Common Water Softener Problems & How to Fix Them

Low Water Pressure

One of the most common issues we see is low water pressure. While this can stem from various problems, there are simple steps you can take to identify and address the issue:

1. Change the filters
2. Star by replacing your pre or post filters on the whole home filter. Filters should typically be changed every 3 - 6 months, depending on water usage and quality.
3. For every 2 pre - filter changes, ensure you replace the post filter once.
4. Check the resin in the softener 
5. If changing the filter doesn't resolve the issue, the resin inside the softener might be causing low pressure. To test this, bypass the softener and check if the water pressure improves. As a note, each softener has a brand specific bypass system. If you're unsure how to bypass your unit contact us for your personalized assistance. 

How to Change the Pre or Post Filter

1. Turn the water off on either side of the filter housing
2. Press the pressure release button on to of the filter housing.
3. Use the filter wrench provided at installation (or channel locks) to remove the sump housing.
4. Remove the old filter, clean out sediment, and check that the o-ring remains in place.
5. Insert the new filter, ensuring you remove any plastic wrapping, and reattach the housing by hand tightening the sump.
6. Turn water on either side of housing back to the open position.
7. Resume normal water use.

Salt Bridging or Salt Cake

Salt issues are another common problem. These can manifest as:

• Salt Bridge: A hard crust forms at the top of the brine tank due to moisture and heat
• Salt Cake: Mushy salt accumulates at the bottom of the brine tank, often caused by adding new salt on top of old salt.

How to Address the Issue:

1. Add hot (but not boiling) water to the brine tank to help dissolve the salt.
2. Break up the bridge or cake manually with a broomstick, taking care to not damage internal components.
3. Remove any remaining undissolved salt. 

Prevention Tips

• Let your brine tank get as empty as possible before refilling. Aim to refill when the salt is 6 inches from the bottom of the bring.
• Use high purity evaporated salt instead of solar sal.t
• To prevent salt bridging, try filling the brine tank only halfway.

Hard Water Indicators

Signs of hard water include:

• Water spots on dishes
• White buildup on faucets
• Soap that doesn't lather properly

Possible Causes & Solutions

• Check the brine tank to ensure it has salt and refill if needed.
• Adjust the hardness settings on your softener's control panel.
• If resin beads are worn out or salt isn't being used correctly, contact our office for further assistance.

Foul Smell

Different smells can indicate specific water issues:

1. Metallic or Penny like Smell 
2. Likely caused by high iron content. Install an iron filter to reduce levels and eliminate metallic odors.
3. Rotten Egg Smell

    a. Caused by sulfides in the water

     b. Temporary fix: clean the brine tank with a water and bleach solution, then regenerate the softener.

c. Long term solution: Consider installing a carbon filter or chlorinate system to remove sulfides permanently

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