Water Softener Maintenance

Water Softener Maintenance

Before I begin I want to point out that if you do any water softener maintenance or repair work yourself check your owner’s manual so you don’t void any warranties which may create more problems that you don’t want.

At Affordable Water our trained professionals can repair any problems you may have with most models of water softeners. We will work as quickly and efficiently as possible to fix your Water Softener System regardless of whether or not you have purchased it from us. Contact us today and we will get your water softener working again.

Like most home appliances, Water Softeners need a little maintenance or in some cases a repair may be in order. There are a variety of issues that can occur with a water softener over time. We will cover most of these today.

Water Softener Seal Kit

In Manitoba, because of the hardness of the water, combined with the high levels of iron we experience, pistons and seal kits have to be changed out sometimes more than once in the lifetime of a Water Softener. Chlorine can also be a problem.

Finding the parts is the first hurdle, and than putting them in properly does take a little care, but follow the directions and you should do ok. You are going to want to clean the valve thoroughly, and in most cases sanitize it as well, before replacing any parts. If water softener maintenance or repair is something your not comfortable with please CONTACT US and we will be more than happy to be of service.

Clack Seal Kit
Clack Seal Kit

SALT BRIDGE

The definition of a salt bridge (learn more about a salt bridge in this article on page 10) is when a crusty layer of hardened salt forms in the water softner brine tank leaving a hollow space below. When this occurs, you will think that you have a full tank of salt, when you are actually out of salt! This is also known as salt bridging.

The first thing you have to do is make certain that you have a salt bridge. Tap the outside of the brine tank with a rubber mallet. Work up from the bottom of the brine tank and make your way to the top.. If it sounds hollow, then you most likely have a salt bridge. Continue tapping the tank using a bit more force. This should cause the salt bridge to collapse, allowing you to add more salt. 

Brine Tank
Brine Tank

TIMERS

The Timer on your Water Softener not only keeps time but also has all the settings such as hardness, capacity and salt settings for regeneration. I guess you can refer to the timer as the brain, and needless to say if you don’t program it properly you will end up with hard water.

Timer problems are very common and to make sure your programming is right you need a water test which we do at Affordable Water. Most timers are pretty straight forward but some take a bit know how in which case we would be more than happy to serve you.

Check your time after a power outage to make sure the time is correct. If for no reason the Timer starts showing no display or on the older models you don’t hear the motor running than your power supply may be the issue. First of course make sure it isn’t the wall outlet, and than if you still have no display check your 12 volt power adapter to make sure it is still working, one of these two options will probably be the problem.

Sometimes the Timer itself will malfunction and need to be replaced and at that point you should call a professional. We hope this article will help with your water softener maintenance or repair in your home. For water testing and Timer problems please  CONTACT US.

Fleck 2510 Timer
Fleck 2510 Timer