Common Water Softener Problems & How to Fix Them
At Douglas Water Conditioning, we understand that maintaining your water softener is crucial to its performance and your home's water quality. Overtime, water softeners can develop issues that may hinder their efficiency. What are common problems? How can you solve them? and what steps can you take to prevent these issues altogether?
This blog will provide at home tips and tricks for maintaining your water softener, ensuring it continues to function properly. If you feel unsure about performing any maintenance or need additional guidance, our team is always here to help.
Low Water Pressure
One of the most common issues we see is low water pressure. While this can stem from various problems, there are simple steps you can take to identify and address the issue:
- Change the filters
- Start by replacing your pre- or post filters on the whole house filter. Filters should typically be changed every 3 - 6 months, depending on water usage and quality.
- For every two pre-filter changes, ensure you replace the post filter once.
- How to change the pre or post filter
- Turn the water of on either side of the filter housing.
- Press the pressure release button on top of the filter housing.
- Use the filter wrench provided at installation (or channel locks if wrench has been misplaced) to remove the sump housing.
- Remove the old filter, clean out sediment, and check that the o-ring remains in place.
- Insert the new filter, ensuring you remove any plastic wrapping, and reattached the housing by hand tightening the sump
- Resume normal water use.
- Check the resin in the softener.
- If changing the filter doesn't resolve the issue, the resin inside the softener might be causing low pressure. To test this, bypass the softener and check if the water pressure improves.
- Each softener has a brand specific bypass system. If you're unsure how to bypass your unit, contact us for your personalized assistance.
Salt Bridging or Salt Cake
Salt issues are another common problem. These can manifest as:
- Salt Bridge: A hard crust forms at the top of the brine tank due to moisture and heat
- Salt Cake: Mushy salt accumulates at the bottom of the brine tank, often caused by adding new salt on top of old salt.
How to address the issue:
- Add hot (but not boiling) water to the brine tank to help dissolve the salt.
- Break up the bridge or cake manually with a broomstick, taking care not to damage internal components.
- Remove any remaining undissolved salt.
Prevention tip:
- Let your brine tank get as empty as possible before refilling. Aim to refill when the salt is 6 inches from the bottom of the brine.
- Use high purity evaporated salt instead of solar salt.
- to prevent salt bridging, try filling the brine tank only half way.
Hard Water Indicators
Signs of hard water include:
- Water spots on dishes
- White buildup on faucets
- Soap that doesn't later properly
Possible Causes and Solutions
- Check the brine tank to ensure it has salt. Refill if needed.
- Adjust the hardness settings on your softener's control panel
- If resin beads are worn out or salt isn't being used correctly, contact our office for further assistance.
Foul Smell
Different smells can indicate specific water issues:
- Metallic or Penny Like Smell
- Likely caused by high iron content. Install an iron filter to reduce iron levels and eliminate metallic odors.
- Rotten Egg Smell
- Caused by sulfides in the water
- Temporary fix:
Clean the brine tank with a water and bleach mixture, then regenerate the softener.
- Long term solution: Consider installing a carbon filter or chlorinate system to remove sulfides permanently.
Conclusion
Maintaining your water softener is essential for its efficiency and longevity. We recommend an annual tune up for just $35, which includes a water test, system check, clean injectors, adjust settings, and reset the time. This affordable service ensures professional over sight of your equipment and helps you avoid costly repairs.
Since 1968, Douglas Water Conditioning has specialized in water softener services, earning multiple service award across our four locations. If you're experiencing any of the issues mentioned or need assistance, our certified water quality specialists are here to help! Contact any of our locations today to schedule a service appointment or learn more about our high quality water softeners and filtration systems.
Follow Us For Facts About Water!
Ignoring plumbing warning signs can lead to costly damage. Learn the red flags homeowners should never ignore and how Douglas Water can help.
Hard water can dry your skin, dull your hair, and damage laundry. Learn how mineral buildup affects your home and how water softening helps protect it.
Compare water softeners, reverse osmosis, and whole-house RO systems. Learn how each improves water quality and which is right for your home with Douglas Water.
Get to Know: Matt Long - Owner All of the gentlemen that run Douglas Water Conditioning have a special place in my heart, each teaching me different lessons in their own way. But if I had to pick a favorite 'Douglas Dad', it would be Matt Long. He's the guest star on all my TikToks, the first to celebrate your wins, and has a way of offering guidance - even when you've made a mistake - without making you feel defeated. I've learned so much from this company, but more importantly, I've learned what a great place it is to work. There's a unique family and friends dynamic at Douglas Water Conditioning, and no one embodies that better than Matt Long Matt started working at Douglas Water Conditioning when he was 21 years old. A young dad on the job hunt, he came across a help-wanted ad in the local paper: Salt delivery driver needed at Douglas Water Conditioning. Matt and his friend both applied. "Funny thing was, my friend got hired right away. I wasn't hired immediately - they needed a few more days to think about it." As a young employee, one of the biggest challenges Matt faced was being reserved. "I was quiet." he admits. But that didn't stop him from pushing forward.
Douglas Water Conditioning & Plumbing Solutions keeps your softener running at its best. Learn why regular inspections matter - tune-ups just $59.99.
Get to know Mike Lanni, owner of Douglas Water Conditioning, as he blends family values with modern leadership to deliver exceptional customer care.
Thinking about buying a water softener or filtration system on Amazon? Read this first. Discover the hidden risks of online water treatment shopping and learn why working with a trusted local expert like Douglas Water Conditioning ensures quality, safety, and long-term support.
Introduction There's a long list of things that can end up in your water - and many of them shouldn't be there. Among the most concerning are contaminants known as VOCs, PFOAs, and PFOS. While these chemicals have been around for decades, it's only in recent years that they've gained the attention they deserve due to their potential health risks. These pollutants are not only common in everyday products, but they also tend to be persistent in the environment. That means once they enter your water supply, they're hard to remove - and potentially harmful if left un treated What are VOCs? Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can vaporize into air and dissolve in water. Once released into groundwater, many VOCs persist for long periods and can easily migrate into drink water wells. Common Sources of VOCs: Industrial solvents (like acetone or paint thinners) Gasoline and petroleum byproducts Cleaning agents Pesticides and herbicides Paints and varnishes Health Effects of VOC Exposure: Respiratory issues Headaches and dizziness Liver and kidney damage Increased risk of certain cancers How VOCs Enter Water: Leaks or spills from industrial facilities Landfills and improper chemical disposal Runoff from agricultural or residential areas What are PFOAs and PFOS? Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) are man - made chemicals in the PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) group. Known as "forever chemicals," PFAS don't break down easily in the environment, making them a long - term threat to water quality. Common Sources of PFAS: Non-stick cookware (like Teflon) Water- and stain-resistant fabrics Firefighting foam Food packaging and water - repellent materials Health Effects of PFAS Exposure: Increased risk of certain cancers Hormone disruption Weakened immune system Developmental delays in children How PFAS Enter Water: Industrial discharge into waterways Contaminated soil runoff Degradation of consumer products How to Protect Your Water from VOCs and PFAS Get your water tested The first and most important step is knowing what's in your water. Contact your local health department or certified water testing lab to determine if contaminants like VOCs or PFAS are present. While at - home test kits can give a general idea, professional testing is always recommended for accurate results Use Advanced Filtration Systems Certain water treatment systems can effectively remove or reduce VOCs and PFAS from your drinking water. Carbon filtration: Effective against VOCs and PFAS. Common in pitcher filters and whole - house systems. Reverse Osmosis (RO): Highly effective at removing VOCs, PFAS, and over 99 other contaminants. The EcoWater ERO 385 RO system is certified to remove both VOCs, and PFAS, making it a reliable point - of - use system for kitchen sinks or fridges. Stay Informed About Local Water Quality Check municipal water reports, often published in your local newspaper or online. Follow EPA and state regulations for updates on VOC and PFAS limits. Stay educated on emerging contaminants that my pose risk Conclusion VOCs, PFOAs, and PFOS are real and serious threats to the safety of your drinking water. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can lead to a variety of health concerns. Some of which may be irreversible. But the good news is - you can take action. A reverse osmosis system, like the EcoWater ERO 385, provides a strong line of defense. Regular water testing, responsible product choices, and high - quality filtration can go a long way in protecting your family's health. Clean, safe water isn't a luxury - it's a necessity. If you have questions about your water quality or are interested in installing a RO system in your home, contact any of our Douglas Water locations today. We're happy to help you find the best solution for your needs and ensure that the water you use every day is as pure and safe as possible.
Ensuring your home's plumbing meets Michigan safety and compliance standards is essential for protecting your water quality, health, and property value. In this blog, we break down the importance of Michigan Plumbing Code, how it prevents water contamination and hazardous waste disposal issues, and the legal and financial risks of non-compliance. Learn why hiring a licensed professional is crucial and how Douglas Water Conditioning upholds the highest standards to keep your home safe and efficient. Read more to discover how proper plumbing can save you time, money, and peace of mind!
Have you ever wondered who keeps Douglas Water Conditioning running day to day? Well, allow me to introduce you to one of those guys - Scott Shepherd, one of the four owners of Douglas Water Conditioning. Scott's journey with Douglas Water Conditioning began in November 1989, when he was just 16 years old. His father, a fireman, encouraged him to stop by and visit Doug Lanni, a fellow fire fighter who owned a small, but growing water treatment business. Scott started in the shop, but was quickly moved to lead the salt delivery department - all on his own. Back then, there were no GPS device and maps often didn't reflect the rapidly expanding neighborhoods. Scott's experience as a hunter helped him navigate unmarked roads and unlabeled houses, using landmarks and cardinal directions to get the job done.
Share On: