Signs Of Low Water Softener Salt

Suppose you live in an area with hard water. In that case, installing a water softener system is important to make the water soft and useful for everyday needs. These systems are commonly used in households and commercial establishments to prevent the buildup of lime scale and calcium deposits in pipe systems and water-based appliances. This article will cover the signs of low water softener salt in these systems and ways to eliminate it.

Understanding Water Softeners

Water Softeners remove hardness from the water by recharging the resin media and making water ideal for our routine. Water softener salts are filled for 3 quarters of the salt tank so that the water travels from top to bottom of the tank without interruption. The water softener system works on an Ion exchange method where calcium and magnesium minerals are replaced by sodium and potassium ions, which are water softener salts.

Signs Of Low Water Softener Salt

Decreased Efficiency Of The Water Softener

You can observe some stains and white patches on taps, fittings and faucets and the formation of rusty rings on the toilet. This is because when hardwater passes through the tap, it leaves some calcium and magnesium deposits. It cannot be cleaned completely, and sometimes scrubbing doesn’t help. This should not happen if you have a water softener system installed in your home. If this is happening, then it is an indication of decreased efficiency. To eliminate this issue, get your water softener system serviced on time.

Changes In Water Quality

You can also observe there will be changes in the colour, taste and quality of the water. The water will be cloudy and has hardness. This leads to many problems like less efficiency of dishwashers and washing machines and also the water heater as the minerals deposit in the pipe systems of these appliances and reduces their performance. There will be very less lather produced while using soap resulting in dry and scaly skin, dull hair and irritated eyes.

Malfunctioning Water Softener System

While using a water softener system, sometimes we might face issues that result in no water softening or shutdown of the entire system. Salt Bridging can happen if your softener system is too old or if you are not using good-quality water softener salt. Salt bridging forms a hard layer, and the water cannot touch the resin bed. So, If this doesn’t happen, the water cannot be softened. Salt mushing can also be a reason; The salt loses its shape and forms a mushy mixture that blocks the softener system’s filters and obstructs the water flow, decreasing the system’s efficiency. Apart from all these, filling the salt tank with enough water softener salt is necessary because how can the water be softened if there is no salt? Hence, maintaining a good level of salt is always Important.

Solutions For Low Water Softener Salt

• Regularly monitor and ensure the salt is more than half the salt tank.
• Refill the tank with the required amount of water softener salt and schedule regular maintenance if needed.
• Salt Bridges should be cleared using a blunt tool to break the crusty material, preventing the water from using the salt for softening.
• If Salt Mushing occurs, turn off the main water valve and drain the brine tank later, clean it well, flush the salt tank with water, and ensure no salt pellets are left on the resin bed. Later, refill the tank, turn on the system, and ensure it works as expected.

Conclusion

The signs of low water softener salts indicate that the water softener system is not in good working condition and requires attention. These signs can include decreased water softening efficiency, increased hardness levels in the water, decreased lather formation in soap and detergents, and the appearance of mineral deposits on fixtures and surfaces. It is important to note these signs to avoid potential damage to plumbing systems and appliances and maintain the desired water quality throughout the household.

Regularly monitoring salt levels and refilling them when necessary is essential for ensuring the effective operation of a water softener system. Contact a reliable water softener salt supplier like Canada Salt Group Ltd for high-graded crystal or salt pellets. We deliver throughout Canada and the United States. Request a Free Quote Today.