Top 3 Routine Water Softener Maintenance Tasks for Fall

With the fall fast approaching, it is an excellent time to engage in a little routine water softener maintenance. Think about it. If you take care of it now, you’ll be just one step closer to being ready for the onslaught of holiday guests. Here’s a quick rundown on what tasks you should consider completing:

Clean the Cabinet

The first water softener maintenance task that you should consider doing is inspecting the water softener’s cabinet for crusty build-up. In my experience, the amount of crusty build-up that you will find in your water softener’s cabinet is largely dependent on what type of salt product you are placing inside the water softener.

In general, the more impurities that a salt has, the more likely you are to find a high degree of crusty build-up. In order to inspect your water softener’s cabinet for build-up, you’ll need to turn off the water softener’s water supply. You’ll also want to shut off the electricity running to the water softener. Afterward, simply lift the water softener’s lid and look inside. You will be able to see any build-up with your naked eye.

If a crusty build-up does exist, you will need to remove it. Start by using a long, wooden dowel to break the crusty build-up into manageable pieces. Once that’s done, bust out your family’s wet/dry vacuum and use it to remove the build-up. Next, wipe down the inside of the cabinet and rinse away any remaining residue. Continue by drying the inside of the cabinet with a lint free cloth. Then add new salt to the cabinet. Finish the job by restoring water and electricity to the water softener.

Clean the Brine Line

Cleaning your water softener’s brine line is the second water softener maintenance task that you should consider doing. A water softener’s brine line is traditionally located on top of the water softener in the vicinity of the bypass valve. It is connected to the water softener’s control unit by a compression nut. In order to remove it, you’ll need to cut off the water softener’s water and electrical supply as well as release the pressure in the tank. You’ll also need an adjustable wrench. Using the wrench, unscrew the compression nut and remove the line. Proceed by rinsing out the line with warm water. If the line is clogged, try using an eye dropper, bulb syringe or a turkey baster to clear the line. I have had previous luck with all three items.

Clean the Injector

Cleaning your water softener’s injector is the third water softener maintenance task that you’ll want to consider completing. A water softener’s injector is located on the top of the water softener near the brine line and behind an access panel. It is designed to control the amount of brine that reaches the resin tank. As such, it may clog from time to time. In order to clean the injector, you will need to make sure that there is no electrical current running to the water softener. You will also want to shut off the water softener’s water supply and release the pressure in the tank. Once that’s done, remove the screws that hold the access panel into place.

After the access panel has been removed, unscrew the injector and remove it from its housing. Continue by locating the injector’s filter screen and inspecting it for obstructions. If an obstruction exists, gently wash the screen with dish detergent. You’ll also want to inspect the O-rings. If the O-rings or screen appear to be worn, replace them with new ones. Replacement water softener parts are often sold through plumbing supply and appliance parts dealers. Proceed by returning the screen and O-rings to their proper location. Then reinstall the injector. Afterward, turn the water softener’s power supply and water supply back on.

Source: Personal Experience

Killeen Gonzalez has a history of completing DIY home improvement projects with her family.

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