Your water softener treats hard water by removing harsh minerals, which provides numerous benefits. To accomplish its task, it needs salt. How often do you have to add salt to your water softener? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. That’s because several factors impact the rate that a water softener uses salt.
Fortunately, it’s easy to learn how to check when your machine needs salt. Exploring some water softener basics can also help you keep your machine functioning smoothly. The experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Gainesville, FL, are happy to offer information. If you need more assistance, their water softener services can provide the ideal solution.
Check to See if Your Water Softener Needs Salt
Checking to see if your water softener needs salt is quick and easy. It should generally be done twice a month. Here’s how to accomplish this task:
- Lift the cover of the machine’s brine tank so that you can look inside.
- Consider what you see carefully.
- If the salt is dry and filling just over half the tank, you do not need to take any action.
- If the salt is dry but fills less than half the tank, add enough salt to bring the level to just over half a tank.
- If the salt is wet and below the water line, add enough salt to bring the level to just over half a tank.
Know When to Say When While You’re Adding Salt
When adding salt to your water softener, it can be tempting to tip a little extra in. After all, wouldn’t adding more salt now mean that you can go longer before you need to top up the tank? This isn’t a good strategy.
It is possible to add too much salt to your water conditioner. In fact, experts agree it’s best not to fill the tank more than a little over halfway. Too much salt can cause maintenance issues. It can also make it more difficult to deal with any salt bridges that may develop.
Beware the Bridge
Does it seem like the salt level in your water softener hasn’t changed in weeks? This could indicate a problem called a salt bridge. A salt bridge is a layer of hardened salt that spans the entire diameter of the brine tank. It prevents the water at the bottom of the tank from rising up to reach the loose salt at the top of the tank during the regeneration cycle. It prevents your water softener from working properly.
If a salt bridge forms, a visual check of your brine tank may look fine. In fact, it may look fine for several checks. When should you suspect a problem? If you notice the tank’s salt level remains unchanged for a few weeks or begin to see signs of hard water, consider investigating. Use a broom handle to gently stir through the loose salt to see if you find a hard layer of salt. If you do, use a scoop to move the loose salt to a clean container. Then, use the broom handle to carefully break up the salt bridge. Pull out the chunks. Finally, return the loose salt. If you aren’t comfortable handling the task or need assistance, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.
Learn Red Flags for Hard Water
Learning the signs of hard water can help you spot an issue with your water softener, including a need for more salt. As Forbes reports, common red flags for hard water include:
- Soap scum
- Skin issues caused by poor lathering and residues left behind
- Hair damage caused by poor sudsing and poor rinsing
- Mineral buildup inside pipes and appliances
- Mineral and scale buildup on fixtures and appliances
- Plumbing issues
- Appliance troubles
Recognize Factors That Impact Salt Usage
Several factors impact how quickly your water softener uses salt. These include:
- The hardness of your water
- The water usage in your home
- The type of water softener
- The size of your brine tank
- The age of your water softener
Newer water softeners are generally more efficient. Most operate with demand-initiated cycles. Instead of following a regularly set cycle, they regenerate, and use salt, only when necessary. Because they’re more efficient, you may only need to add salt every six to eight weeks. They may also come with features like low salt indicators or remote alerts for low salt. However, it’s still wise to check these machines every few weeks.
A water softener enhances your comfort and protects your investment in your home, so it’s smart to be ready to keep it functioning smoothly. Is your water softener more than 10 years old? You may want to update it for a more efficient model with features that will help you keep it running well. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Gainesville, FL, can help you with water softener installations and issues. When you need a plumbing expert, contact our team today.