4 Crucial Water Softener Maintenance Tips

You probably already know just how damaging hard water can be. Because of its high mineral content, it  can wear down pipework and appliances while leaving a chalky white deposit (called limescale) on faucets, showerheads and other plumbing fixtures. It doesn’t end there either–hard water may also contain sediments that carry bacteria and algae. 

To effectively deal with hard water problems, you’ll need to have a water softening system installed. This appliance works to remove deposits of minerals such as magnesium, iron and calcium from hard water, making it ‘soft’. But like most important home devices, the water softener will require proper, regular maintenance. Here a premier plumbing and  HVAC maintenance  company in the area, R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc., shares some useful tips.

Set it up the right way.  With the proper settings, the system will be able to provide a steady, sufficient flow of softened water. Most water softeners have four basic settings, which mainly revolve around the regeneration cycle–an integral part of the water softening process. To set the water softener properly, you’ll need to make sure the frequency, timing and duration of the regeneration cycle is tailored to your household’s schedule and water hardness. 

If you’re having trouble with the setup, just consult a reliable plumbing and  HVAC repair  expert like R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc. We’ll help bring your water softener to the setting that perfectly suits your home’s needs.

Be on the lookout for salt bridges.  A salt bridge refers to the tough crust that sometimes forms in the brine tank of your water softener. This happens when the salt accumulates along the sides of the unit, forming a solid layer that separates the salt from the water entering the tank. Because it prevents the brine solution (an important aspect of the water softening process that involves swapping the mineral ions in hard water with sodium) from forming, the buildup can hamper the effectiveness of the regeneration cycle. As you go about your water softener maintenance, make sure to check inside the brine tank for salt bridges. With prompt cleanup you can address this issue rather quickly.

Have the water softener inspected by a pro.  This helps catch any developing problems with the system, which means you can have them promptly dealt with. This, in turn, helps prolong the life of the water softener and ensures its continued performance. Work with a plumbing and  HVAC maintenance  expert like R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Our services aren’t limited to a simple checkup–we can also keep your water softening system in tip-top shape through water assessment, cleaning and maintenance and settings optimization.

Check the salt level.  If the salt level in the water softener goes down, you’ll start getting hard water. In order to avoid all the common issues related to hard water, it’s a good idea to check the unit every four to six weeks. Another thing–make sure to use the right kind of salt for your water softener. The most popular choices include rock salt, solar and evaporated salt. Pick a high-quality salt because it will have less impurities, which makes it more useful for the water softening process.

Finding the right plumbing expert to deal with your water softener maintenance needs isn’t as daunting as you might expect. Just ask family and friends for local referrals, and they’ll point you in the right direction–to R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc. In addition to thorough  air duct cleaning , we also specialize in a variety of plumbing services. We are:

Not only that–our team of technicians are certified by NATE (North American Technician Excellence). This independent third-party organization recognizes experts in the heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration industry through voluntary testing and certification. Whether you need an  HVAC repair  or installation, you can count on our NATE-certified technicians to deliver the best results.

R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is not only your go-to company for professional  air duct cleaning –you can also count on us for quality residential plumbing services. With our reliable, experienced team, we’ll help you get the most out of your water softener’s service life and performance. We serve the areas in and around Farmington, NM. Call us today at (505) 327-7755 or fill out this  contact form  to schedule your consultation. We’d love to hear from you!

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