Many areas of the United States have hard water, which means the water there has more minerals. While that’s not a problem in itself, it can be for some people who are more sensitive to those minerals. Additionally, hard water sometimes causes buildup in pipes and bathroom fixtures. To address that problem, homeowners install water softeners to remove some of those minerals and make the water easier on the pipes and their skin.
Like other appliances, water softeners don’t last forever and will eventually need replacement. Here are a few of the biggest signs that yours needs to be replaced.
Significant Changes in Water Taste, Pressure, or Quality
Your water softener is designed to give you water that’s good quality and tastes good, too. You should also have good water pressure, as there’s no reason for the use of a softener to reduce how much water is making its way to your faucets. While the water definitely passes through the softener on its way to your sinks and other locations, it shouldn’t be restricted during its journey.
If you see that your water pressure is dropping, or if your water just doesn’t taste good anymore, it could mean that it’s time to replace your softener. Of course, there may be maintenance that can be performed, and that might give you back the quality you’re looking for. If you’ve had the softener maintained and serviced or repaired, though, and you’re still having problems with it, it may just be at the end of its useful life. Replacement could be the best choice.
Laundry Problems or Diminished Lather
Another issue you might notice when it’s time for a new softener is that your laundry doesn’t feel clean or soft anymore. The same could be true with anything you’re trying to wash, including your skin. If you’re not getting any kind of lather when you wash your clothes, body, dishes, car, or other things, you’re not getting the soft water you expect. Some people can even have skin reactions to all the harder water, so any problems with the softener should be handled quickly.
Leaking or Other Damage That Can’t be Repaired
Sometimes, a softener just wears out and won’t work anymore. If that happens at your home, residential water softener replacement is the right choice. You can work with the pros to get a new water softener that will do a great job and keep the water in your home in good shape. Whether your softener is leaking or has other serious issues, repair isn’t always possible. Even if the unit can be fixed, you might want to replace it if it’s old or if the cost of repairs is starting to exceed the value of the softener. A new one will generally be more efficient and effective, as well.
Excessively Salty Water or Mineral Buildup
Sometimes, the biggest clue that your water softener isn’t working correctly is that you’re seeing mineral buildup from hard water on your fixtures. The water might also taste salty. Even though salt is used in water softeners, only a minimal amount should get into the water that leaves the softener and heads to your faucets. If your water tastes like salt, it’s a clear indication that something’s not working the way it should.
Professionals Can Replace Your Water Softener
If you’re dealing with water softener issues, or the unit seems to be working all right, but it’s running continuously, working with a professional is the right choice. You don’t have to settle for hard water and the problems it can cause when softer water is available. No matter the age of your current water softener, if it’s not a good candidate for a simple, inexpensive repair, then it’s best to have it replaced.
