Water Softener Troubleshooting—Check This First!
When you’ve been living with soft water for a while, you’ll probably notice pretty quickly whether something is changing with your water quality. You might start seeing water spots when you take your clean dishes out of the dishwasher. Or your hair and skin might seem more dry or rough after taking a shower. Regular water softener maintenance service will help keep your system running smoothly. But if you want to do a little water softener troubleshooting before calling out for repairs, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Quick Water Softener Troubleshooting
Some of the most common problems with water softener troubleshooting relate to salt. First, you’ll want to make sure that your salt level is at least half-full. When it goes below that, the system won’t be nearly as effective as the factory settings.
While you’re taking a look inside the tank, it’s also a good idea to see if a salt bridge has formed. This can happen if you’ve been using certain types of water softener salt, like rock salt or solar salt. Those versions don’t dissolve very well. Over time, adding it to your tank can actually create a sort of hard crust. (Evaporated salt doesn’t do that.) Breaking up that salt bridge with a broom stick might be all you need to get your system back on track. Just be careful not to do extra damage inside the tank.
If you’ve determined that the salt levels—or type of salt—was the issue, then it might be helpful to sign up for a water softener salt delivery service. It’s an easy way to help ensure you’re never without soft water. Plus, you don’t have to worry about lugging those heavy bags in and out of your car from the store.
Other Common Softener Problems
A quick fix is always better than a more complicated repair. But if your water softener salt isn’t the problem, then it’s best to call in the experts before the problem gets worse.
Hopefully you’re only looking at a simpler fix, like an issue with your resin beads. Typically these last as long as the system itself. Sometimes, though, they stop working sooner than the water softener.
Then again, if the unit isn’t running at all, there could be something going on with the water softener motor. This shouldn’t be a big deal if your system is still under warranty. Otherwise, you’d have to run the numbers. Depending on the age of your system, a motor replacement can be a smart way to extend the lifespan of your unit. But if other things are starting to break down too, it might be time to invest in a newer and more efficient model.
Need a Hand with Your Water Softener Repair?
Like any appliance, water softener troubleshooting can only get you so far. But you still want to run through those simple fixes before moving forward. No system is going to last forever. Even with regular maintenance, older units just may not be able to keep up with your needs.
Whether it’s time for just a quick water softener repair or you’re ready to discuss your options for a brand-new model, Indy Soft Water is here to help. We’re proud to work with residential and commercial clients throughout the greater Indianapolis area, and we service and repair water softener and water filters from more than 30 different models. Give us a call—we’d love to work with you to find that perfect solution for your water quality!