Last Updated on January 21, 2025 by Aqua Soft Water Systems

A water softener is a system that removes certain minerals from water to purify your water. It is essential to service your water softeners to ensure that your water stays clean. Servicing your water softener system can also extend their useful lives, but how do you know when it’s time to service your water softener? Read on for the answer on more info on servicing your water softener system.

How often should I get my water softener services? 

You need to get your water softener serviced regularly to ensure that it is purifying your water correctly and that all units are working optimally. If you have a water softener that is older than 15 years, you may need to clean it sooner than later. It is recommended that you get a professional to check your water softener at least monthly, if not yearly. The service time will depend on your water softener systems. Kinetico water softeners, for example, won’t require too much servicing by a water treatment professional as they are quite strong and reliable. 

Needed maintenance 

Here are some of the water softener maintenance that a professional will do to ensure you receive high-quality water.

• Salt checks: If your tank is dry, it probably needs a refill. You can use any salt but certain salt, such as block salt, isn’t good for water softeners. A professional will ensure that you are using the right type of salt for your system and recommend the best salt. The salt in the brine tank usually only needs to be refilled every two months but a professional might recommend that you do it more often depending on the amount of water you use or your system.

• Cleaning the brine tank: The brine tank can have dirt lodged into it or have salt blocked up which can cause damage in the long term. A professional can clean this out easily for you and provide you with advice to prevent issues with the brine tank. You can clean the tank yourself using soap and a broom handle. If there is mold on the water softener system, you can use a water softener cleaner. Consult your manufacturer for details on the products to use on your system. If you aren’t sure about a water softener cleaner or soaps to use, an expert can guide you here.

• Spot issues before it becomes a costly issue: A professional can tell if your system requires maintenance or repairs before it breaks down. Sometimes cleaning alone does not prevent issues but if your soap won’t lather properly, your water begins to taste different or if your water pressure begins to slow, it’s best to book a service. A professional will find the root cause of the issues and fix them for you.

What Happens If You Don’t Service Your Water Softener?

If you don’t service your water softener, you may notice that your water becomes hard again. You may also notice that your water pressure is reduced, which can be caused by a buildup of minerals in the system. Additionally, if your water softener is not functioning correctly, it can lead to other problems in your home, such as clogged pipes, damaged appliances, and increased energy bills. Neglecting to service your water softener can also lead to bacterial growth and contamination, which can be harmful to your health. Over time, the system can accumulate dirt and debris, making it less efficient and potentially causing damage to the resin bed. 

Should I Hire A Professional To Service My Water Softener?

Yes, you should hire a professional to service your water softener. While you may be able to perform some basic maintenance tasks yourself, such as cleaning the brine tank or adding salt, many other tasks should be left to a professional. For example, a professional can inspect your system for any leaks or damage, replace the resin beads, and clean and sanitize the entire system.

When hiring a professional, be sure to choose a reputable company with experience in water softener maintenance. Look for companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured, and check online reviews to see what other customers have to say. Additionally, ask about the technician’s experience and training, and ensure they use high-quality parts and equipment.

Water assessment

Water softener maintenance is easily done by a water treatment expert. Aqua Soft professionals perform a Monthly Regeneration Service and can provide water assessments for you to ensure that maintenance occurs when needed. Our team can schedule maintenance for your water softener equipment every month to get optimum efficiency and to preserve the life of the media in your tanks.

Importance of Regular Kinetico Water Softener Maintenance

Owning a Kinetico water softener is a fantastic way to improve the quality of your water and protect your home from the negative effects of hard water. However, like any appliance, regular maintenance is essential to keep your water softener working efficiently. Kinetico water softener maintenance ensures that your system performs at its best, prolonging its lifespan and preventing costly repairs down the road.

Water softeners are designed to remove calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that make water “hard.” Over time, the resin beads inside the softener become saturated with these minerals, and the system needs to regenerate to restore its effectiveness. Regular maintenance helps ensure that your Kinetico system regenerates properly and continues to provide soft water for your household.

What Maintenance Does a Water Softener Need?

Maintaining a water softener is relatively simple, but it’s important to stay on top of key tasks to keep the system in good working order. Here are the most common maintenance water softener systems tasks:

1. Refill Salt: The most important task in water softener maintenance is ensuring that the salt tank is always full. Salt is essential for the regeneration process, and without it, the softener will stop functioning properly. Regularly check the salt level and refill as needed.
2. Clean the Resin Tank: Over time, the resin tank may accumulate dirt, sediment, or iron deposits. It’s important to clean the resin tank to maintain the efficiency of your softener. This can usually be done by flushing the system with a cleaner designed for water softeners.
3. Check for Salt Bridges: Sometimes, salt can form a hard crust or “bridge” in the tank, preventing it from dissolving and replenishing the system properly. This can lead to inefficient regeneration. If you notice salt buildup or bridges, break them up carefully to restore function.
4. Inspect the System for Leaks: Periodically, inspect the pipes and connections for any leaks or signs of wear. Leaks can cause water wastage and damage to your system. Tightening connections or replacing worn-out parts can prevent bigger issues.
5. Check the Fleck Valve: The Fleck valve regulates the flow of water in your system. It’s important to keep this valve clean and in good working condition to avoid flow issues and ensure proper regeneration.

The Recommended Water Softener Maintenance Schedule

How often you perform maintenance for water softener tasks depends on your system’s usage, the hardness of your water, and the model of your softener. Generally, you can follow this water softener maintenance schedule:

• Salt Levels: Check monthly to ensure the salt tank is adequately filled.
• Resin Tank Cleaning: Clean every 6-12 months, depending on the level of iron or sediment in your water.
• Fleck Valve Inspection: Check annually for signs of wear or damage.
• Salt Bridge Check: Check for salt bridges every 3-6 months.

This schedule can vary based on water conditions, so it’s always best to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations. For Kinetico water softener maintenance, the non-electric systems are designed to be low-maintenance, but they still require regular checks to keep running smoothly.

When to Service Your Water Softener

Even with regular maintenance, there will come a time when you need to schedule water softener service. Here are a few signs that indicate it’s time for professional attention:

• Reduced Water Softening Performance: If you notice that your water is feeling harder despite adding salt, or your soap isn’t lathering properly, it could indicate a malfunction or that the system is not regenerating properly.
• Increased Salt Usage: If your system is using significantly more salt than usual, it could be a sign that something’s wrong.
• Unpleasant Water Odor or Taste: A build-up of iron, sulfur, or other contaminants in your softener can cause the water to smell or taste strange.
• Visible Leaks or Malfunctions: Leaks or visible damage to the system can cause it to function poorly, and it’s important to address them immediately to avoid further damage.

If you experience any of these issues, it’s time to call a professional for water softener service.

What Happens if You Don’t Service Your Water Softener?

Skipping regular maintenance for water softener tasks can lead to a range of issues. Without proper care, the system may become less effective at softening your water, leading to hard water buildup on plumbing fixtures, appliances, and pipes. This can cause costly damage to your home’s infrastructure, including dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines.

Additionally, neglecting water softener maintenance can reduce the efficiency of your system, resulting in higher energy and water bills. A malfunctioning system may also consume more salt and water during regeneration, leading to unnecessary waste. Worst of all, a neglected water softener could break down completely, requiring expensive repairs or even replacement.

Do I Need a Service Plan for My Water Softener?

While it’s not strictly necessary, many homeowners find that enrolling in a service plan for their water softener is a smart choice. Service plans typically include regular inspections and maintenance to keep your softener running smoothly. If you don’t want to worry about remembering when to refill the salt or check for leaks, a service plan ensures that your system gets the attention it needs when it needs it.

At Aqua Soft Water Systems, we offer tailored maintenance plans to keep your Kinetico water softener in top condition. Our experts can provide regular checks, ensuring your system stays efficient and problem-free.

Why Should I Hire a Professional for Water Softener Service?

While some water softener maintenance tasks can be done yourself, it’s always best to hire a professional when it comes to servicing your water softener. Here’s why:

1. Expertise: Professionals are trained to spot issues that might not be immediately obvious, such as hidden leaks, system malfunctions, or mineral buildup inside the resin tank.
2. Efficiency: A technician can perform all the necessary checks quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and getting your system back to full function.
3. Long-Term Care: Hiring a professional ensures your system is maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, extending the lifespan of your water softener and preventing costly repairs.

At Aqua Soft Water Systems, we’re committed to providing Kinetico water softener maintenance that ensures you get the most out of your investment. Our team is equipped to handle all your water softener service needs, offering peace of mind that your system is in good hands.

Regular maintenance for your Kinetico water softener is crucial for keeping it running efficiently and ensuring that your home enjoys soft, clean water. From checking salt levels to scheduling professional inspections, Aqua Soft Water Systems is here to help with every step of maintaining a water softener.

Contact us today for more information on our maintenance plans, or schedule a service to keep your Kinetico system in peak condition!