Is Your Water Softener Not Softening Water? Here’s What You Need To Know

Water softeners are a common household appliance, especially in areas with hard water. According to statistics, about 85% of households in the United States have hard water, and only 25% have a water softener installed. These numbers mean homes could benefit from installing a properly functioning water softener. It can be frustrating to find that your water softener is running, yet your water remains hard. Understanding how water softeners work can explain why this might be happening.

Water Softeners and How They Work

In 2023, the worldwide market for water softeners was estimated to be worth approximately $10.89 billion. Analysts project an increase in this market, anticipating reaching about $18.62 billion by 2032.

Water softeners operate on “ion exchange” to remove the minerals primarily responsible for making water hard. These minerals include magnesium, calcium, aluminum, iron, barium, zinc, and more. Water softeners have tanks filled with sodium ion-coated resin beads. These beads attract and hold onto the mineral ions, simultaneously releasing sodium ions.

When water flows through the water softener tank, this exchange process effectively removes the hardness from the water without significantly altering its chemical composition.

Reasons Water Softener Not Softening Water

Several factors could contribute to your water softener not effectively softening your water.

• Salt Bridge Formation: A salt bridge occurs when a dense crust develops within the brine tank, separating the water and the salt. This bridge hinders the proper dissolution of salt into the water, which is crucial for the regeneration of the resin beads.
• Resin Bead Degradation: The resin beads can become less effective or damaged over time. This wear and tear can result in an incomplete removal of hardness-causing minerals from the water.
• Incorrect Settings: Sometimes, the settings on the water softener might not be correctly adjusted for the hardness level of your water or the volume of water your household uses.

Ways To Fix Water Softener Not Softening Water

To address the issue of a water softener not softening water, try the following:

• Check Salt Levels: Ensure that the salt level in your water softener is sufficient for proper regeneration.
• Adjust Settings: Review the settings on your water softener and adjust them according to your water hardness levels.
• Inspect and Clean Resin Tank: If you suspect that the resin beads may be damaged or coated with sediment, consider cleaning or replacing them.

Call the Plumber Guy for Expert Help in the Phoenix Metro Area

Water hardness in Arizona is a common issue, specifically in Phoenix, where the average water hardness level is around 14.1. In summary, the water in Phoenix spans from being hard at a minimum to significantly exceeding the threshold for extremely hard in less favorable situations.

If you’ve tried troubleshooting your water softener and are still experiencing issues, it is time to seek professional assistance. Another indicator is if there’s a noticeable decline in water quality, such as water feeling harder, spots on dishes, or changes in the water’s taste or smell despite regular maintenance.

In the Phoenix metro area, the Plumber Guy offers expert plumbing services, including water softener repair and maintenance In Goodyear, Glendale, Avondale, Peoria and more. We have experience dealing with different types of water softeners and can help troubleshoot and fix any issues. Our team guarantees efficient, reliable, and affordable services to ensure your home’s water quality is at its best.

The Plumber Guy also offers water heater repair services, including tankless water heaters and traditional tanks. Hard water can also affect these appliances, with failing water softeners being one of the leading causes of water heater problems.

We proudly serve the Phoenix metro area and extend services to surrounding towns and communities, ensuring top-notch plumbing assistance across the region.

The Plumber Guy: The Premier Local Plumbing Company

At the Plumber Guy, we pride ourselves on delivering top-quality plumbing services to our customers. Whether you need a water softener repair or a new water heater installation, we are here to help.

Our plumbing specialists can assess the condition of your water softener and recommend the best course of action to ensure that your water remains soft and free of mineral deposits.

Contact us today to request a water softener repair service price quote or schedule a repair visit from one of our local plumbers.