An ion-exchange water softener is the only reliable way to remove dissolved minerals that make your water hard. But, if this is your first water softener, there will be a period of adjustment before you become comfortable with the system. In this article, we will look at four things that you need to check after the water softener is installed.
1. The Taste
A water softener is not a water purifier, and it’s not designed to improve the taste of your drinking water. In fact, when the calcium and magnesium are removed from the water it can taste a little flat. Some people like the taste of soft water because smaller concentrations of iron are removed. But, if you prefer the taste of hard water, you can activate the bypass valve, fill a pitcher and then place the system back into softening mode.
2. Washing and Laundry
When you switch to soft water, you should notice that the soap and detergents that you use are more effective. You shouldn’t need as much to achieve a lather to deliver the cleaning power that you need. Many people notice that their skin feels softer and their hair is less prone to frizziness. At first, this may seem strange; soft water has a slippery feel. The lack of minerals makes it feel slick on the skin and hair. But this is a truly clean feeling, and most people enjoy the feeling after a short adjustment period.
3. Regeneration Issues
To facilitate the ion exchange and an effective regeneration cycle, water softening salt is required. This is added to the brine tank and if the salt level isn’t going down, this may mean that the system isn’t working properly. To put this into some perspective, a family of four should expect to add a 50 lb bag of water softener salt to the system every month. It’s important to optimize the control valve to match the regeneration cycle to the needs of your home. This will regenerate the system more efficiently, and the water waste is reduced.
4. The First Soft Water
Many new water softener users are surprised to learn that it can take up to 48 hours after the installation for the system to start working. Like any complex system, it takes time to work as intended, and you must be patient. If your water is still hard after 48 hours, it’s time to contact your local water treatment specialist to check it for you. This is why we recommend a professional water softener installation over a DIY approach with a big box system.
In Conclusion
A water softener represents a significant investment to improve the quality of your water. But, it can take a short while to start working, and some fine tuning may be needed to optimize the system for performance and efficiency. The best way to ensure that your new water softener will work as intended is to get your system professionally installed.
If you need a water softener installation or some essential maintenance, contact your local water treatment specialist today.
By EcoWater Systems.
EcoWater Systems of Nebraska is the largest water treatment company in the state and is a member of Water Quality Association.