Water softeners work well to ensure you always get the soft water, especially for tap water. This means the water tastes better and you can have more showers without worrying about flaky skin. However, with time, the water softener does not perform as well. This is where you notice the water taste or odor is different. That is when you should consider repairing or replacing the water softener.
We want to see what would make you replace the water softener, how often to do it, and if you should replace only the broken parts rather than the whole unit.
Common Signs Your Water Softener Needs Replacement
Water softening can keep going so well until it is time to replace the water softener because its membrane or the mechanism is generally not working as expected. Most people would be frustrated by a water softener not working correctly. Here are a few signs to help you know it is time for a replacement.
Changes in Water Taste and Odor
Since the water softener has worked well for a while, you are accustomed to a certain taste. However, you try water from your tap today and there is a noticeable change in taste or odor.
If it has been a recurring issue lately, it could mean the water softener is almost going out. That is when you should start looking into the water softener replacement parts costs or simply the water softener replacement cost if you want a new unit.
Skin Irritation or Laundry Issues
Whether it is reverse osmosis or any other type of water softener, you can start experiencing persistent skin irritation if it is not working. You might also notice the sediments of hard water in your bathroom and kitchen.
If you notice that your skin feels unusually dry and itchy each time you take a shower, it also means your water softener is failing.
This problem can also be seen with your laundry. This includes having towels lose their softness and becoming more scratchy. Such quick points to a failing water softener that needs replacement soon.
Increased Salt Replenishment Frequency
For water softeners using salt, sometimes it is necessary to use more salt to keep the softener working correctly. However, if you replace the salt more often than before, it can be a wake-up call that there is something wrong with the water softener.
Of course, engaging an experienced plumber in Bridgeland, Texas can help understand the matter better. It could be a valve problem, but only if a plumber checks it out. If you establish that the water filter has a problem, simply replace the water softener to start getting better filtration and less hard water.
Sediments in the Soft Water
You may not be able to see all the minerals in the soft water output, but there can sometimes be sediments. Such simply means the filtration process is not being done well. This problem requires a complete overhaul.
We recommend contacting a trusted water softener company in Bridgeland, Texas, to understand the water softener’s condition better. Most of the time, it could be a malfunctioning membrane or a damaged resin bed causing all these issues.
Only after inspection would you know if you should replace the water softener as a home improvement project or replace the broken parts.
Typical Lifespan of a Water Softener
Having a better understanding of the lifespan of a water softener can help you understand its performance better before you can continue using one to improve your water supply.
A well-maintained water softener should last easily past your warranty and remain in great condition. However, the exact number of years the ion exchange water softener or any type you use varies greatly. It mostly depends on the brands and models available.
Operational Years for Water Softeners
You may have noticed more scum over your drain as you take a shower or simply clean the bathroom. It can indicate the water quality is compromised because the water softener is not doing its job correctly. In such a case, the question that comes to mind is, how long is the water softener supposed to be operational?
The age varies a lot depending on the model you have. Most will last 10 to 15 years depending on frequency of use, water hardness, and maintenance. Pressure can also be a factor, but it will largely depend on your model and brand as some are built to handle more pressure than others.
Here, we recommend regular check-ups to ensure your water softener is working great and the water quality does not become an issue.
Maintenance and Longevity
Whichever brand or model you get, water softener maintenance is really important. Most, if not all companies will have a guide on the maintenance schedule. This means that you can follow up yourself and get it done.
You could still get a general contractor or handyman to do the maintenance. If the maintenance is done right and on time, issues such as laundry feeling more scratchy will not happen.
Some of the maintenance you would have to do include replacing the filters in the water softener or changing the resin beads. If you do not see the guide on how to do the maintenance with the product, consult the brand on how best you can do the process.
Replacing or Buying A New Water Softener
Once you discover that you have more hard water in your tap water, you might consider a water softener repair or replacement. Which one should you take?
Of course, the investment you make largely depends on the price. You have to analyze what it would cost you to do a freshwater softener installation or simply replace the critical parts that would make it work more efficiently.
In most cases, if the repair cost exceeds half the price of a new unit, you might as well get a new water softener. This ensures you are still getting the reliability and efficiency of a new water softener.
FAQS
How do you know if your water softener is going out?
There are a number of signs that would help you know this is happening. The most common is that the water tastes different and might have an odor. The other reasons include soap not lathering, the clothes feeling rough after doing laundry, dry or itchy skin, and streaks or spots on glassware or dishes.
How often do water softeners need replacement?
Water softeners are not things you replace all the time. For most people, the softeners will last them 10 to 15 years without a problem. However, maintenance is important to ensure you have the best working water softener.
What will happen if I do not replace the water softener?
If the water softener is ineffective at its job, some of the things you can expect include having more raw minerals in the plumbing system which will lead to limescale building up and potential blockages too.
Where can you get the water softener replacement parts?
Assuming you have decided to repair the water softener rather than replacing, then go ahead and use replacement parts. You can easily buy them from the original manufacturer or check on other online stores to see if they have what you are looking for.
Conclusion
There are a number of ways that you can know it is time for you to replace a water softener in your home. Most of the time, you will notice changes in water taste and odor, the showers are no longer fun for you also as the water leaves your skin feeling dry, among other things discussed above. What is important is that you always schedule maintenance for your water softener to keep it in good condition and only replace it when necessary.
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