When you live in an area with hard water, you can combat those harsh effects by using a water softener. This system helps to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium that can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. However, you will need to add salt to keep the softener working at its best. How often should you do this? The answer will depend on your household water use, the system’s size, and the water’s hardness level.
Adding Salt to Your Water Softener
In most systems, you will need to refill your salt levels to ensure the hard water stays out of your home. The salt is part of the brine tank and helps with the ion exchange process that softens your water. It is important to keep the salt topped off at all times. Generally, you will want to check your salt level at least once a month.
For most homes, you should add salt once every 4 to 6 weeks. However, if you have a larger family or use a lot of water for showers, laundry, or dishwashing, you may need to add salt more frequently. Also, if your water has a high hardness level, consider adding salt every other month.
The only way to know for sure is to check the salt level of your water softener.
Checking the Salt Level
Before adding salt to your system, you need to check the level. This is easy to do. Open the brine tank and take a look inside. The salt should be at least halfway full in the tank. If your levels are lower than that point, you will want to add more salt. You never want to let the tank get too empty, as this can lead to various problems, including a complete water softener malfunction.
Signs That You Need to Add Salt
If you forget to check your water softener, several telltale signs may indicate low salt levels. First, you may notice the return of hard water symptoms. Hard water contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium, which your system is designed to remove.
When you have low salt in the softener, you might notice soap scum forming on dishes, shower doors, or your skin after using the water. Additionally, your soap might not lather as well, and your clothes could feel stiff or scratchy after being washed.
If your skin feels drier or itchier than usual, it may be due to hard water reentering your system. With lower salt levels, the softener can no longer remove minerals, leaving an unpleasant impact on your skin and hair.
Another sign of low salt levels is the reappearance of scale or white, chalky buildup on faucets, sinks, dishwashers, or coffee makers. This scale buildup can reduce the efficiency of your appliances and shorten their lifespan if left untreated.
Choosing the Right Type of Salt
When refilling your water softener, it’s important to choose the correct type of salt. Here are a few options:
- Evaporated Salt Pellets: Often recommended for most water softeners, these pellets dissolve easily and prevent clogs and buildup in the brine tank. Their high purity ensures efficient system operation.
- Solar Salt: Produced through natural seawater evaporation, solar salt typically comes in coarse crystals. It works well for households with moderate water usage but contains more impurities than evaporated salt, which can occasionally cause clogs.
- Rock Salt: While rock salt is the most affordable option, it contains higher levels of impurities like dirt and minerals. These impurities can accumulate in the brine tank, leading to blockages that reduce system efficiency. It’s generally best to avoid using rock salt in your water softener.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
A water softener system is an excellent way to keep hard water out of your home. However, it’s crucial to maintain those salt levels. If you’d like to schedule professional maintenance for your water softener system, contact the team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Bradenton. We can also help with installation or repair. Reach out to us today!