Hard water can be a problem in many households, leaving your glasses looking spotty, your laundry dull and gray, and your skin feeling dry and itchy. Water softeners are an effective solution, but like all appliances, they can break down. Water softener repairs can be costly, but with a bit of knowledge and effort, you can save a lot of money by performing some repairs yourself. In this blog post, we provide you with a step-by-step guide to DIY water softener repair, so you can keep your home's water soft and clean.
Turn Off the Water and Drain the Softener
Before beginning any repairs, make sure to turn off the water supply to the unit. You can usually find the shut-off valve near the water softener or near the main water supply valve to your house. In addition, it's important to drain the system before attempting any repairs. To drain a water softener, simply locate the control valve and put it in bypass mode to allow water to flow through it without being treated. Then, open the drain valve to allow the water to flow out.
Inspect the Muscles and Resin Bed
A common problem with water softeners is the buildup of minerals in the resin bed, which can cause a loss of softening capacity. To check the resin bed, remove the control valve and visually inspect the resin. If it appears to be covered with a white or brown substance, then it's time to clean it. You can remove these mineral deposits by soaking the resin bed in a solution of water and hydrochloric acid for several hours or by using a resin bed cleaner that can be purchased at your local hardware store.
Check the Brine Tank
Another common problem with water softeners is the formation of a salt bridge in the brine tank, which can prevent salt from dissolving properly. To check for a salt bridge, use a broom handle or other long object to poke the salt. If it feels hard and crusty on top, then a salt bridge has formed. Simply break the salt bridge apart with the handle, and add fresh salt.
Check the Valve Motor
If your water softener's valve motor has stopped working, it may be due to a malfunctioning motor or control board. First, check the motor to see if it turns freely by hand. If it doesn't, then you may need to replace it. However, if the motor turns easily, then check the control board for any signs of damage or malfunction. You may need to replace the control board if it's not functioning properly.
Reassemble the Softener and Test It
Once you've completed your water softener repairs, reassemble the unit and turn on the water supply. Allow the system to run through a regeneration cycle, which can take several hours. Then, test the water for hardness to make sure that the repairs were successful.
Water softeners are an important appliance in many households, and repairing them isn't always easy or affordable. However, with our step-by-step guide to DIY water softener repair, you can save money and keep your home's water soft and clean. Remember to turn off the water supply and drain the softener before performing any repairs, and be sure to check the muscles, resin bed, brine tank, and valve motor for any problems. With a bit of knowledge and effort, you can keep your water softener running smoothly for years to come.
