When To Replace Your Water Softener
A water softener is an important appliance in many homes, especially if you are living in areas where there is harder water. Hard water can have a huge impact on your pipes, appliances, skin, and overall health, which is why it is best to make sure that your water softener is in good condition. Over time, even the best water softeners need to be replaced. Knowing the best time to replace your water softener can help you avoid hard water issues and costly repairs.
Water purifiers can make a huge difference in the home! They offer various benefits, and the transformation they impart on our water is simply delightful – enhancing its taste, rendering our showers gentler on our skin, and leaving our dishes immaculate with a radiant shine. Read our guide to help you know when is the best time to replace your water softener.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Softener
Most water-softening systems are low maintenance and require only periodic salt replenishment. However, if you start to notice your water softener not doing its job like it used to, this could mean that it is about time for a replacement. Here are some signs that your water softener may be in need of a repair or replacement:
- Age: Like most home appliances, water softeners have a limited lifespan. If your water softener is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider a new one.
- Reduced Efficiency: One of the biggest signs that it is time for a new water softener is that it is not working as well as it used to. You may notice this depending on an increase in your water bill or hard water buildup.
- Constant Repairs: If you find yourself frequently calling a plumber to fix your water replacement, you might as well get a new one.
- Unusual Noises: Odd sounds from any appliance is not always a good sign. If you start to hear grinding sounds, this could be a sign of damaged or worn out parts and that your softener is not working properly.
If you start to notice any of these signs, then call your local Utah plumber right away. That way they can help you to determine whether or not your system needs a repair or replacement.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Softener?
There are a few other ways to help you know if you should repair or replace your water softener. Of course it is always better to get a professional involved when making the final decision, but we can at least help you get on the right path to discover the best solution for you.
MOTOR STOPS RUNNING
You might not be able to immediately tell if your motor stopped working. A simple way to check is to open your water softener and check the motor. Depending on which brand you have, this is a fairly simple repair. Here are a few ways to check if your water softener’s motor is still working:
- Step 1: Check the Power Supply to make sure that the water softener is receiving power.
- Step 2: Inspect the motor to look for any loose connections or signs of damages. If the motor is damaged or not spinning, it will most likely need replacing.
- Step 3: Test the capacitor which is the small device used to start the motor. You will need a multimeter to do this. If the reading is zero, you will need to replace the capacitor.
- Step 4: If you don’t feel comfortable making the repairs yourself, then call a professional. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution.
As you keep your water softener clean, this can reduce frequent needs for repairs and allow your system to last for a longer time.
THE BRINE IS NOT FLOWING CORRECTLY
When we talk about the brine, we’re talking about the salt supply to your water softener. If it’s not flowing correctly, you might need to unclog it. The way to tell if the brine is not flowing is by testing the softness of your water with a simple DIY trick. Here is what you can do:
- Find a clear, empty water bottle
- Fill it with tap water
- Put a few drops of dish soap in the bottle
- Shake it up
Do you see a lot of bubbles in the bottle and is the bottom clear? This means your water is still pretty soft and your machine is most likely still working. If the soap doesn’t lather as much as it should, it might be time to call in for an inspection.
If your machine’s brine is not flowing properly, you’ll need to call a plumber. This is not something you should repair yourself, because you’ll risk affecting the inner workings of your machine. We strongly recommend calling a professional to come and unclog any debris from your brine flow.
Ready to Call Shamrock Plumbing?
Do you find yourself having to regularly service your water softener? If so, it might be time to replace it. Shamrock Plumbing is equipped to install, repair, or replace any water softener. We have the expertise and years of experience behind us, and we will do our best to ensure future problems don’t occur. If you have any questions about an existing water softener, or are in need of a repair, please call today!
