Water softener repair
When the spots come back or the salt level never drops, something has stopped working. Many softener problems have a simple cause.
A softener that's quietly failed is easy to miss. The water still runs, but the crust slowly returns to the faucets and the dishes come out spotty again. Before you assume the whole unit is shot, a technician can usually narrow it down to a few common problems.
Common softener problems
- Salt bridge. A hard crust forms in the brine tank, leaving a hollow underneath. The salt looks full, but no brine is being made.
- Clock or settings off. After a power outage, a timer-based unit may regenerate at the wrong time or not at all.
- Clogged injector or brine line. Sediment, especially from wells or hauled water, can block the small parts that draw brine.
- Worn seals and pistons. Control valves wear with age and start leaking to drain or letting hard water bypass.
- Tired resin. Resin loses capacity over the years, and chlorine or iron can speed that up.
- Leaks. From the bypass, fittings, the tank or the drain line.
Things you can check first
- Make sure the unit has power and the bypass valve is in service position.
- Look at the display for the right time of day and any error codes.
- Push a broom handle gently into the salt to feel for a bridge.
- Check that the drain line isn't kinked, frozen or crushed.
Repair or replace?
A newer unit with a failed part is usually worth fixing. An older softener with a worn valve, tired resin and a cracked brine tank may cost more to keep going than it's worth. A good technician will tell you which situation you're in and why. See water softener replacement if yours is near the end.
Freezing weather
Outdoor and garage units around Kingman can freeze on cold nights. A frozen drain line can stop regeneration, and a frozen valve can crack. If the unit was exposed to a hard freeze and is now leaking or showing errors, put it in bypass and have it checked.
The water treatment company prices the job after it knows your water, your plumbing and, for repairs, what's wrong with the unit. We don't quote prices, and a number given over the phone before anyone has tested your water or seen the install spot is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Why is my softener not using any salt?
Often it's a salt bridge, a clogged brine line or injector, or a control valve that isn't starting regeneration. Check for a bridge first, then have it looked at.
Can any brand of softener be repaired?
Many can, especially units with common control valves. Some proprietary units need the dealer's parts. Tell the company the brand and model when you call.
Related services
More background: Kingman hard water guide.
White crust on the faucets, or a softener that quit working?
Call now and a local water treatment company will help you sort it out.