In many households, water softeners are a necessary piece of equipment. They may, however, malfunction just like any other gear. These are the five most typical issues that arise with water softeners, along with the symptoms that should be looked out for despite having good plumbing services.
Blockages
One of the most frequent problems with a water softener system is blockages.
This also applies to any system that is built around a fluid medium. For instance, deposits of calcium and magnesium can form in the pipes of a normal plumbing system. A similar issue occurs in water softeners; over time, minerals and salt from the brine build up and obstruct the line, making it difficult to pass through the tank. The brine line and the filter screen are the two areas of water softeners where blockages most frequently occur. A noticeable shift in the volume of water being softened is the main indicator of a blockage. If you observe an abrupt reduction in the amount of softened water available, you most likely have a blockage.
Salt Bridges
Salt deposits have the potential to form within the brine tank in addition to in the lines. These deposits may eventually produce salt bridges. As the sodium deposits in the brine tank increase, a salt bridge forms. Water cannot reach the bottom of the tank because of the hard crust that forms as more and more salt is added to the deposit. As a result, the water doesn’t produce brine, which is an essential stage in the softening process. A salt bridge is most likely to blame if your water softener is running but the water coming out of it is not softened.
Resin Beads
The resin beads in a water softener usually last the entire system’s lifespan. Now and again, they will malfunction or prematurely cease operating at maximum capacity. A few indications of inefficient resin beads are seen. The first sign that anything is wrong with your water softener might be that it has to be recharged frequently. This could be caused by resin beads. If you see any floating particles in the softened output water, that’s another indication. These particles might represent a breakdown of resin beads, but they could also be trash and suggest another issue. Your resin beads could require a thorough replacement or just a little cleaning if they’re not working properly. To get a reliable referral, speak with a plumber you can trust.
Motor
For optimal operation, a water softener needs a motor that is in operating order. But just like any other piece of equipment, your system’s engine might go down. A motor issue might be the cause of a water softener failing or starting to wear out. Make sure that none of the wires or cords are damaged, though, before drawing any conclusions. Check the breaker box as well, because a bad fuse might shut down the entire system. If the wiring appears to be in good condition, get in touch with your manufacturer to request a replacement motor or a specialist.
Human Error
Water softeners depend on human administration and input to some extent. The settings on various water softeners vary, and some types are more complicated than others. Your water softener may malfunction as a result of even a little adjustment to the parameters. Spend some time getting to know your water softener; study the instruction booklet; and become comfortable with the various settings and controls. Try adjusting the controls and refer to the user handbook for suggested settings if you are unsure of the cause of your water softener’s issue. Make an appointment for an expert to inspect the appliance if the issue continues. It’s possible that you clicked the wrong button on the water softener, even though there could be a significant issue.
Wrapping up
Regular maintenance will extend the life and improve the performance of your water softener. For optimal outcomes, however, hire a professional to do a yearly check of the machinery; routine maintenance will not only increase the lifespan of your water-softening system but may also reduce the expense of any necessary future repairs.