The Benefits of Annual Water Softener Maintenance
Your home has hard water, and for that reason, you decided to install a water softener to filter out calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that make your water taste metallic and leave spots on your dishes. But did you know that if you want your water softener to continue filtering out those harmful minerals efficiently, you have to maintain it?
Like most appliances, water softeners wear down with time, usage, and exposure to minerals, and require maintenance to keep them in good shape so they can continue to do their job. Most water softener companies recommend maintenance annually for this purpose. If you aren't maintaining your softener at this interval already, let's look at some of the benefits of annual water softener maintenance that might compel you to start.
Extends Your Water Softener's Lifespan
Think of a water softener like your car. You wouldn't skip oil changes and expect the engine to run forever. Your water softener works hard every day to treat your water, and it deserves the same level of attention. Regular maintenance helps it perform reliably for a decade or more.
During an annual maintenance visit, a technician inspects all the components. They check the resin tank, brine tank, valves, and control head. They look for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks that could escalate if left unaddressed. A little preventative care goes a long way. This yearly tune-up can add years to your system's life, which protects your initial investment.
Keeps Your Water Consistently Soft
The whole point of a water softener is to enjoy soft water. Without regular upkeep, your system's efficiency can decline. You might start to notice the familiar signs of hard water creeping back. These signs could include soap scum on your shower doors or spotty dishes from the dishwasher.
Over time, sediment and iron can build up inside the system. This buildup clogs the resin bed, which is the heart of the softener. When the resin bed gets clogged, it can't effectively remove the necessary minerals. The result is water that isn't as soft as it should be.
An annual service call solves this problem. A technician will clean the resin bed with a special formula that removes contaminants. They'll also check the system's regeneration cycle to confirm it's working correctly. This process restores your softener's performance, so you consistently get the soft water you expect.
Saves Money on Salt and Water
Does it feel like you're constantly adding salt to your brine tank? An inefficient water softener can use more salt and water than necessary. If the system's settings are off or if there's a problem with a component, it might regenerate too often or use too much salt during each cycle.
This extra consumption adds up over time. You'll spend more on bags of salt and see a higher water bill. It's a waste of resources and money. A professional can calibrate your softener to match your household's water usage patterns.
During a maintenance check, the technician will fine-tune the regeneration frequency and salt dosage to ensure the system only regenerates when needed. This can lead to noticeable savings. Your system will run more economically, which puts more money back in your pocket.
Prevents Costly Plumbing Repairs
Hard water is tough on your home's plumbing and appliances. The same scale that builds up on your faucets can clog your pipes. It can also damage your water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher. These appliances are expensive to repair and replace.
If your water softener isn't working at its best, it can't protect your home from scale buildup. A small lapse in performance can let hard water flow through your pipes again. Over time, this can lead to serious plumbing issues like reduced water pressure and even pipes bursting.
Annual maintenance acts as a line of defense for your entire plumbing system. By keeping your softener in optimal condition, you protect all your water-using appliances from the damaging effects of hard water.
Improves Your Skin and Hair
Have you noticed your skin feeling dry and itchy, or your hair feeling brittle and dull? Hard water could be the culprit. The minerals in hard water react with soap to form a residue that doesn't rinse away easily. This film can clog pores and strip natural oils from your skin and hair.
A properly functioning water softener removes these minerals. It allows soap and shampoo to lather better and rinse off completely. The result is smoother skin and softer, more manageable hair.
If your softener's performance slips, you might notice these skin and hair issues return. A yearly service keeps your system delivering the soft water that helps you look and feel your best.
Keeps Your Clothes and Linens Bright
Hard water can be harsh on your laundry. The minerals can cause fabrics to feel stiff and look dingy. Colors may fade faster, and whites can take on a yellowish or grayish tint. You might find yourself using more detergent to get your clothes clean, which only adds to the problem.
Soft water is gentler on fabrics. It allows detergents to work more effectively, so you can use less. Your clothes will come out of the wash feeling softer and looking brighter. Your linens will last longer, too.
To get these laundry benefits, your water softener needs to be at the top of its game. Regular maintenance confirms it's removing the necessary minerals that wreak havoc in your washing machine. It's a small price to pay for fresher, cleaner clothes.
Ensures That Your Water Tastes and Smells Great
Does your tap water sometimes have an earthy or metallic taste? These flavors can come from the same minerals that cause hardness. Some water softeners also use carbon filtration to remove chlorine, which can give water an unpleasant taste and odor.
If you don’t maintain your system, its ability to improve your water's taste and smell can diminish. Resin beds become fouled, and carbon filters become saturated.
During maintenance, a technician will clean or replace filters as needed. They'll also sanitize the entire system to prevent any bacterial growth that could affect water quality. The outcome is fresh, clean-tasting water straight from your tap.
Take Action for Better Water
As you can see, there are a lot of benefits to annual water softener maintenance. It keeps the water you drink, cook with, bathe in, and clean with pure and mineral-free.
If it’s time for your water softener to undergo maintenance and you’re searching for a water softener company near you that can provide that service, reach out to Affordable Water. We provide comprehensive water softener maintenance. During our service, we'll thoroughly inspect, clean, and optimize your system. Let us help you keep your water system running smoothly!
Share On: