Water softeners are a useful appliance that helps to remove the hard water in your home. If you are like many other homeowners, you probably do not pay much attention to your water softener. Although they do require some maintenance, there is some upkeep required. So, if you do not give it the attention it needs, it may stop working altogether. So, how can you tell if the water softener is working correctly? The following signs will alert you that it is not working correctly and may require repairs or replacement.
Signs of Hard Water
Basically, if the water softener is working correctly, there shouldn’t be any spots on the dishes or in the bathtub. If it is on the verge of breaking down, you may notice a white film or white spots everywhere that the water touches, especially glass dishes and/or metal utensils or sinks.
Little to No Salt Use
Water conditioners and water softener systems require salt to remove the hardness and the iron from your water. If you have noticed a reduction in the amount of salt you are using, the softener is not functioning properly. It may just have a clog or a bridge, which is an easy fix, but it is important to have it serviced immediately.
Odd Smell, Taste and/or Feel
Soft water is much different than hard water, so if your water softener stops working, you will most likely notice a difference in how the water taste’s, smells and feels. The difference is typically noticed within a few days at the most. If the softener isn’t working, your skin may feel dry and itchy after showering and the soap will not suds as much as before. It will also have an odd taste, such as a mineral or chemical taste.
Discoloration
When the water softener is working correctly your water should always be crystal clear. However, if it stops working you may notice a significant change in the color of the water. If your water comes from the city water supply, the water may have a slight brown or yellow tint. This is due to the chemicals used at the water plant. The most common cause of discoloration is the chlorine used in city water, which may turn the water an orange, peachy or grey color.
Constantly Running
One of the first signs that the water softener is not working as it should is the sound. If it sounds like it is continuously running, it may be stuck in the processing stage, but in some situations the problem may be more serious and require complete replacement.
If you notice any changes in the water, it is important to contact a service company as soon as possible. In many situations, the quicker you have it serviced the less expensive the repairs will be and it may prevent you from having to buy a new system.
If you need a trusted water softener company for quality water treatment solutions, contact the experts at The Jayson Company today!
