Water softeners are great investments, but to maximize their benefits they must be properly cared for and maintained regularly to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Issues that may cause trouble for your system include several common ones that are easy to address with professional expertise; others require new water softeners altogether.
1. Low Salt Level
One of the most prevalent issues with water softeners is low salt levels. This could be caused by various issues; each are straightforward solutions.
For instance, water with excessive levels of phosphates and minerals can produce a build-up known as “mush,” which clogs the brine well and prevents regeneration from working properly.
2. Clogged Brine Tank
Clogged brine tanks are one of the primary culprits affecting water softener repair, leading to discolored water, missed system regenerations and low flow rates.
At the conclusion of each regeneration cycle, it is necessary to refill the brine tank to prepare it for future regeneration cycles as well as drain it manually and clean its components.
3. Clogged Sediment Tank
Clogged sediment tanks are one of the most frequently encountered water softener repair issues encountered by homeowners, ranging from dirt accumulation in the brine tank to an overfilled sediment tank.
As it’s often easier than we think to solve problems like these with just a few easy steps, don’t fret over this problem too much! First open up your brine tank and inspect its contents.
4. Leaking Brine Tank
The brine tank of a water softener is where salt is added to replace calcium and magnesium ions found in water, and may overflow or leak due to issues with its rotor valve, O-ring seal or seal on the inside. If any problems arise with either component then excess or leakage could occur resulting in wasted salt being placed into your softened supply of water.
If your rotor valve is cracked, or its O-ring has been compromised in any way, replacement will likely be necessary.
5. Faulty Motor
Your water softener’s motor can become the source of serious problems if it breaks, so it is vital that you identify why and take measures to address the issue as quickly as possible.
Faulty motors may be caused by numerous issues, including electrical overloads or low resistance in its windings. Both factors can shorten its lifespan and compromise its internal components.
6. Low Water Pressure
Water pressure drops can affect many home and building fixtures, from washing machines taking longer to fill up, dishwashers working less effectively and faucets becoming slower – with washing machines taking longer to fill, dishwashers becoming ineffective and faucets becoming inoperable being just a few examples of their impact.
Unnecessary components or valves clogging your home’s main city supply pipe may also lead to low water pressure; an alternative source could be an outdated pressure regulator which serves to manage it safely so as not to damage pipes. The pressure regulator’s function is typically found on its main city supply pipe where it works to lower pressure safely for your pipes.
7. Low Water Pressure During Regeneration
Regeneration cycles play an essential role in ridding water softeners of any excess salt in their reservoir beads and keeping your softened water safe to drink.
Without this process, your water softener won’t work efficiently. Without being able to regenerate its resin beads, your water may end up with too little hardness or taste too salty for comfort.
8. Low Water Pressure After Regeneration
Many homeowners experience a reduction in water pressure after installing a water softener, which may be difficult to pinpoint without knowing your home’s plumbing system. Understanding its inner workings will assist with pinpointing this problem.
Problems in your plumbing pipes may include being clogged with debris and corrosion-caused blockages that impede waterflow through them, leading to reduced pressure from within them and consequently low pressure levels outside them.
9. Low Water Pressure During Operation
Low water pressure can make everyday tasks like taking a shower and shampooing hair inconvenient and bothersome, as well as forcing appliances to work harder and consume more energy.
if your water pressure has diminished significantly, it’s advisable to identify its cause as soon as possible. There could be plumbing issues causing decreased pressure that have reduced it further.
10. Low Water Pressure During Regeneration
If your softener seems to be experiencing reduced water pressure during regeneration, there’s a strong possibility that resin beads have broken loose from inside and are leaving.
Beads from these conditioners can clog pipes and faucet aerators, rendering your home less comfortable. In such instances, it may be beneficial to upgrade or replace your softener to improve air quality in the home.
Call Ben Franklin Plumbing AZ for more information from our Water Softener and Water Treatment Experts in Arizona.
