Though “check the water softener” isn’t high up on our to-do lists, these appliances need periodic checkups just like any other.

While it’s easy to forget about your water softener, it is important to take time every month or two to make sure it is still humming along smoothly and doing its job.

Not sure what you should be looking for? Here are three simple maintenance tasks you can perform to keep your water softener in good working condition.

1. Prevent and check for salt bridges. In Florida, you really need to watch out for salt bridges. These crusty deposits develop on the bottom of the brine tank when it gets exceedingly humid outside, the temperature changes rapidly, or if you use an unsuitable kind of salt. If you notice any salt bridges in your tank, use a long tool like a broom or rake handle to break up the deposit. This will allow your machine to make the appropriate amount of brine again, which is vital for softening water.

• Use high-quality salt. The type of salt you use in your water softener directly effects how the machine functions and how long it will continue to operate properly. In general, the purer the salt, the better it is for your softener. Rock salt has the benefit of being inexpensive, but it will leave behind residue because of its impurities and will inhibit the functioning of the appliance over time. At the other end of the spectrum, evaporated salt is virtually pure sodium chloride. Using evaporated salt will extend the life of your softener and reduce the amount of maintenance it needs.

• Flush the resin beds periodically. The resin bed is directly responsible for softening water, so it is important to make sure it is always in tip top shape. Minerals naturally found in your local water will build up over time on the resin bed, so it is good to flush it every once and a while with a water softener cleaner. That way, you can ensure that your machine continues to produce high quality water for months to come. 

If you need help servicing your water softener, or if you think it’s finally time to replace your old unit, Domer’s Inc. would be happy to help you.

We’ve been proud to assist our neighbors in South Florida for almost a century now with maintenance services and products for both residential and industrial needs.