The water in most communities across Franklin County varies from “moderately hard” to “very hard” under a rating system created by the federal government. Because of this, a water softener is a vital household appliance for many homes in Central Ohio. Although water softeners generally last a long time with little maintenance, it’s advisable to check it periodically to keep it functioning properly.
- Check the salt level regularly.
- Add salt as needed. The amount of salt required differs from system to system. As a general rule, don’t let your salt level dip below half full. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- Use the right kind of salt. There are three types of salt: block, granular, and tablet. Use the type that is recommended in your owner’s manual. Tablet is the most common type of salt used.
- Inspect your system regularly. Every two to three months, examine the brine tank to look for a solid buildup of salt. This is called “bridging” and it indicates the salt may not be contacting the water so that it can soften it properly. Use a long broom handle to break up any salt bridges you find.
- Clean the brine tank. Older model softeners may require a good cleaning once or twice a year. Once a year, it’s a good idea to unplug the unit, drain it completely, and clean it out. The latest block-salt water softeners, however, require almost no maintenance or cleaning the first 5-10 years of their lives.
