Water softeners are silent operators. They run in the background while you go about your day, reducing the mineral content and preventing associated problems. They make hard water “soft” in a snap. It’s a great investment. You can expect the equipment to last for over a decade with proper maintenance. In case you encounter issues, check the basics to see where the fault lies. Use water softener troubleshooting techniques that can help you find the source of the problem. You can also ask for professional help from experienced plumbers.
7 Common Water Softener Issues That Homeowners Experience
Contents
Below are some of the common water softener issues that homeowners experience:
1. Excess Water in the Brine Tank
It’s normal for the brine tank to have a bit of water, but it should drain out quickly. If you see the tank filled with water, something is wrong. It should not be happening. A clog may be preventing the liquid from moving out of the container. Overflow may also be lacking. A plumber can identify the problem right away: a high float valve, a broken entry valve, a damaged O-ring, a crack in the tank, or something else. Professionals can figure out the reason behind the excess water and apply the corresponding remedy. They save you time and effort.
2. Brown Water from the Tap
Clean water is clear, colorless, and odorless. If brown water comes out of the tap, no one would rush to drink it. Consumption would likely cause a stomach upset, if not worse. The suspicious liquid probably has sand, soil, or rust particles due to cracked and aging pipes. However, those are not the only causes. If you have a water softener, you should also include it in your investigations. Perhaps the equipment is causing the discoloration due to accumulated bacteria. It’s a good idea to sterilize the unit from time to time. Plumbers can also check for other faults throughout the system.
3. Salt Remains Unused
You need to refill the salt tank to maintain its effectiveness. Over time, you get a feel for the right interval between refills based on your tank size and water consumption. Otherwise, the unit will run out of crystals. If you ever try to adhere to the schedule and realize that the tank remains full, you need to investigate further. The softener is not using the salt. No ion exchange is happening, so your water hardness is unchanged. Often, the culprit is a salt bridge that prevents crystals from dissolving in water. Plumbers can also dig deeper to find other causes.
4. Low Water Pressure
Ample pressure is required to make water reach the far sections of a house. If it gets too low, you may struggle to use the bathroom on the second floor. Showers may become a frustrating experience. Washing the car may take forever. Water softeners can contribute to the problem. If the system you installed is too small, it may not have suitable output pressure for the home. The unit may also experience a build-up of sediments, resin, and iron over the years. These can reduce the pipe diameter and create clogs that reduce pressure.
5. Water Tastes Salty
The water softener may use salt, but the process should not leave a salty taste in your mouth. The crystals are there to reduce water hardness without affecting taste. That said, saltiness can change in a snap. If you are bothered by it, the unit may be using too much salt. Check your settings to improve the situation. Lower the salt dose and see what happens. If the problem persists, there may be another reason such as a clogged path. Call a plumber to help you remove the unwanted particles and return to normal.
6. Motor Does Not Work
The unit needs electricity to keep running. Water softeners have internal motors that can break and stop moving. If your unit is refusing to run, the motor may be failing. It is a big problem that requires parts replacement. Before making the jump, you can check other possible causes such as frayed cables and insufficient power. Restart the system and see whether it returns to normal. If not, call the manufacturer for technical assistance. They may give you a new motor free of change if it is still under warranty. Otherwise, you will have to pay for the repairs or get a replacement unit.
7. Equipment Leakage
Water is persistent. It can make its way through any gap, no matter how small. It can exploit any weakness in a system, including water softeners. If you see leaks coming out of the unit, you must fix it right away. Most problems occur right after installation, so keep an eye out during the first few days. Perform a thorough inspection to detect the source. Better yet, prevent these incidents by giving the job to the professionals. DIY projects can backfire due to costly errors. Hire experienced plumbers to get things right the first time with installation and repairs.
A Note on Water Softeners
Stick to the best brands in this product category. The most respected names produce the most effective units. They will perform better and last longer than generic equipment. Each brand is also known to have their own quirks and common problems. If you are looking for a replacement unit, talk to a plumber regarding water softener selection for guidance. If you wish to have your current unit repaired, plumbers can easily identify the likely causes after learning about the make and model. They will also know where and how to get compatible spare parts.
Conclusion
Water softeners typically last for 8-10 years. After this period, their performance quickly degrades. You may notice problems developing more frequently. Now that you are aware about the common issues you may encounter, you are ready to face them head on. You can spot the signs and perform basic troubleshooting. If simple measures don’t work, call the professionals. They will save you time by solving the problem fast. They will also save you money by keeping your old water softener running, delaying the system replacement for as long as possible.
Call Robinson Plumbing For Superior Plumbing Services
Contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the most trusted plumbing companies in the Lehigh Valley, for reliable plumbing services. We offer various plumbing services ranging from water softener repairs and replacements, water heater installations, toilet repairs, water leaks, and much more. We always give a wide range of solutions when possible for any plumbing repairs. This allows you to choose the best options for your home and budget.
Find yourself dealing with an unexpected plumbing problem in the middle of the night? No worries! You can count on the expert plumbers at Robinson Plumbing to take care of you. We offer reliable 24-hour emergency plumbing services. You can count on us to get the job done quickly and correctly and, best of all, at an affordable price.
We proudly offer the most affordable and best plumbing services in the Lehigh Valley area. Our plumbers all have the proper licenses and expertise to ensure your satisfaction. All of our work comes with a guarantee. Contact Robinson Plumbing today and schedule your free estimate.
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