Water Softening System Troubleshooting

As with all appliances, water softeners occasionally have maintenance problems. In order to help you, our customers, better care for their systems, we’ve compiled a troubleshooting guide. We hope this will help you identify the problem and solution, whether it’s a quick fix you can manage yourself, or an issue for our team of professionals.

Electricity Flow

It’s always a good idea to check the softener’s plug and electricity flow first. Often, a breaker has been blown or an outlet is not working correctly, which is causing the issue. A faulty motor can also contribute to problems if it’s not running fast enough (or at all).

Incorrect Salt Levels

One of the trickiest parts of maintaining a water softener is ensuring the salt levels are correct. Typically, you want salt levels to be three to four inches above the water in the bottom of the tank for your system to work properly. If levels are too low, the system will not recharge. Make sure to consult a professional when your system is installed to ensure you understand the requirements for the type and amount of salt used.

Amount of Water

When your water softener is working, water flows through the brine tank and is controlled by a float switch, which regulates the water levels. A malfunctioning float switch could cause water levels to be too high and prevent the tank for draining. If the switch is working, check the tubing for buildup and clogs. To solve, fix the switch and clean the tank. If issues reoccur, replacement parts may be necessary.

Bypass Switch

A bypass value is attached to softeners to direct the water flow. If water is not filtering correctly, the switch handle may be turned the wrong way, directing water away from the softener instead of into it. Close the bypass valve for an easy fix!

Depleted Resin

Resin tanks use resin beads to clean water, but they age and lose effectiveness over time. Older softeners and beads will no longer remove unwanted minerals from the water, even with the regeneration process. Chlorinated water can also cause degeneration of resin beads over time. You should test your system regularly to ensure that all components are working correctly, and money isn’t being wasted on salt and water usage for unfiltered water. If you detect that your system does have depleted resin, it’s time to call the experts. Our team will consider the options and possibly rebuild or replace your water softening system to get you back up and running again.

Professional Advice

If you have any doubts about fixing your softener or want a second opinion, don’t hesitate to call one of our friendly team members. Some issues are better left to an expert. However, if you take a look through our troubleshooting tips, you’ll be more informed about what to prepare for in order to help our team diagnose your problem quickly and easily.

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