Just like a car needs oil changes to keep running smoothly, a water softener also benefits from routine maintenance. By following our helpful general maintenance tips below, you can help the unit perform better and last longer. Keep the soft water system in top shape!
As Needed
- Add salt. We recommend filling the salt tank anywhere between levels 2 to 5 on the brinewell (black tubing inside the unit with the numbers 1-8 on it.) So about 1/4 to 1/2 full with a water softening salt. Make sure to monitor the salt in the unit. You always want to have it between levels 2 and 5. To learn more, visit our Adding Salt to the Tank article.
Every 6 Months
- Clean the resin bed. Use a resin bed cleaner to ensure the system is working at its maximum efficiency. This may need to be done more frequently in areas with high iron content in the water.
Yearly
- Check for salt bridges. This is something that occurs most often in high-moisture environments, or from overfilling the salt tank. It can also occur if the softener is not used often between recharges. You'll want to routinely check for bridging by pushing a rounded-end tool (a broom or something similar) into the salt in several spots, making sure the salt is loose and is able to move around. To learn more, visit our Salt Bridge / Block article.
- Clean the nozzle and venturi. This is to reduce the risk of any clogging from debris that may obstruct the aspirator. For instructions, visit our Cleaning the Venturi article.
- Clean the drain hose. This is to ensure there is no issues with the regeneration process. For instructions, visit our Cleaning the Drain Hose article.
- Open and close the bypass valve. This is to ensure proper operation.