You have made the decision to install a water softener! Excellent choice – you can look forward to healthier hair and skin, better-tasting water, and lower maintenance costs on your pipes and fittings. However, now that the unit is installed, what comes next? Here are some answers to common questions about what to expect after installing a water softener.
How Long Does The System Take To Soften Water?
The time a water softener takes to soften your water supply is referred to as the regeneration cycle. This is when all the sediments that make your water hard are flushed out. A typical regeneration cycle takes between 60 and 90 minutes. Some may take a little longer. During this process, the water gets mixed with salt and then flushed through resin tanks. The salt helps to soften the water and gives it a cleaner taste.
Even though your water supply will be soft within less than two hours, it will take longer to see the build-up in your plumbing start to diminish. It could take a few weeks before you can see the difference.
How Often Will You Need To Replace The Salt in Your Water Softener?
Salt is one of the most important constituents of a water-softening system. You are going to have to keep a fair amount of it to keep your system running. A family of four will usually need a 50-pound bag of salt every month.
How Do I Know If The Water Softening System Is Working?
If your water softener is in good running order, you will be able to tell within 90 minutes or so when the taste of your water changes. You will see it in the texture of your hair and skin within the first few showers and washes after installing the system. Finally, within a couple of weeks, you will see that the mineral build-up in your plumbing will lessen and ultimately disappear.
Water Softener Maintenance And Repair
Water softeners are designed to run with minimal maintenance. Bear these seven points in mind to keep yours running optimally:
- Check the salt regularly – you should only need to refill the brine tank every month or so.
- Use good salt – you should generally opt for evaporated salt pellets
- Clean the brine tank every few months. Wait until the tank is nearly out of salt, and then scoop out what is left. Next, wash the inside of the tank with a light detergent, water and a brush.
- Clean the resin tank every seven years or so – it is better to hire a professional to do this for you.
- Look out for any signs that the softener isn’t working properly. These could include soap not lathering properly, scale build-up in pipes, sinks, and tubs, noticeable changes in the taste of the water, stiff laundry, and unusually frequent regeneration.
- Watch out for salt bridges and use quality salt.
- When in doubt, call your installer to do maintenance and repairs.
About Aqua Soft
Aqua Soft Water Systems Inc. is an authorized dealer and installer of quality water softening systems. If you are thinking of installing a water softener, contact us today.
