treatment specialist today.