Water Softener Repair Kitchener: Today we are going to a look at the most common problems you may encounter with your softener and how to repair them.
We have over 25 years of experience in the water softener industry in the Kitchener-Waterloo region and we'd love to share our knowledge with you.
We'll also outline why it is so important to have a water softener that works well in the Kitchener region and where you can get the best water softener repair Kitchener has to offer. So let's get started.
Water Softener Repair Kitchener: Trust WaterSmart
Water Softener Repair Kitchener: Common Issues
On average, a good quality water softener will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years depending on the type you purchase and the quantity of water you use.
Like most home appliances, water softeners from time to time may need to be repaired. Here are some of the most common issues that may need to be repaired and the best solutions.
Salt Bridges
Probably the most common issue that you will have and also one of the easiest to resolve is a salt bridge. From time to time, the salt that you add to your softener may form a crusty layer across your tank.
Beneath this "bridge" there will be a hollow space between that layer and the water below. If you look in your tank, it will appear as if you have enough salt when you are actually out of salt.
If your water isn't as soft as it usually is or if you don't seem to be going through the same amount of salt that you usually do, then you may have a salt bridge.
Solution: You can break up a salt bridge by gently tapping on the outside of your tank with a rubber mallet. If this doesn't work, then use a long blunt stick such as a broom handle to break up the salt bridge into small pieces.
Gently break up the salt bridge with a broom handle
Leaks
Because your water softener is connected to a water source, it could develop a leak.
Solution: If you notice water leaking around or near your water softener, contact a professional to address this problem. If your softener is located in a part of your home where water could do damage to your floor, then you should turn off the water source to your softener until you can get it fixed.
Motor Problems
You may find that your motor stops running or doesn't seem to be working properly.
Solution: First check to see that your softener is firmly plugged into a working outlet and that you haven't blown a fuse or switched off a breaker.
You can also test that the outlet itself is actually working by plugging a small lamp or other small appliance that you know is working into your outlet. If the outlet is fine, then you should contact a professional to either repair of replace your motor.
Water Softener Repair Kitchener: Check that your softener is plugged in
Blockages
In order for your softener to function properly, it needs a constant, uninterrupted flow of water. If one of your components gets blocked then your softener will not work.
Solution: Because there are so many different water softener models, each constructed a bit differently, there are also many different methods for removing blockages. Some of these methods require specialized repairs.
Contact a water softener repair company that works on all different models of softeners and has experience in working with your particular model.
Faulty Seal Kit
Because there is a significant amount of chlorine added to the water in the Kitchener region, your water softener seal kit may need to be replaced, especially if it has o-rings that are made from rubber.
Solution: Contact a professional to replace this part for you. In addition, it is a good idea if you are purchasing a new water softener in Kitchener, to get the type of softener that has Teflon composite O-rings which stand up better to chlorine than those that are made from rubber.
WaterSmart water softeners have Teflon O-rings that stand up better to chlorine than rubber ones
Resin Issues
Resin beads are an important part of the water softening process. They are tiny porous beads used inside your water softener to trap and release ions in the softening process. You can find out more about this process in our post "How does a water softener work?" Even though they are durable and tend to last a long time, they can, however, break down over time.
Solution: If you notice resin particles floating in your softened water, you should check the state of your resin beads. If they have begun to break down, the resin bed will need to be cleaned and the resin beads replaced.
You Don't Have Enough Salt
If you don’t have enough salt in your water softener or if you have run out of salt, it won’t function properly. You should keep your tank at least 1/4 full at all times.
Solution: Fill your water softener with water softener salt. Do not use regular salt as it has too many impurities and could damage your unit. You can purchase softener salt at most large grocery or department stores, or you can often get it from your water softener company.
Be careful not to overfill your tank with salt. You should fill it up no higher than 4 to 6 inches below the top of your brine tank.
Keep your softener at least 1/4 full of salt at all times
Incorrect Settings
Another common water softener repair is a softener that is programmed incorrectly. It is important to set the timer on your unit correctly and to know how to program your softener for the unique challenges of Kitchener's hard water.
Solution: Hiring a local professional to program your water softener is a good idea. A local company will be very familiar with the particular hard water challenges of the Kitchener area and will know the optimum setting to use to help your water softener run more efficiently.
Why You Need a Water Softener in Kitchener
If you live in Kitchener, then most of your drinking water comes from groundwater wells along the Grand River watershed. This water is considered to be very hard because of minerals picked up along the way.
Most of Kitchener’s water comes from the Grand River
Although hard water is safe for you to drink, it does create scale build-up in your pipes and appliances. Therefore, most Kitchener residents use a water softener to remove these minerals, thus softening their water.
Kitchener has some of the hardest water in all of Canada. The city ranges between 17 and 38 grains per gallon (gpg). Canada’s average water hardness is only 10.5 gpg, meaning Waterloo’s water is about 2 to 3 times harder than the Canadian average!
Water Softener Repair Kitchener: The KW area has some of the hardest water in Canada
Hard water causes a number of problems in and around your home, however, if you own a water softener and keep it in good repair then you will:
Prevent damage to your appliances by eliminating mineral buildup
Get rid of shower, tub, and toilet stains caused by hard water
Get your dishes and clothes cleaned more efficiently
Have healthier skin and hair
Reduce your monthly water bill
Water Softener Repair Kitchener: Trust WaterSmart
If you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo region and you need your water softener repaired, you can trust WaterSmart. We'd be happy to help you with any repair or service on any type of water softener you have, at a reasonable rate.
Our experienced plumbers will come to your home, take a look at your system, and advise you about the best course of action.
Whenever possible, we will fix your existing unit, and if you need a replacement, we can advise you on what type of water softener would best meet your needs. We even offer financing.
““I PURCHASED A WATER SOFTENER THROUGH WATERSMART AND I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE WHOLE PROCESS. I DID NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT WATER SOFTENERS BUT THE SALESMAN HELPED INFORM ME HOW THEY WORK AND WHICH UNIT WOULD WORK BEST FOR ME. THE INSTALL WENT GREAT WITHOUT ANY SURPRISES AND THE UNIT WORKS GREAT. WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE” ”
