Is soft water safe to drink? Using a defective water softener might be highly hazardous!
A water softener that has been “expired” is not only providing you with challenging, unfiltered water but also putting you at risk of ingesting dangerous compounds from the water.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, most homeowners aren’t even interested in ensuring that their homes are properly maintained. Although people expect their valued equipment to continue serving them for decades, they aren’t expecting them to last forever.
Water softeners, unlike other appliances, are always silent when something goes wrong. The fact that a home has been using a malfunctioning water softener for years is not unusual.
How to tell if your water softener is bad? How can you tell when it’s time to get a new water softener? Yes, water softeners are an investment!
Signs Your Water Softener is Nearing the End of its Lifespan
Every day of the year, your water softener works tirelessly to guarantee that your water does not contain high mineral content, which can cause damage to plumbing fixtures, discoloration on clothing, and clogged appliances. Your home’s water softener, like your water heater and filtration system, will eventually need to be replaced if it is not regularly maintained, repaired, and repaired.
Your water softener will be less effective at treating your water once it has reached the end of its useful life. Replace your water softener when one or more of the following indicators appear.
1. Your Water Has an Odd Taste
The development of an odd or unpleasant taste in your water is a sure sign of a problem. When your water appears cloudy, it could indicate that chemicals or impurities are present or that your water softener needs to be replaced. Because it contains more minerals, hard water has a distinct flavor from softened water. If you notice any changes in the taste of your water, you should have a water treatment professional do another test.
2. Inconsistent Flow Rates
Various factors can affect water pressure, but it’s time to replace your water softener if you see a steady decline in water pressure. It’s because of calcium and other minerals in your plumbing caused by using hard water. As these things build up in your pipes, the water flow will be reduced, and your water pressure will be affected. To avoid the high cost of removing or fixing this buildup, your water softener must be in good working order. You don’t want to put your pipes in danger of poor water flow in the future since your water has an excessive amount of minerals in it!
3. Different Feeling About Water.
Even though it sounds unusual, how the water feels is another way to tell if it’s time to replace your water softener. There is a noticeable variation in the taste of hard and soft water. Soft water enhances soap lather in both the shower and the sink, making it easier to lather up. Generally, soft water is more enjoyable and less drying than hard water. Hard water makes soap lathering more complex, and you may notice a film on your skin after a shower. Hard water causes soap scum to form in the form of a film when soap combines with the calcium in the water
4. Your House May Have Hard Water Stains
Do you notice any splotches on the surface of your dishes and glasses after you clean them? Do you see any marks on the shower door when you get out and the water dries?
Check your water fixtures and sink for scale buildup if you’re unclear about what it looks like. It indicates that your home has hard water if there is a white chalky-looking residue on or surrounding them. A water softener should prevent scale building from accumulating calcium, magnesium, and other elements in hard water.
5. A Little More Salt
Those with an older water softening device are likely to use a lot of salt compared to modern units. Salt is an efficient way to soften your water, but it also necessitates regular checks of the salt levels and the purchase of additional salt to replenish it.
Problems With Bad Water Softeners
1. Leaks
Leaks might go unnoticed for years because they are so common. Due to improper installation and no damage, most water softener leaks can be easily fixed.
2. A Lack of Regrowth Cycles
For water softeners, regeneration is essential. After the “filtered” mineral ions have been removed from hard water by your water softener, it takes some time to remove them.
If a water softener’s regeneration cycles are not completed, softening will cease, leaving you with the hard water you were hoping to avoid. Because of the high concentration of mineral ions, the water will have a salty taste.
3. A Decrease in Atmospheric Pressure
In the history of water softener issues, this is the most annoying! Now, there are several possible causes for this dreadful issue.
4. A water softening system that is too small
A water softener for your home should only be purchased after significant consideration. Take the time to figure out how much water your household uses. It’s also a good idea to consider the size of your home. While at it, take note of the water softener’s intake and outlet pressure. Hire an HVAC expert to assist you with the proper size.
5. Sediment clogs
It’s common for water softeners with built-in sediment traps to have this issue. Filters can become clogged if they aren’t changed regularly.
6. Iron-buildup
Iron buildup in the resin tank may cause low water pressure if you live in a hard water location. Add a mineral cleaner to the tank to fix this issue.
7. Problems With Resin Bead Strands
When it comes to resin beads, most people don’t anticipate them to last quite as long as the water softener.
A Water Softener Should be Replaced After a Certain Amount of Time
It’s impossible to tell when you need to replace your water softener unless it suddenly dies and won’t switch on no matter what you do.
However, if your present water softener keeps breaking down, purchasing a new one is recommended. If your water softener is a decade old, replacing it would be far less expensive than keeping it up-to-date with constant repairs. Last but not least, installing a water softener loop will help you save money on energy bills and extend the life of your water heaters.
If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s time to get a new water softener, consult with an expert. A licensed and trained HVAC expert should also be used to install a water softener!