With so many appliances in your home, it can be hard to stay on top of maintenance schedules. Water Softeners are a luxury that allows us to have water free of mineral deposits, as well as unpleasant tastes and odors. Knowing the signs of a failing water softener can help you to get the most out of your unit.

Symptoms of a Failing Water Softener

One of the great things about a water softener is that the symptoms of an under-performing unit are typically easy to spot. Take a look around your home and see if you notice any of these common signs; It may be time to have your unit serviced.

Kitchen

Cloudy water

Water deposits on clean dishes, faucets or fixtures

Rotten egg or fishy smell

Chlorine, earthy, metallic and fishy taste or odor

Bathroom

Water deposits on shower doors, faucets, and fixtures

Dry skin and hair after bathing

Inability to achieve a thick lather

Laundry room

Rust-colored water stains

Stiff and scratchy clothes

If you suspect hard water in your home, consider performing a soap test. Water hardness can be easily tested using a simple kit that will measure in “grains of hardness”. The test contains a little bottle with a line marked on it which you fill to the line with water, add a drop of soap, and shake to look for suds. More drops of soap – more degrees of hardness!

Water Softener Repair

Why replace it when you could repair it? Most water softeners are fully automatic; so, provided they are properly sized and installed, they can operate for years with minimal maintenance. The most important routine water softener maintenance is, of course, adding the right kind of water softener salt to the system as it’s needed. If you feel that your water softener is under-performing, it may require minor repairs. Repairing your existing water softener will save you money and give you a better idea of when it will eventually need to be replaced, allowing you time to budget and find the best deal on a new unit.

Benefits Replacing Your Water Softener

A water softener works to extend the life-span and efficiency on all of your water-using appliances by preventing scale from building up in your water heater, laundry machine, dishwasher, and other water-using appliances. Water softeners also save time and money on cleaning products. For example, less soap scum and calcium buildup on your fixtures. This means more time to be doing something that isn’t cleaning. 
Thinking of upgrading your softener? Add the modern touch of WIFI and you have a truly smart system integrated into your home and lifestyle. By keeping up proper maintenance with your current water softener, you will save money and avoid large repair projects. Need help with replacement filters, softener repairs, or other routine maintenance? Reach out to a specialist.