how to repair a water softener

Step By Step Water Softener Repair

• First Step – Cleaning The Salt Tank. Of course, being a machine with its primary focus to filter with salt, this salt can aggregate and form a hard crust or ...
• Second Step – Cleaning The Resin Tank Injector. ...
• Third Step – Cleaning The Resin Bed. ...
• Fourth Step – Checking There Is Sufficient Water Flowing To The Brine Tank. ...

Full Answer

How do you manually regenerate a water softener?

Manual Regeneration Process of Water Softener

• Regeneration. Water softeners work by passing hard water through sodium-saturated polystyrene beads; magnesium and sodium ions bind to the beads and the water is passed through to another tank free ...
• Manual Regeneration. The majority of home water softeners are equipped with automatic regeneration devices. ...
• Regeneration Process. ...
• Other Considerations. ...

How to know when to replace a water softener?

When to replace a water softener?

• No lather in your wash. This is a great way in which you can tell if your water softener is working. ...
• Doing laundry is a headache. If your washing machine requires frequent repairs through the year, that can be a sign that hard water is damaging it, and that’s when you ...
• Residue buildups in your pipes. ...
• Bad water taste. ...

Should I repair or replace my water softener?

When to repair your old water system instead of replacing it

• If the system is still under warranty
• If your system sometimes works
• If your system only has a few bad parts and they are available
• If you are willing to invest a couple hundred dollars into the system to determine if it’s working or not

How to revive an old water softener?

• A clothes dryer placed on its highest heat setting could be another option, especially for sneakers.
• The temperature range you seek is roughly 200-220°F (93-104°C). Temperatures above this range will likely do more damage than good.
• Remember to clean rubber objects, ideally with just water, before heating them.

Can you rebuild a water softener yourself?

Water softener repair pros charge about $200 to do that. But you can do it yourself in about an hour and for less than $60. I'll show you how to rebuild one of the most common valves (the Fleck 5600 series) and direct you to a Web site for rebuild instructions for other brands.

What causes a water softener to stop working?

If salt gets too low, the system won't work properly. Maintaining an optimal salt level is the best “fix” here. Using the wrong type of salt can cause bridges (crusty salt buildup) above the water level in the tank, preventing the water from being treated properly.

How do I fix a water softener?

1:032:20How to Fix Your Water Softener | Troubleshooting - 8 Easy StepsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo clean all that out. Another common area that can cause a water softener stopped working is theMoreTo clean all that out. Another common area that can cause a water softener stopped working is the injector could become clogged the injectors.

Why is my water softener not making my water soft?

If your water softener is operating but not softening your water, you most likely have one of the following issues: Water softener settings are off. Salt bridges or salt mushing. Too much water in the brine tank.

How do I know if water softener is broken?

You may have started to notice water spots on your shower doors, a change in your home's water pressure, or your water just doesn't feel soft. These can all be signs that your water softener is not working properly.

How do you know when your water softener needs to be replaced?

Signs Your Softener Isn't Working ProperlyScale buildup inside water-using appliances.Reddish/yellowish stains around drains and faucets.White crust buildup on faucets.Mineral spots in bathroom and on dishes.Clothes feel scratchy and the color is fading.Lower water pressure in the shower.More items...

How long do water softeners last?

between 10 and 15 yearsWhile they can last much longer if well maintained, water softeners have a typical lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. If your water softener was installed more than a decade ago, replacing it may be the right option.

How do you unclog a water softener with salt?

1:284:26How to Remove a Salt Clog from Your Water Softener - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo use a garden trowel. Or some kind of a little scoop. And scoop out as much of that salt as youMoreSo use a garden trowel. Or some kind of a little scoop. And scoop out as much of that salt as you can into a bucket. The next step is to grab your broom handle or your stick.

How often should a water softener be serviced?

Just as with any appliance, a water softener needs to be routinely cleaned to maintain optimal performance. Under normal circumstances, you do not need to clean a water softener frequently — roughly once or twice every five years should be adequate.

Should there be water in my water softener salt tank?

Your water level should always be slightly lower than your salt level in your water softener brine tank. This is because the water needs to touch the salt so that it can absorb it and create the correct concentration of brine.

Should a water softener be full of water?

We recommend keeping your brine tank at least one quarter full of water softener salt at all times, and no more than four to six inches below the top of the tank for optimum efficiency. Make sure that the salt level always remains a few inches above the water level.

How to fix a water softener that is blocked with salt?

Clean the resin tank injector: A common problem with a water softener is the injector sometimes becomes blocked with salt.In order to fix this, activate the softener bypass valve first as this will shut off the water. The next step is to release the water pressure.

How does a water softener work?

In the most simple terms, a water softener works by saturating hard water with sodium (salt), which removes all hard minerals. This is what allows it to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium that are responsible for hardness in the first place.

How long does a softener last?

Modern softeners are designed to last for at least 10-15 years. However, if you are finding issues with your machine, then see if it’s something you can fix by yourself before calling out a professional plumber. An even better approach is to take care of your softener and continuously carry out on-going maintenance.

How much does it cost to replace a resin softener?

Consider the fact that replacing the resin bed can be about $60 to $100.

Can you use rock salt in a softener?

Do NOT use rock salt. Although getting rock salt is usually cheaper, its impurities will cost you much more in the long run. This is because rock salt can cause a few centimetres of sediment to build up in your softeners’ brine tank. Lots of sediment build up over time can create a clog. 4.

What to do if water softener doesn't work?

No doubt, the motor plays a key role in working all machines and your water softener. If your system does not work nicely, check its motor; replace it with a new one.

Why does my water softener not work?

Due to dirty salt, the injector of your water softener does not work nicely. To solve this problem, first of all, close the water supply. Next, run the system through a manual regeneration, and as a result, the pressure will be decreased.

What does it mean when water is flowing through the bottom of a water softener?

However, if the water is flowing through the bottom of your water softener, it means your water softener is not softening the water properly.

Can you use a broom handle on a water softener?

Of course, you can use a broom handle to clear the blockages of your water softener so nicely.

Do water softeners use resin beads?

No doubt, most water softeners are salt-based, and they use resin beads for their work. It would be best if you recharged them in time to continue their work properly without any hurdle.

Can you clean a water softener with salt?

In this step, you will have to clean a brine part of your water softener very well. Indeed, due to overuse of salt causes deposits in the tank of a water softener. You can use a long wooden stick to break the deposits in the water softener’s brine tank.

What to do if water softener stops working?

If your water softener stops working, check all the cables and settings to make sure there are no other problems unrelated to the motor. If you suspect your motor has failed, contact a plumbing professional. They can confirm the diagnosis and replace the motor if necessary.

Why won't my water softener move?

Motor Issues. Like any appliance with a motor, your water softener’s motor may fail and cause serious issues with the system’s performance. The motor automatically rotates the valve between different modes such as softening and regeneration, so when it fails, the motor won’t move the valve between modes.

How to fix salt mushing in water softener?

Follow the steps below to rid your water softener of salt bridges or mushing: Break up the salt bridge with a broom handle. Remove salt mushing by draining and cleaning the tank and refilling it with fresh salt. Resin Replacement.

What happens if a water softener injector gets clogged?

This can affect the water softener’s ability to create suction for the brine cycle. The result is the softener cannot regenerate properly and you will get hard water.

Why is my brine tank overflowing?

An overflowing brine tank may be due to a number of factors, including a brine line blockage, a malfunctioning valve, a clogged injector or a stuck float. How to Fix It. Most issues that cause an overflowing brine tank are DIY fixes, but you might need a professional’s help in some situations.

How to tell if a brine tank is clogged?

A typical way to know if you have a clogged injector is to check if the water in the brine tank is very high. To inspect the injector, pull it out with a pair of needle-nose pliers and see if you can look through the small opening in the injector. The hole is very small.

Why does my water softener have a salt bridge?

There are several reasons for a salt bridge to form. Check on the conditions around the tank — high humidity or seasonal weather changes can cause it to clump. Low-quality salt with impurities can also lead to salt build-up. Similarly, salt mushing can also cause issues with your water softener’s performance.

How long does a water softener last in Minneapolis?

The life of most water softeners in the Minneapolis area is between 20 and 25 years, depending on the water quality in each city. For a 16-year-old water softener, I’d only recommend repair if minimal parts are needed.

Is it cheaper to repair a softener than replace it?

Often, it’s much cheaper to repair a softener, rather than replace it, and so the repair might make more sense for you financially. Ultimately, though, you need to choose the decision that can let you rest easy.

Can I replace a water softener that is not using salt?

If the softener isn’t using salt and/or it doesn’t seem to be regenerating on its own, I’d recommend having a water softener service technician take a look at the softener before rushing to replace it.