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Writer's pictureAlberta Water Systems

Water Softener Maintenance Tips


So you have a wonderful new water softener...now what? Well, generally, it will quietly run in the background of your home, making your water silky smooth which is nice for your skin, your hair, and your appliances.


Every so often you will have to:

  1. Check the salt in the brine tank regularly, about every 2 months. Ensure the brine tank is filled with enough salt for the softener to complete a regeneration. There should be a minimum of 6 to 8 inches of salt in the tank, and water should cover the salt.

  2. Use good quality, clean salt. The higher quality will allow for less residue which will result in less maintenance. We recommend Windsor salt.

  3. Check for salt bridges. A salt bridge is when a hard crust forms in the brine tank and creates an empty space between the water and the salt, which prevents the salt from dissolving in the water to make brine. Without the brine, the resin beads in the softer do not work. If you see one in your tank, poke at it with the end of a broom to break it up.

  4. Clean the brine tank. To do so, wait until the tank is almost out of salt, then remove the remaining salt rocks. If there is a buildup of sludgy salt, pry it out with a broom handle. Then, clean the tank with a brush, soap and water. Once finished, rinse the tank and fill it back up with salt. Well water: If you have well water in your home, depending on your water quality, have your injector cleaned every 6 months to 12 months. The injector may become clogged with sand, sediment or dirt, which will inhibit the softener's function.


Troubleshooting: If you notice your soap isn't lathering well, you notice scale buildup in appliances, there is a different taste to your water, or if the system is regenerating more frequently, check your softener and brine tank for salt.

When in doubt, call Alberta Water Systems at 780-449-9295 to come check it out.




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