How to Maintain a Water Softener

Importance of Having a Water Softener in Gainesville, FL

Hard water is water that has a variety of rocks, such as limestone and metals dissolved within it. They are present in both municipal and well water and can leave residue on any surface that comes into contact with your water. This includes sinks, faucets and even your hair and skin. Over time, hard water damages pipes, appliances such as washers and dishwashers, and faucets. It has been estimated that over 85 percent of houses in the United States have hard water. Water softeners can help provide your home with soft water.

How Water Softeners Work

Water softeners have a simple process called ion exchange that removes harmful particles from your water. This is only made possible through a material called resin, which is formed by electrostatic sensitive beads. Each bead has a sodium or potassium ion attached to it. When the rock ions pass through, each bead releases the sodium or potassium ion it currently has in exchange for the dissolved rock. The clean water is then able to pass through into your pipes. Eventually, a brine solution will be applied that will cause the beads to release the rock minerals so they wash down the drain as beads become equipped with new sodium or potassium ions.

Maintain Your Water Softener

In order to keep your water softener functioning properly, you will want to ensure your system has the proper amount and type of salt. Salt is necessary for providing resin with the necessary ions it needs to remove minerals from your water. There are a variety of forms that salt can come in, rock, solar and evaporated, so you will want to purchase the form that corresponds with the needs of your water filtration system. Additionally, you will want to inspect it every two months to three months and clean it thoroughly six months to one year. Keep an eye out for salt bridges. A salt bridge is the term used for when there is a buildup of salt in your tank and it tells you that this salt is not coming into contact with the water making the system useless. If you discover a salt bridge, break it up and monitor for additional ones in the future.

Signs You Need a Replacement

There are several indicators that you need a new water softener. The first is age. The older your water softener system gets, the less effective it will be. If you continually notice the negative effects of hard water within your home, it may be a sign that your water softener is no longer functioning properly. Another sign is that your water softener works on a timer, which means that it only purifies water on a schedule that you set. However, your actual water usage may vary. By installing a water softener system that is need based, you will save on energy, salt resources and ensure you always have the right amount of water.

Consult the Water Softener Experts

If you are in need of a water softener replacement or water softener repairs, contact Perry’s Pump Repair. We will help ensure your system run smoothly and efficiently so you never have to worry about the disadvantages of hard water. Contact us today for more information.