Learn How To Maintain Clean And Crisp Water
Have you noticed white spots on your dishes? Dry skin after showers? Or maybe your water just doesn’t feel “soft” anymore? If you’re seeing signs of hard water in your home, your water softener might need a little attention.
The good news? You don’t have to be a plumbing expert to get it back on track.
At Southwest Water Treatment, we understand that most homeowners don’t have time to dig through manuals or second-guess what’s going wrong. That’s why we’ve put together this easy guide to DIY water softener maintenance.
1. Keep Your Brine Tank Full Of Salt
If your softener’s low on salt, it simply can’t do its job. Which means hard water comes back into your system.
Here’s how to check your tank’s salt:
- Open the brine tank and take a look — it should be at least half full.
- If it’s low, refill with high-purity pellets or solar salt (avoid rock salt — it’s dirty and can clog things up).
- Set a reminder to check it once a month.
Keeping the salt level right is one of the easiest ways to prevent hard water issues before they start.
The Right Kind Of Salt Matters
You should always use high-purity salt to keep things running smoothly. Use cubes, pellets or solar salt crystals and avoid using Rock salt, as it can contain many dirt particles. These particles can clog up your system over time. Make sure to check your owner’s manual for the best type of salt.
2. How To Break Up A Salt Bridge
Sometimes the salt in the tank forms a hard layer called a salt bridge. It prevents the water from touching the salt below it. When the water in the system cannot reach the salt, brine can’t be made. This means your system stops softening the water.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Grab a broom handle or stick.
- Gently press down to break up the hardened layer.
- Don’t jab or use anything sharp — you don’t want to damage the tank.
Once the bridge is broken, the water can again reach the salt and your system will start softening properly.
3. Annual Brine Tank Flush
If your softener’s been working for a while, sludge and undissolved salt can build up in the bottom of the tank. That gunk slows everything down and adds unnecessary wear to your system.
Here’s how to do a basic cleanout:
- Switch the system to bypass mode.
- Scoop out the salt, then use a wet/dry vac to remove the leftover water.
- Scrub the tank with dish soap and warm water (add a splash of bleach if you want to sanitize).
- Rinse well and vacuum out any rinse water.
- Refill with fresh salt and return the system to service mode.
It’s a once-a-year job that keeps things running smoothly and helps your system last longer.
4. Look For Leaks
Sometimes it’s not the softener — it’s what’s around it. Little leaks can cause big problems if they go unnoticed.
Take a few minutes every month to:
- Check the entire area around the water softener.
- Look for any drips or small puddles of water.
- Check the hoses and connections for moisture or dampness. Even a small leak can waste water in your home.
Leaks can also cause significant system damage over time. Tighten any connections that seem loose when you check them. If you see a major leak, call a professional quickly.
5. Check Your System Settings
It isn’t uncommon for a water softener’s system settings to be accidentally reconfigured, leaving you to question whether it’s broken. Here is how you can double-check that the settings are correct.
- Make sure the timer and regeneration settings match your water usage.
- Confirm the bypass valve is in the correct position (you’ll need it for maintenance, but it should be on “service” when you’re done).
- Refer to your system manual if anything looks off.
Getting the settings right ensures your softener works consistently and that you know how it is supposed to work.
Southwest Water Treatment Can Help In An Emergency
Caring for your water softener does not have to be difficult. These simple tips cover key areas of water softener system maintenance to keep your home’s water running smoothly. If your system has a complex issue or you need expert help, contact us. Call Southwest Water Treatment today to schedule a service for your system!
