As the proud owner of a water softener system, you know how much your home relies on it to run at peak efficiency. You may even remember the days before you had it installed, when your hair was dry and brittle, and you spent hours scrubbing the limescale off your shower tile. You certainly don’t want to go back to those days.

In order to continue to benefit from your water softener, it needs to continue to operate correctly. The vast majority of water softeners continue to soften water flawlessly for many years. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to know what to watch for. The sooner you catch a problem, the sooner you can have nice, soft water running in your pipes.

If you suspect a problem, connecting with a water professional who can inspect and service your system is as easy as searching for “water softener repair near me.” You’ll find water softener companies in Austin, TX, San Antonio, or wherever you call home.

If you are the owner of a water softener, you should know to watch for these potential indications that it’s time to call in an expert.

1. Reduced Water Pressure

If you notice that your water pressure has been slowly declining, it may be a sign that your water softener isn’t working as it should. Over time, hard water creates a build-up called limescale. Limescale is a hard calcification that accumulates after repeat exposure to the minerals in hard water. Left to its own devices, it will slowly accumulate and eventually slow the flow of water and clog your pipes. Reduced water pressure could indicate that your pipes have build-up, which may be the result of your water softener failing to do its job.

2. Discolored Water

When a water softener functions as it should, the water in your tap will be perfectly clear. When your tap water starts to show tints of color, it may indicate that something is off. Yellow, brown, orangey-peach, or gray, colored water isn’t ideal and is a great reason to have your system inspected.

3. Bad Taste

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from your water. These minerals have a distinct, unpleasant taste. When a water softener malfunctions, those minerals will reappear in your water, and you’ll notice the bad taste is back. Once you get your system back up and running, the taste will go back to what you’ve come to expect from your water softeners.

4. Limescale Build-up

Limescale builds up around your home when your water is hard. One of the greatest perks of installing a water softener is that you can cut back on limescale build-up that plagues your showers and sinks. If you find you are spending more time than you would like scrubbing the limescale build-up in your shower, your system may not be working correctly.

5. Low Salt Usage

If your tank seems like it is always full of salt, or you notice a drastic reduction in the amount of salt your system uses, it could indicate a problem. Salt is a critical component of the water softening process. A water softener that doesn’t utilize salt isn’t doing its job. The problem could be as simple as removing a salt bridge, so it is best to check for that first, as it is a relatively easy fix. If a salt bridge doesn’t appear to be the problem, something in the system needs attention to get it running properly.

6. Continuous Running

Your water softener will run intermittently, as needed, to continue to keep your water soft. But it shouldn’t be running all the time. If you notice your system runs constantly, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Anytime you hear your system running continuously, it’s time to call in your water expert to assess and repair.

7. Water Test

If you want a surefire way to tell if your water softener is faulty, test your water. Your local water expert can conduct the test for you, or you can buy an at-home testing kit. If your test indicates high mineral content, there is a good chance that something is amiss with your water softener. While there are many indications that something may be off, testing will give you a definitive answer quickly.

Chances are, your water softener will continue to run without a hitch. You can expect yours to last as many as 10-15 years with proper maintenance and upkeep. Even when something goes wrong, repairs can get your system back to peak performance.

Once you connect with a local water professional, you will have a resource for every aspect of your water softening system. An expert will be able to consult with you on everything from salt delivery services to routine maintenance and repairs. Having a knowledgeable professional that you trust is invaluable and will be the key to keeping the water in your home perfectly soft.

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Infographic

As a proud water softener owner, you know how essential it is for your home’s efficiency. To keep enjoying its benefits, ensure it operates correctly. Check out this infographic for signs that it may be time to call an expert.