Water Softener Troubleshooting

We'll start the discussion with the basic concept of water softeners and their importance in the American lifestyle.

In the event of water scarcity through the usual sources like river and other water bodies, underground water is predominantly used. There are aquifers present inside the ground that make the water available for general public use after subjecting it to the water purification systems. Now, underground water is not 'ready to use' type of water. It is hard water and has traces of calcium, magnesium and limestone present in it. Hard water actually is of a very little use for household purposes. It cannot be used to clean the daily use utensils nor is it fit for consumption and bathing purposes. To make hard water fit for daily use and consumption, it needs to be converted into soft water.

This is where water softeners come into the picture. Water softeners can be called as water filters that soften the water by eliminating all the unnecessary elements of hard water and make it useful for daily use, with the help of two tanks. One which is filled with salt and the other filled with special resins. These resins have the ability to soften water. For a normal household, water softeners are generally used twice in a week. Though water softeners are not used everyday, they need to be maintained at regular intervals. Failing to do so might lead to many problems and therefore you will have to run for its repair. Many people do not get an understanding of exactly where the problem is lying. But with this article water softener troubleshooting will no more remain a troublesome issue and you will also be able to get a basic idea of the problem, by understanding the water softeners and how they work.

Troubleshooting Water Softener Problems

Many people inquire, "How to troubleshoot water softener problems?" This article is an attempt to answer their question.

Softener Producing Hard Water: The most common problem observed in water softeners is that instead of soft water it produces hard water. The possible reasons for this are the decrease in the levels of salt in the brine tank or may be the by pass valve of the water softener is left open.

To fix the problem of the salts, it is advised to perform a regular check up of the levels of the salt. If the level has gone down it needs to be increased, so that the function of water softening is performed properly. If the by pass valve is found open, it needs to be promptly closed, otherwise the problem will not get solved, no matter how correct the levels of salt are.

Low Water Pressure: Now, this problem has got to do something with incorrect installation of the water softener. While installing the water softener, know the availability of inlet pressure, the necessary flow rate and also the plumbing layout of the place. It needs to be remembered that higher the piping line, lower is the pressure. Ideally, the pressure declines by about 1 psig after every 2 feet or so. Therefore, in order to get the right water pressure, it is necessary to consider this decline and accordingly install the systems.

Leaking Out of Drain: Sometimes it so happens, that water starts leaking out of the drain when the control valve is in its service position. This however, is found to be happening if the piston seal gets damaged due to breakage or if there is some other foreign material found in between the piston and its seal. In order to fix this problem, it is advised to change the piston along with its seals.

So folks, these were some commonly observed problems with water softeners. Hopefully, this article will prove useful to you, for troubleshooting water softener problems. Actually, you will never face any problems with your water softener and moreover, it will serve you for a long time if you get it installed properly and maintain it regularly. However, it is after all a machine and it is bound to have problems at some stage. Therefore, the next time you see any defects, remember these tips on water softener troubleshooting and take preventive steps to repair your water softener.