You know that your water softener is working if you do not get hard water in your house. The working of your water softener is affected by the way it is installed. Sometimes, water professionals use a bypass to install a water softener.
Your water professional may have used a single bypass or a three-valve bypass while installing a water softener. These valves can stop the flow of water to your water softener. You have to make sure that your water softener is properly installed before checking whether it is working or not.
Properly working water softeners make a specific sound during the regen. They produce soft water, and their salt level drops due to regen. The working of your water softener is affected by various factors, including the quality of the resin beads, the lifespan of the vital components, the performance of the water filtration system inside your water softener, and the hardness levels of the water supplied to the water softener.
Your water does not taste good if your water softener stops working. That’s because hard water tastes bad, and your water softener affects the taste of your water. Bad water taste comes due to the high mineral content in your hard water.
If you have scale build-up on your water taps and faucets, it may indicate that your water softener is not working properly. A malfunctioning water softener can cause mineral scale build-up.
Hard water is perhaps the most visible sign that tells your water softener is not working. Any signs or symptoms of hard water indicate that your water softener is not working. It is a good idea to measure the salt levels of your water.
Some water softeners come with an in-built filtering system. It traps sediments that sneak into your water softener. These sediments can clog the water filtering system inside your water softener.
A malfunctioning water softener also affects the water pressure. You can conduct different types of tests to know that your water softener is working. These tests include the water hardness test.
A clogged water filtering system inside your water softener affects water pressure.[v] You can resolve this issue yourself, or you can seek the help of a water professional. This article will tell you all about the problems that stop your water softener from working and how to solve them.
What amount of minerals in the water make it soft?
| Minerals In Soft Water | 0-0.17 mg |
You should know that too many harmful minerals in our tap water make it hard, and it is the job of your water softener to remove the harmful minerals from your water.[vi]
Key Takeaways
- Make sure that you do not have hard water in your house.
- Soft water does not have more than 0-0.17 mg of calcium and magnesium.[vii]
- Test the hardness of your water.
- You can run a soap test, titration test, electronic test, photometric test, and test strip to test the hardness of your water.
- Your water softener can stop working due to salt bridging, resin bead fouling, clogged injector, malfunctioning valve, and electrical problems.
- Make sure that your water softener is properly installed.
- Do it yourself or consult a water professional to ensure that your water softener is properly maintained.
- Run a regeneration cycle at least once a month.
- Check the valves connected to your water softener.
- Check the water pressure in your pipes and faucets.
- Check the salt level in your brine tank.
- Check the control valve of your water softener.
- Check the injector valve of your water softener.
- Check the electrical components of your water softener.
Signs of Hard Water
Common signs of hard water include the following:
- Soap scum
- Stains
- Scale buildup
- Dry skin and hair
- Reduced water pressure
- The shortened lifespan of appliances
Soap scum forms when hard water interacts with soap. You might notice soap scum when you shower or wash your hands. It may well indicate that your water softener is not working properly.
Why does soap scum form? Soap scum forms because hard water contains minerals that interact with soap.
Stains caused by the hard water may ruin your clothing, dishes, and even your plumbing fixtures. These stains appear reddish-brown in color. You may not be able to easily remove the stains caused by hard water. It indicates that your water softener is not working.
Scale build-up in your plumbing fixtures and water-based appliances indicates that your water softener is not working. It is the job of your water softener to prevent scale build-up. Scale build-up reduces the efficiency of your plumbing fixtures and water-based appliances.
Dry skin and hair are the most common problems caused by hard water. Unfortunately, hard water removes natural oils from your skin and hair. You start feeling itchiness and dry skin. It indicates that your water softener has failed to provide soft water in your house.
Is there a relationship between water pressure and water softener? Well, your water softener affects water pressure. It means that if you ever feel that you cannot shower or run a load of laundry due to reduced water pressure, it indicates that your water softener is not working.
Water softeners are installed to improve the lifespan of your water-based appliances. If you feel that your water-based appliances are being affected by hard water, it indicates that your water softener is not working.
Testing Water Hardness
The water hardness test is simple. It depends on the type of water softener that you are using. You can use the following standard steps to conduct a water hardness test by using a water hardness test kit:
- Collect a water sample
- Fill the test tube
- Add the reagent
- Compare the color
- Interpret the results
Make sure that you use a clean container to collect the water sample. The test tube comes with the kit. You can use the test tube to measure your water sample. The reagent changes the color of the water sample.
The water hardness testing kit[viii] contains a chart. You have to compare the color to the colors given in the chart. You can interpret the results based on the details given in the chart.
Generally, the manufacturer provides the following chart to interpret the results:
| Level of Hardness | Parts per million (ppm) |
| Soft | 0-60 |
| Moderately Hard | 61-120 |
| Hard | 121-180 |
| Very Hard | Over 180 |
The accuracy of the water hardness testing kit varies. Some kits are deemed more accurate than others. Nothing can beat a quality lab assessment. You can also visit your local lab to obtain a detailed water quality test.
Types of water hardness tests
You can use the following different types of water hardness tests to check whether your water softener is working:
- Soap Test
- Titration Test
- Electronic Test
- Photometric Test
- Test Strips
A soap test basically means that you are using soap to test the hardness of the water. A soap test is a more common yet effective method to test the hardness of the water. You just have to mix the soap with water and shake it vigorously.
The key lies in the fact that soap does not lather well in hard water. If your soap lathers well even after being mixed and shaken in the water, it means that your water softener is working properly.
The titration test is another amazing method to measure the hardness of the water. It involves adding a chemical solution to the water sample. If the chemical solution successfully neutralizes the minerals in the water sample, it means that you have hard water.
You have to measure the amount of chemicals used to neutralize the minerals in your water sample. You can then measure the level of hardness of the water sample in parts per million (ppm).
You can also use electronic water hardness testers to test the level of hardness of your water sample. They use a probe to measure the electrical conductivity of water. The level of conductivity is then used to calculate the level of hardness.
The photometric test involves using a photometer to measure the level of hardness of the water sample. Photometers, as the name suggests, work by measuring the amount of light absorbed by a water sample. The amount of light absorbed is then used to calculate the hardness of the water in parts per million (ppm).
Test strips are widely available on the market. They can be used to test the hardness of the water sample. Users dip test strips into their water samples and then wait for them to change color so that they may know whether they have a hard water problem.
Generally, test strips come with a detailed color chart. The changing color is then matched with the chart to indicate whether you have a hard water problem or not.
You should know that some of the water hardness tests are more accurate than others, and they are often affected by other factors, such as the temperature of the water sample.
It is always a good idea to consult a water professional before testing the hardness of the water. Your water professional knows all about the pros and cons of the different methods to test the hardness of the water sample.
Water professionals can recommend a suitable method to locally test the hardness of the water. You can always contact your nearest local lab for a detailed water quality report. None of these methods can be compared to the local lab tests as they are always more detailed and accurate than your home-based water hardness tests.
So, you should follow these steps to know the level of hardness of your water sample:
- Conduct a home-based water hardness test (You can use any one of the commonly available methods).
- Consult a water professional (You can also ask a water professional to perform a water hardness test).
- Consult your local lab (Local lab results are always more detailed and accurate than all other water hardness tests).
It is not necessary to follow all of these steps. However, if you have doubts, it is better for you to consult a water professional or a local lab to get a detailed water analysis report.
Checking the Water Softener
As a rule of thumb, you should check your water softener to know whether it is working or not. No matter what kind of water softener you have at your home, you should check the hardness of your water.
Make sure that you have properly installed your water softener. If you have a properly installed water softener and you have a salt-based water softener, you should check the salt levels of your water softener.
Water flow is another indication of whether your water softener is working properly. The water flow in your pipes and taps reduces if your water softener stops working or faces any other functional issue.
It is a good idea to check your water softener periodically. Depending on the size and capacity of your water softener, homeowners should check the salt levels after every two weeks.
It is a good idea to test the hardness of water periodically. In this way, you can ensure that your water softener is not clogged or damaged. You should test the water before and after passing through your water softener.
The regeneration cycles are an important function of your water softener. You should run the regeneration cycles at least once a month. It ensures that the resin beads in your resin tank remain clean and your system functions properly.
Troubleshooting
While water softeners are generally reliable and require little maintenance, they can experience problems from time to time.
Common problems with water softeners
Here are some of the most common problems users experience with water softeners:
- Salt Bridging
- Resin Bead Fouling
- Clogged Injector
- Malfunctioning Valve
- Electrical Problems
Salt bridging occurs when a layer of salt forms above the water levels in the brine tank, preventing the water from dissolving the salt and regenerating the resin beads. This can result in hard water and reduced efficiency.
Resin bead fouling occurs when resin beads become coated with sediment or other contaminants, reducing their effectiveness. This can result in hard water and reduced efficiency.
An injector is a small component that regulates the flow of water through the water softener. If it becomes clogged with sediment or other contaminants, the water flow can be restricted or stopped completely.
The size of your water softener can also affect water pressure. Make sure that you have installed the right size of water softener in your household.[ix] Some people add the mineral cleaner to remove iron buildup in their water softener. It also affects the water pressure.[x]
The control valve is a component that regulates the flow of water in and out of the water softener. A malfunctioning control valve does not allow the water softener to work properly.
Your water softener can suffer from electrical problems because some water softeners contain electrical components. These components include timers and sensors. Malfunctioning electrical components can restrict or completely stop the proper functioning of a water softener.
How to troubleshoot these problems
You can use the following methods and techniques to troubleshoot the water softener problems:
- The salt bridging problem can be addressed by breaking up the salt bridge and removing it completely.
- You need to replace resin beads in order to address the resin bead fouling problem.
- You need to remove and clean the injector if you have a clogged injector problem.
- Unfortunately, if you have a malfunctioning valve, you need to get it repaired by a water professional or replace it completely.
- Malfunctioning electrical components, such as timers and sensors, should be repaired by a water professional or replaced completely.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance of a water softener is important to ensure that it functions efficiently and effectively. Water professionals often reset the system after cleaning the water tank. It is also a part of routine maintenance.[xi] Regular maintenance involves changing the water filters inside your water softeners.
Importance of regular maintenance for water softeners
The efficiency of your water softener has a direct relationship with the regular maintenance of your water softener. In simple words, your water softener may not completely produce soft water if you do not maintain it properly.
Regular maintenance increases the lifespan of your water softener. This might sound strange, but you may want to replace your water softener if it has reached a few years benchmark without regular maintenance. Generally, water softeners can last up to 10 years with regular maintenance.[xii]
It is difficult to determine the lifespan of a water softener without regular maintenance as it is affected by various factors. These include the quality of water, the hardness of water, and the type and age of the water softener.
In extreme cases, your water softener stops working if you do not maintain your water softener. It happens when you forget to replace the resin beads, your injector valves become clogged, your control valve stops working, the resin tank becomes salt bridged, or any electrical problem occurs in your water softener.
Hence, it is important to check your water softener periodically. It stops your machine from malfunctioning, and it ensures that your water softener does not have any malfunctioning components.
Recommended maintenance schedule
Here is a sample maintenance schedule for a water softener. Note that the frequency of maintenance may vary depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, the size of the water softener, and the level of water hardness.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency |
| Check salt level | Weekly or as needed |
| Clean brine tank | Every 6 months |
| Regenerate resin beads | Monthly |
| Check water flow | Annually |
| Test water hardness | Annually |
| Replace resin beads | Every 5-10 years |
| Replace control valve | Every 10-15 years |
| Replace injector | As needed |
You should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and the recommended frequency of maintenance tasks based on the manufacturer’s guidelines and the specific needs of your water softener.
DIY maintenance tips and when to call a professional
There are some DIY maintenance tips that you can perform on your water softener, but there are times when it is best to call a water professional. Here are some tips for DIY maintenance and when to call a water professional:
DIY maintenance tips:
- Check the salt level in the brine tank and add more salt if needed.
- Check the brine tank after every 6 months to prevent the buildup of sediments or other contaminants.
- Run a regeneration cycle at least once a month to clean the resin beads and ensure that the water softener works efficiently and effectively.
- Test the water hardness periodically to ensure that the water softener works properly.
- Check for any leaks or damages to the water softener.
Avoid those people who ask you to replace your water softener without even inspecting it properly. In most cases, water softeners do not require heavy repair or maintenance. It is best to properly maintain your water softener so that you may not have hard water in your house.
You often do not need to replace the resin beads if you do not notice any floating particles inside your resin tank.[xiii] It is best to avoid overfilling salt in your salt tank. Just to be on the safe side, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and you will be fine!
When to call a water professional:
Things become complicated when you notice any leaks or major damage to your water-softening system. You may like to consult a water professional in the following situations:
- If you notice a sudden change in the water flow or pressure, the efficiency of your water softener may decrease. It may be time to call the water professional to diagnose the problem.
- If you notice any leaks or damages to your water softener, it’s best to call a water professional to avoid further damage or potential safety hazards.
- If you are not comfortable performing DIY maintenance on your water softener, it’s always best to consult a water professional to ensure that the maintenance is done correctly.
It’s also important to have your water softener professionally serviced every few years to ensure that it is working at its best. A water professional can inspect the water softener, test the water quality, and replace any components that are worn or damaged.
Conclusion
“How to tell if your water softener is working?” -make sure that you do not have hard water in your house. Test your water samples before going in and after moving out of the water softener.
If you notice mineral buildup and soap scum in your bathroom and kitchen sink, you probably have hard water in your house. It is always a good idea to test the hardness of your water.
Hard water leaves a salty film inside your water-based appliances. In simple words, hard water adversely affects your water-based appliances. Your water softener might not be working if you notice a salty film inside your water-based appliances.
You cannot compare a soap test with a water analysis provided by a lab, but it can tell you whether your water softener is working or not.[xiv] Hard water makes it difficult to wash your clothes. A working water softener makes it easy for you to wash your clothes.
It is always best to consult local water professionals to service your machine. They know all about your water softener and can immediately detect errors and malfunctioning components.
You can also service your water softener. You should check your water softener periodically to know whether you need to add more salt. A good working water softener can make life a lot easier for you. So, make sure that you have a periodically serviced and well-maintained water softener at home!