Does Your Water Softener Need to Be Replaced?

Your home’s water softener works hard every day to remove minerals from your water supply that could damage plumbing, stain clothes, and clog appliances. However, just like any other household appliance, your water softener will not last forever. Even with proper maintenance, you will likely start to notice a drop in performance over the years, and you will eventually need to consider replacing your water softener. Yet, how will you know whether or not the time has come to invest in a new water softener? Fortunately, there are some clear signs you can look out for indicating that your water softener is past its prime and will soon need to be replaced. Keep reading for a look at how you will know when it’s time to replace your home’s water softener. 

Your Water Softener is 15 Years Old

One of the biggest indicators that it may be time to consider replacing your water softener is if it is more than 15 years old. While the lifespan of a water softener can vary depending on how well they are maintained, most have a typical lifespan of 10-15 years. If you have had your water softener for this long or longer, you may want to plan to have it replaced in the near future. 

Not only will this allow you to have it replaced on your terms instead of waiting until it breaks down unexpectedly, but you will also benefit from the increased efficiency of a modern water softener. A new water softener may even come with additional features your current model doesn’t have such as a salt monitor alerting when you need to add water softener salts.

There’s a Strange Taste in Your Water

Many people find that hard water tastes different than soft water due to its high mineral content. If you generally drink tap water when you are at home, then you have likely grown accustomed to the smooth taste of soft water and will be able to tell if something changes. If your water suddenly tastes different than it used to, there is a good chance that your water softener is no longer working properly and minerals are getting into your tap water that are changing its taste. In this case, you will need to have your water softener serviced or replaced. An experienced water softener technician can help to diagnose the cause of the change in your tap water’s taste and help you determine if your aging water softener may be to blame. 

Laundry Problems

If you have had a water softener for years, you may have forgotten the effect that hard water can have on your clothes; however, washing your clothes in hard water can make them stiff and scratchy. If you have noticed recently that your clothes no longer come out nice and soft like they used to, you may need to consider having your water softener replaced. While it may be tempting to turn to fabric softener to fix the problem, fixing or replacing your water softener is a more effective solution, as a water softener that is functioning properly will remove the minerals that are making your clothes stiff. Not only will having your water softener repaired or replaced save your laundry, but it will also help protect your washing machine and other appliances from being damaged by the minerals in hard water.   

Your Dishes Aren’t Getting Clean

Perhaps one of the first things you will notice if your water softener stops working properly is that your dishes won’t get as clean as they used to. If your dishes come out of the dishwasher with water spots on them, then there is a good chance that your water softener is not working properly and hard water is coming through. The minerals in hard water leave behind residue on dishes that causes these water spots, making it easy to tell when a water softener is acting up. When a water softener is working properly, your dishes should come out of the dishwasher shiny and clean, so do not ignore this clear sign of problems with your water softener.  

There’s Crusty Buildup Around Pipes and Faucets

If you have ever lived in a home with hard water, then you are likely familiar with the crusty buildup that the minerals in hard water can cause around pipes, faucets, and shower heads. When cleaning your faucets, shower heads, and other plumbing fixtures, you should then be on the lookout for mineral buildup. If you notice a chalky substance building up around these fixtures, this is a sign of hard water, and you will need to have your water softener repaired or replaced.  

Your Skin Itches

Have you noticed that your skin has been unusually itchy lately, particularly right after a shower? This could be another sign that your water softener isn’t working properly, causing soap scum to be left on your skin after a shower. When the minerals in hard water mix with soap, it leaves behind a film on your body known as soap scum. This can leave you feeling itchy after showers, and you may even be able to feel this layer of film on your body. 

Not Enough Lather

You may also be able to tell that your water softener isn’t working before you even step out of the shower, as many people can tell a difference in the way soft water feels. Soft water is often described as feeling smoother, and it helps soap produce a rich lather. If your soap is refusing to lather when you are in the shower, then it may be time for a new water softener.    

Let Us Help You!

Your home’s water softener plays a critical role by removing minerals from your water supply that can wreak havoc on your appliances, clothes, and skin. If you have been experiencing issues with your water softener, feel free to contact us to find out about having it repaired or replaced.