What Is a Water Softener?
A water softener is a device used to remove minerals that cause water hardness, primarily calcium and magnesium. It works through a process called ion exchange. Hard water passes through a tank filled with resin beads coated with sodium ions. As the water flows through the tank, the calcium and magnesium ions are attracted to the beads, which replace them with sodium ions, resulting in softened water.
Ways to Maintain a Water Softener
Here are some important maintenance steps to keep your water softener in good working order.
Choose the Right Salt
For your water softener to function properly, you need to use the right type of salt, see our buying guide to help determine which kind is best for your household.
Use a Resin Bed Cleaner
To keep your water softener in top condition, use a resin bed cleaner periodically to recharge the resin beads. Although the beads are routinely regenerated, extra cleaning can enhance their performance. Over time, beads can become worn or coated with mineral or organic deposits.
During routine maintenance, pour a water softener cleaner into the brine tank. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the correct amount. Then run a manual regeneration cycle to flush out the cleaner and any impurities.
Get Rid of Salt Mushing and Salt Bridges
Regularly inspect your tank for these issues and remove any buildup promptly to prevent damage:
Salt bridges are hard crusts that form when salt accumulates and clogs the inside of the tank. They create a layer that prevents salt from reaching the bottom of the tank. This issue typically arises due to high humidity or using the wrong type of salt.
Salt mushing occurs when salt forms a thick, sludgy layer at the bottom of the tank. This can clog the system instead of properly dissolving and mixing with water, potentially leading to overflow.
Keep the Venturi Valve Clean
The venturi valve creates a vacuum to draw brine into the mineral tank during regeneration. Over time, brine exposure can cause sediment buildup that restricts or blocks the valve, impairing system performance. Regularly inspect and clean the valve to prevent clogs.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how often to clean the venturi valve based on system use.
Steps to Clean a Water Softener Tank
Occasional deep cleaning of your water softener is key to ensuring long-term functionality. Here’s how to perform standard water softener system maintenance.
Step 1: Clean the Brine Tank
Cleaning the brine tank is essential, as it contains salt and residual buildup.
- Disconnect the Brine Tank: Turn off the water softener and open the bypass valve. Disconnect the brine tank from the system.
- Remove the Salt: Drain any remaining water into a sink and scoop out salt.
- Clean the Tank: Mix dish soap with warm water. Scrub the inside using a stiff-bristle brush, then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Let the Tank Dry: Allow the brine tank and its components (e.g., brine valve) to dry completely. Use a rag to dry smaller parts.
- Reassemble and Refill: Once dry, reassemble the tank and refill it with clean, appropriate salt.
You can also purchase water softener cleaners to help keep the tank free of buildup.
Step 2: Clean the Resin Tank
Cleaning the resin tank is as simple as cleaning the brine tank. Choose from two effective methods:
Manual Cleaning with Bleach Solution:
- Unplug the water softener and remove the resin tank by unscrewing the bolts and disconnecting the valve.
- If your product instruction manual says you can do so, clean the resin with a bleach-water solution, then reinstall the tank.
- Run a regeneration cycle to flush out residual bleach.
Use Iron-Reduction Cleaning Products:
- Use a specially formulated commercial cleaner for water softeners.
- Follow the product instructions for use, then run a regeneration cycle to flush out cleaner residue.
