Is Your Water Softener Misbehaving? Here’s What You Can Do

Mark Alpers
August 31, 2023

Ah, water softeners – our unsung heroes against the evil clutches of hard water. But even heroes have their off days. If your trusty water softener has thrown in the towel, worry not. We’re about to navigate the nitty-gritty of diagnosing and fixing the most common issues – and when it’s smarter to simply bid adieu and invest in a new one.

Understanding the Mechanism

Before we dive into repairs, let’s unravel the mystery of how water softeners operate. These devices are like magicians, transforming hard, mineral-laden water into soft, gentle liquid by replacing calcium and magnesium with sodium. Suddenly, limescale build-ups around your faucets and appliances are a thing of the past.

The DIY Repair Kit

Now, let’s get our hands dirty (not literally, of course). Regular upkeep can boost the longevity of your water softener. Here are some steps to maintain the gadget’s optimal performance:

Step 1: Attend to the Resin Tank

The injector, nestled within, can sometimes be clogged by salt. Activate the bypass valve, release water pressure, and then get down to cleaning the injector and its screen.

Step 2: Tend to the Brine Tank

Salt can be a bit dramatic, forming a dome or crust, giving a false impression of ample salt. Shatter this illusion (and the dome) with a sturdy tool and cleanse the tank.

Step 3: Pamper the Resin Bed

Especially for iron-laden water users, ensure you run an iron-out solution through the system and follow up with a manual regeneration.

Maintenance Must-Dos

Always opt for high-quality salt, preferably evaporated, steering clear of rock salt to avoid sediment build-up and potential clogging.
Yearly iron-out sessions are non-negotiable, ensuring the softener’s efficiency isn’t hampered.

To Repair or Replace?

This is the question haunting every homeowner faced with a malfunctioning appliance. If your water softener has crossed the $500 mark, professional repairs might be worth considering. However, always weigh the repair costs against the price of a brand-new softener.

A Peek into Repair Costs

Repairs can range from a mere $65 for minor tweaks to a staggering $1,695 for major overhauls. Assess the damage, evaluate the costs, and tread wisely.

A Common Hiccup: The Salt Conundrum

If your softener is on a salt strike, you might be dealing with an invisible salt bridge. Fear not – a sturdy tool and a bit of elbow grease can break it up, restoring salt mobility.

The Verdict on Replacement

Modern softeners are engineered to serve you diligently for a good 10-15 years. However, occasional hiccups are inevitable. A stitch in time, through regular maintenance, can save nine, ensuring your softener’s longevity and optimal performance.

When to Call in the Cavalry

If your DIY efforts yield no fruit and odd tastes, smells, or limescale make an unwelcome return, it’s time to usher in the professionals. Platforms like Amazon now offer home services, ensuring you can select a trustworthy plumber, equipped with stellar reviews and backed by robust customer service.

Closing Thoughts

In the dance between the need for repairs and the allure of brand-new replacements, knowledge is power. Armed with insights into the workings, common issues, and maintenance hacks for water softeners, you’re well-equipped to ensure that every drop of water gracing your home is as soft and pure as can be.


Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water).	Treats hard water OVER 25 ppm (medium to extremely hard water).
Does NOT require electricity.	Requires electricity if using the electronic head monitor.
Control Your System With An App:? NO	Control Your System With An App:? YES
- Powerful salt-FREE water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Aquasana Rhino exceeds NSF standards. - Treats hard water WITHOUT salt. - Removes chlorine, bacteria, iron, sulfide, manganese, mercury, lead etc. - Includes pre-filter, copper-zinc and carbon filtration stages with standard fittings. - 90-Day Pure Satisfaction Guarantee. - Limited 10 year warranty.	- Powerful salt-BASED water softener. - 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. - Also includes a multi-stage filter. - Easy installation (inside or outside) - Sufficient for 1-3 bathrooms (options for 4-6 and 7+ bathrooms also available). - 6 month money back guarantee. - Limited lifetime warranty.

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