Keep your water Softener System Healthy

A water softener removes minerals from your water; that means cleaner laundry, a longer life for water-using appliances, less mineral buildup on plumbing fixtures and many other benefits. If taken care of it can provide these benefits for 20 years or more, trouble-free. Home Inspectors do not routinely inspect water softeners but they are an import component of the plumbing system we do inspect. Have someone routinely service your equipment and here are some tips.

Austin Property Doctors, your inspector Vince. (512) 762-5912 www.austinpropertydoctors.com

1. Keep the Salt Level Adequate (But Not Overfilled)

- Keep the salt level above the water line in the brine tank at all times.

- Ideal: ⅓ to ⅔ full (never let it go completely empty).

- Don’t fill to the brim leave 6–12 inches of air space so the salt can move and create proper brine.

2. Use the Right Kind of Salt

Best choices (in order):

- Evaporated solar salt pellets (cleanest, least bridging)

- Solar salt crystals

- High-purity rock salt

Avoid:

- Table salt (has additives)

- Salt with iron-cleaning additives unless your system specifically needs it (most don’t)

3. Clean the Brine Tank Every 1–3 Years

- Once a year (or if you notice “mush” or bridges), empty the tank completely.

- Scoop out old salt, scrub the tank with warm water and a little bleach (1–2 oz per gallon), rinse well.

- Check the brine valve/float for buildup and clean or replace if needed.

4. Check & Clean the Venturi Valve / Injector Yearly

This is the #1 cause of “softener stopped softening” complaints.

- Locate the small injector screen (usually under a cap on top or side).

- Remove and clean with a toothbrush or toothpick. Soak in vinegar if mineral-clogged.

5. Add a Resin Cleaner (Iron-Out, ResCare, etc.) Regularly

- If you have iron or manganese in water: every 3–6 months.

- If very hard water (>25 gpg): every 6–12 months.

- Just pour the recommended amount into the brine tank during regeneration — it cleans the resin beads.

6. Schedule & Verify Regenerations

- Most softeners are set to regenerate every 3–14 days depending on family size and water hardness.

- Once a month, manually trigger a regeneration and watch/listen to make sure all cycles (backwash, brine draw, rinse, refill) complete properly.

7. Test for Soft Water Periodically

Cheap way: Use a Hach 5-B soap test kit or just rub soap in your hands under the tap — lots of slippery suds = soft.

Hard-water signs: soap scum in shower, spots on dishes, dry skin/hair.

8. Replace Resin Every 10–20 Years (Only If Needed)

Resin doesn’t last forever. If you’ve done everything above and water still feels hard, it may be time for new resin (or a new softener).

Quick Yearly Maintenance Checklist

- [ ] Check salt level & top off 

- [ ] Break up any salt bridges/mush 

- [ ] Clean injector & venturi screen 

- [ ] Add resin cleaner if needed 

- [ ] Run manual regeneration & verify 

- [ ] Test output water for softness