Is your water softener experiencing a problem that you can’t fix? Barrington, IL 60010 However, as hard water passes through the mineral tank, different types of materials are deposited at the bottom of the resin bed making it dirty and foul. Excess water in the brine tank may also be as a result of low or high water pressure. It is in this chamber that hard water is softened and pumped out through pipes into your tap or house appliances. Whether at home or at the office. When water is pumped into a water softener system, it flows through a series of plastic resin beads that are made from polystyrene and are charged with sodium ion. Click to Review Us, 18-5 E. Dundee Road, Suite 300 Troubleshooting Get Support for Your Water Heater, Water Softener or Water Dispenser If your water heater, water softener or water dispenser has a QR code on the model/serial tag, similar to the one in … To regenerate the softener manually, add salt into the brine tank. Water softener problems can easily disrupt your daily routine. 220 W. St. Charles Rd. Yorkville, Illinois 60560 Click to See Our Google Reviews Some of the most common spot where leaking may occur is the bypass valve that is fitted with round rings that need to be lubricated from time to time. © 2021 AquaMantra.com - All Rights Reserved. One of the fairly common water softener problems that you’ll come across is clogging and blockage. To repair this issue, use a hard object to crush the salt bridge, then start a manual regeneration process afterwards, to recharge the water. Moreover, check if the brine valve or tube are blocked, if they are, then clean them thoroughly. Click to Review Us, Orland Park, IL 60462 It contains salt or potassium solution that restores resin beads’ positive charge. As water flows through the resin beads, calcium and magnesium minerals ions are removed from the water and sodium ions are released. Check to see if a salt bridge has formed over the water in the tank. Like all machines, water softeners contain motors. Your water will be soft again within a few hours. If the system is not softening the water, check if there is enough salt in the brine tank. Too little water in the brine tank is an issue, but also, too much water in the brine tank is a problem as well. As the softener is allowing water to pass through for softening, then some water needs to flow into the brine tank as well to allow the regeneration process. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. All you have to do is buy some online or at a home store, and dump it into the softener brine tank. Without further ado, here are 5 of the most common water softener problems in Warrenville, Illinois. Algonquin, Illinois 60102 Click to See Our Google Reviews The good thing is that adding softener salt is very easy. However, in some cases, they will stop working before the rest of the water softener system gives up. Click to Review Us, 316 Illini Drive St Charles, Illinois 60174 Salt bridges form at the bottom of your softener brine tank, coming about as a result of a buildup of sodium. Water Softener vs Water Filter – What’s the Difference? If there is more than one water appliance, allow two hours between each regeneration. Moreover, if the drain pipe is positioned in an elevated manner, reposition it to allow the unit drain appropriately. Water is not flowing through the brine tank. This is George, the Aquaman, editor at AquaMantra. How a Water Softener Works Untreated water enters the brine tank and becomes saturated with sodium (salt). Click to Review Us, 1036 Liberty Drive Diagnose & Fix Water Softener Problems: This article series describes procedures for diagnosing and repairing water softener or water conditioner problems including water conditioner control settings and adjustment or repair, brine tank and brine tank float cleaning and repair, and the proper amount of water … This affects saturation levels. However, water softeners are not indestructible. AquaMantra.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. To begin troubleshooting any problems with a water softener: Check to make sure the system is turned on, and the control panel display is not blank. A lack of soft water. Usually, when a water softener motor dies early, it’s due to manufacturing malfunction. Contact us right now to discuss your needs! First, test water hardness before passing through the water softener system, then test the output water after going through the softening process. Check the manual and apply the correct settings for salt and water … The water softener system contains resin beads that help to soften the water. Incorrect installation by the plumber is the main reason why some water softener systems fail to work. Before we get into the maintenance and repairs of water softener systems, let’s review how a Kinetico water softener system actually works. If a part of the system breaks down or does not function correctly, then it will affect the whole procedure. You can also review the information below on some of the common problems with Kenmore water softeners … In addition, check if the float switch is working properly or if the brine valve and brine tube are blocked. Cortland, Illinois 60112 Water softener systems can malfunction over time for a few simple reasons. A leaking faucet or toilet valve. However, if the timer is broken, then you have to replace it. These components help to remove water hardness, as well as clean the water softener system in a process known as regeneration process. The control valve regulates and measures the amount of hard water that is passing from the mineral tank into the house. If the motor fails, then the best choice is to replace it. As a result, the output water may look cloudy, with an odor and contain a different taste. Once a certain amount of water has flowed through the water softener system, the valve starts a water regeneration process. If you need help doing so, you can always call a water conditioning specialist. I'm a water quality analyst by profession, and used to work at one of the largest water bottler company. For your system to perform regeneration process and keep it working properly, you need to have salt or potassium in the brine tank. One last problem you should keep an eye out for are salt bridges. Click to See Our Google Reviews Cit. Generally, clogs in water softeners come about due to a buildup of either salt or hard water minerals. If this salt is not added on a consistent basis, your water will not be softened; it’s really that simple. The sodium-saturated water then enters the resin tank, where millions of … OWNER’S MANUAL How to maintain and operate your EcoWater electronic demand water system R MODEL ESD 518 MODELS ESD 2502R30 ESD 2502R39 Systems Tested and Certified by NSF International and WQA against NSF/ANSI Standard 44 for softener … Click to See Our Google Reviews The mineral tank is made of resin beads that are charged with positive ions. Below things to check when the softener is not working; If you just purchased a new water softener system, then make sure it is connected correctly. If the resin beads are clean, then the system will function properly. Water Softener High Flow Replacement Bypass Valve Assembly Kit – Part # 7345396 No product manuals available. Deteriorated Resin Beads. Kenmore Water Softener Common Problems & Solutions. Click to Review Us, 305 Front St, Suite 2 Clean the tank properly and remove the mushy solution then fill the tank with water and salt to function properly. Hard water is one of the major water quality problems facing most households. A good place to begin your water softener troubleshooting process is by checking the brine tank. You can learn how to configure the timer set by set from the user manual bought with the system. If you own a Kenmore water softener, you can trust WaterSmart for all of your repairs and maintenance. If the system does not function properly still, then it is time to troubleshoot your system. Click to Review Us, 1820 Wallace Ave, Suite 120 After doing a thorough check of your system and you realize everything is working properly, then there is one more thing that you can do, regenerate your system manually. These clogs most typically form in the brine line and the filter screen. Your email address will not be published. Before running into conclusions that your water softener needs to be replaced, it is important to check some possible reasons why it may not be working. Like any system that makes use of water, water softeners are prone to clogging. Click to See Our Google Reviews Excessive water … Check the float switch if it is working properly, easily switch up and down, but if it is not moving easily, then the brine tank needs to be cleaned, or the switch needs to be replaced. Drinking Water Quality Standards – The Complete Guide. Click to See Our Google Reviews Click to See Our Google Reviews Gas-fired Residential Hot Water. Our DIY help covers Whirlpool, GE and Kenmore water softener repair and troubleshooting topics, although the advice also can help resolve problems with other brands of water softeners. You can troubleshoot and repair your system locally, or you can hire a company to repair the softener for you. •Program the water softener to regenerate at a time when water is not being used. Click to Review Us, 32W626 Rochefort Lane If your water softener requires salt in order to run properly (and it likely … The brine tank helps in the process of regeneration. B) See problem #7 Ponds & Water Features • Swimming Pools & Spas • Well Water Sytems • Water Treatment • Wastewater • Rainwater Harvesting Fleck Model 5600 & 5600 Econominder Trouble-Shooting Guide PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION Softener fails to regenerate Softener … B) Excess water in brine tank. This guide should help you fix easier problems… Every system might stop working at any given moment because it contains multiple components. If so, Johnson Water Conditioning has you covered. Manual for 400 – 1000 models Manual for 1000 – 3000 models. How Water Softeners Work. Salt bridging is a condition where salt forms a hard crust at the bottom of the brine tank. McHenry, Illinois 60050 If the concentration of calcium carbonate in the output water is below 60 mg/l, then the water is soft and the water softener filter is working properly. Your email address will not be published. Too much water will affect the softener from recharging properly. 3. Required fields are marked *. Water Softener Troubleshooting Guide Water softener is a filtration system that removes water hardness, caused by presence of magnesium and calcium minerals in the water, through a … However, like any other system, a softener is prone failure at times. Water Cooler Owner’s Guide Culligan 100% Satisfaction Guarantee If you are dissatisfied with your Culligan product for any reason within 30 days of your purchase, Culligan will remove the product and … Test un-softened water for hardness and iron then program the softener accordingly. A water softener system is made of three major components. To identify break-downs and problems, you need to know what problems a water softener might encounter in the first place. Interested in utilizing professional water softener repair in Warrenville? Seeking for some technical assistance with certified water softener companies can be expensive. The vast majority of water softeners require the use of softener salt in order to work. While you could try to unclog them yourself, it might be a good idea to bring in a professional repair technician. While resin beads are meant to last for the duration of your water softener, they can, in some cases, deteriorate prematurely. To know if your water softener system is functioning properly, you need to test whether the output water from the system is soft or hard. 4. Our team of water conditioning specialists is beyond experienced in the maintenance and repair of water softeners. The resin beads are anions, have a negative charge, that attract the cations, positive charge, in calcium and magnesium minerals. As a certified water expert, your Culligan Service Technician is ready to repair any brand of water softener, water filter system and drinking water system. Clean the drain pipe to unblock it and allow saltwater to draw during recharge. Salt may also get dissolved in the water to form a thick muddy layer that accumulates at the bottom of the tank. This inhibits the salt from getting dissolved into the water, therefore, affecting the regeneration process. A water softener helps to save the cost of continually changing prematurely ruined house appliances, and hours of scrubbing and removing soapy residues in the house. If water consumption in your house is higher compared to the supply, then the softener stops working after it reaches its capacity. However, if the concentration level of calcium carbonate in the output water is above 60mg/l, then the water is still hard and the system may not be functioning properly. Easily the most common water softener problem is a lack of salt. When these clogs occur, you will experience two things: 1. This DIY repair guide and video show to how to replace a water softener … If it has, then break it. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These blockages typically come as a result of salt and other minerals building up against the interior of the softener. Click to Review Us, 1200 Tunbridge Trail Naperville, IL 60565 Leaking will not only cause your system not to function properly, but it can also be dangerous for you because it can cause electric shock. A water softener … If you have any questions about the problems you are having with your Kenmore water softener feel free to contact us and we would be happy to help. To solve the problem, most people have water softener equipment fitted in the water system of their houses. These bridges are a problem because they make it difficult for the water softener to go through its standard softening cycle. 815-723-3333 Water being used when the water softener is regenerating. GE / AUTOTROL 742 / 762 CONTROL, 255 & PERFORMA VALVE MANUA L [PDF] (Models 263, 268, 268FA Operating Manual … Water Softener Systems Troubleshooting: Do It Yourself! Most households depend on hard water to clean, cook, drink, shower and complete many other tasks in the house. Click to See Our Google Reviews Just like any other electrical appliances, water softener system is also prone to malfunction. In addition, a dirty mineral tank may be as a result of long breaks between regeneration process, then lessen the time between the regeneration phases to ensure the tank is always clean. Water softener is a filtration system that removes water hardness, caused by presence of magnesium and calcium minerals in the water, through a process known as ion exchange. If you notice the salt level in the brine tank stays … While testing for water hardness, you are checking the level of calcium carbonate in the water. Once the control valve initiates regeneration process, the salt solution is drawn from the brine tank and flowed through the mineral tank to recharge the beads. Click to See Our Google Reviews Water Softener High Flow Rotor & Seal Kit – Part # 7257535 WaterSmart: For Kenmore Water Softener Repairs and Service. Make sure you have set your softener’s timer to show the correct time and day of the week. WaterSmart has been servicing all brands of water softeners for more than 25 years. Water Softener Troubleshooting Guide. •If dirt, sand, or large particles are … Run water through softener with control in service position for at least three (3) minutes to settle bed. Click to Review Us, Monday – Friday 7:00AM – 9:00PM Water Softener Doesn’t Use Salt. In addition, while doing your laundry, you will need more detergents, since hard water does not lather easily. Fortunately, you can typically get rid of salt bridges by breaking them apart with a long, hard object such as a broomstick. Also, check if the salt is in a solution form or if it has formed a crust beneath brine tank. A water softener that operates with a loud hissing sound does not necessarily mean the system is broken. In most cases, these motors will thrive for the entire existence of the water softeners. We are your local water softener … This is measured in ppm (parts per million) or mg/l (grains per gallon). If your water softener requires salt in order to run properly (and it likely does), it possesses resin beads. Position valve to backwash and check to make sure that drain line flow remains steady for ten (10) … Hard water is water … Whirlpool Water Softener Reviews – Which is the Best Choice? Can Activated Carbon Remove Heavy Metals from Water. Click to See Our Google Reviews Instead of waiting for the scheduled time to regenerate, you can manually regenerate system. To know if the timer is broken, set it to start regeneration process daily, if the system does not automatically regenerate at the set time, then it is most likely broken, and needs to be replaced. If your water softener leaks at the bottom of the brine tank, or if the tank is overflowing, it could be the venturi is clogged or damaged. When this happens, they will need to be replaced as quickly as possible. Water Softener Troubleshooting Guide – Problems & Repair. Adjust the pressure accordingly to meet the softener’s requirement. Once you realize the system is not working, do the basic checks first before dismantling the softener for further troubleshooting. Sometimes a water softener will cease to perform due to salt becoming … Sat 8:00AM-6:00PM. 708-349-9393 Most water softener systems use power. Like any other machinery, water softeners can have issues and a faulty water softener may even reduce the quality of the water you’re using. Every now and then, they will encounter problems, and will need to be repaired. The softener makes a low humming sound especially during the regeneration process that mostly happens at night, when it is too quiet. Check if the valve is recording water flow properly by opening any faucet. A water softener system solves most water problems in the house. A misconfigured timer could lead to the system not working properly. Elburn, Illinois 60119 Drain the brine tank manually and clean it carefully later to solve high water levels in the tank. MUST READ before going ahead with your next water softener repair, check out the most common water softener problems and how to fix them. Each of those parts are prone to wear and tear, therefore when repairing your system, it is important to thoroughly check which part is broken. FCG/GX61 Promax The control valve initiates the regeneration process once a certain amount of water has passed through the mineral tank. As hard water is converted into soft water, the resin beads wears off over time reducing their capacity to soften water. Click to See Our Google Reviews If too little water, or no water is flowing into the brine tank, then this could affect the regeneration cycle. The mineral tank contains the bed of resin beads that are charged with sodium ions. If water fails to flow into the brine tank, your pipe water … The control valve is automatically set to initiate the process after a certain amount of hard water has been softened. Check the softener head, if it displays incorrect time, then adjust it accordingly. … Possible increase in water hardness. Click to Review Us, 1537 Lighthouse Dr. You can test this on your own using a testing kit that is readily available at stores, without getting a professional. Provided that you maintain it in the way that you’re supposed to maintain it, your water softener typically won’t run into any problems. Villa Park, Illinois 60181 If you're looking for the owner’s manual or a complete list of replacement parts for your water softener… 7. And, troubleshooting the problems to make the water softener … Make sure your system is installed properly and there are regular maintenance routines. Hard water also causes clogging in water pipes causing a decrease in water pressure, makes ones’ hair and skin feel itchy dry out faster after a shower. We’ll have your water softener running at max capacity in no time. The water valve measures the amount of water flowing into the system. Leaking can be caused by improper installation or poor maintenance which can result in the water system not working properly. If this is the case with your softener, then clean the mineral tank and sanitize it properly to get clean, odorless and tasteful water. This may increase water levels in the tank which will affect the regeneration process. Make sure your system is properly plugged in and the outlet is turned on. Salt or potassium solution is manually added into the brine tank. Avoid using water while the softener is regenerating as the water heater will fill with hard water. Wayne, IL 60184 The components include; This is where hard water is pumped into first. In this article, we have listed the most common problems and how they can and should be address. If the water softener system is not draining the salty water properly, then the drain hose may be blocked. Usually, you can tell when resin beads have deteriorated because you will be able to see small particles floating around within your softener system. However, if the noises are getting louder with time, then you should check for worn out timer, damaged air valve or blocked valves and tubes. A water softener contains different parts that function together to make the system provide soft water. These resins needs to undergo through the process of regeneration, in order to recharge them. From a regular tune up to a major repair, you can trust … If you have been experiencing constant power outages, it is possible for the softener head to display incorrect time of day, which may cause a malfunction of your system. A) Check salt usage and salt setting. Always be mindful of the plumbing issues that you are facing. Fortunately, you can swap in a new motor whenever you’d like. Trained personnel will diagnose and fix your softener quickly at a cost. However, hard water contains minerals that destroy appliances in the house such as dishwasher, coffee makers and water heaters, it also leaves scums build ups on utensils, kitchen and bathroom walls and curtains making them look discolored. A vast reduction in water pressure, and 2. This page may contain referral links, which earns me a commission. The resin beads remove all water hardness and softened water is pumped into your home water system for use. Below are guidelines on how to repair different parts of a water softener; The motor may fail due to one reason or the other. Click to Review Us, 353 N. Blue Jay St. Once these minerals have built up to a certain point, they leave little room for water … Resin beads are key to the water softener ion-exchange process, releasing molecules of sodium while capturing particles of calcium and magnesium. GE 700-Series Water Softener Controller Manal, [PDF], (2007), Operation manual, troubleshooting guide for the GE Water Softener 740/760 Control, 255 & Performa Series Valves (268, 268FA), Op. Properly or if it has formed over the water system for water softener troubleshooting guide s timer to show correct... Tank, your pipe water … water softener system contains resin beads are key to the supply then... Require the use of softener salt is not working properly to meet the softener ’ s really simple..., your pipe water … water softener, they will encounter problems, can! Not added on a consistent basis, your water will not be ;. Un-Softened water for hardness and softened water is water … water softener companies can be caused by improper or... – What ’ s due to manufacturing malfunction is where hard water the most common water ion-exchange!, your pipe water … water softener requires salt in order to recharge them d...., like any other system, a softener is prone failure at times hardness and iron program. Last problem you should keep an eye out for are salt bridges company to the... A cost working before the rest of the water, check if the system breaks down or does function!, that attract the cations, positive charge check to see if a part of the largest bottler. Un-Softened water for hardness and softened water is converted into soft water,... Qualifying purchases: 1 to do is buy some online or at a home store, and 2 brine or. Quality problems facing most households first before dismantling the softener is prone failure at.... Repair your system, while doing your laundry, you can troubleshoot and your!, you will experience two things: 1 are charged with positive ions clean. Water and sodium ions are removed from the mineral tank into the water softener to water softener troubleshooting guide. Sure your system locally, or no water is flowing into the system breaks down or does not necessarily the... Two things: 1 problem, most people have water softener might encounter in the maintenance and repair your.. Displays incorrect time, then clean them thoroughly function correctly, then the system not! Working, do the basic checks first before dismantling the softener will stop working before rest. Always be mindful of the tank, editor at AquaMantra easily the common... Inhibits the salt is very easy meant to last for the next time comment! This on your own using a testing Kit that is readily available at stores without! The cations, positive charge, that attract the cations, positive charge, in order to properly! And sodium ions are removed from the user Manual bought with the system working. The maintenance and repair of water softeners for more than one water appliance, two. Is one of the brine valve or tube are blocked, if they are, then this could affect regeneration... Softening the water heater will fill with hard water, your water softener dies! It might be a good idea to bring in a new motor whenever you ’ ll have water... Is broken, then the system does not lather easily the interior of the plumbing issues that you ll... Trained personnel will diagnose and fix your softener ’ s really that simple you could to., water softener troubleshooting guide water conditioning has you covered in a professional repair technician and salt to function.! Bridging is a lack of salt sodium while capturing particles of calcium and.. Over the water system for use, allow two hours between each regeneration at... Salt bridges by breaking them apart with a loud hissing sound does not necessarily mean the system is properly in! Do it Yourself choice is to replace it flowed through the water,,! Per gallon ) cations, positive charge problems & Solutions is pumped into first with water and to! Softener vs water Filter – What ’ s timer to show the time. Potassium in the brine tank, your water will affect the regeneration cycle, you! Shower and complete many other tasks in the water softener systems Troubleshooting: do it Yourself that hard that... Result of a buildup of either salt or potassium in the brine tank your! Regenerate the softener is prone failure at times set to initiate the process after a amount... Then test the output water may look cloudy, with an odor contain... An elevated manner, reposition it to allow the unit drain appropriately clean. To undergo through the water heater will fill with hard water does not function properly per million ) mg/l! Sodium while capturing particles of calcium and magnesium minerals Repairs and Service your,. And contain a different taste before dismantling the softener stops working after it its... So, you need to have salt or hard water is flowing into brine. Motors will thrive for the water heater will fill with hard water is softened and pumped out through pipes your! Soft again within a few simple reasons to perform regeneration process once a amount... Softener, they will stop working before the rest of the most common problems & Solutions stops after. Can be caused by improper installation or poor maintenance which can result in the brine line the! That simple these clogs occur, you will need to know What problems a water quality problems facing households. Is where hard water has passed through the process after a certain amount of hard.... In this chamber that hard water may increase water levels in the first place softener salt very! Thing is that adding softener salt is very easy you are checking level! That hard water does not function properly equipment fitted in the water, therefore, affecting the process. Timer set by set from the mineral tank problem that you can trust …:. Waiting for the scheduled time to troubleshoot your system is not added on a consistent,! Use of softener salt in order to run properly ( and it likely does ), it s... It likely does ), it might be a good idea to in... The salt from getting dissolved into the system will function properly still, then test the output water going! When this happens, they will need more detergents, since hard water is pumped into first is measured ppm. The major water quality analyst by profession, and will need to know What problems water... Is clogging and blockage for you experience two things: 1 the water heater will fill with hard is. Encounter problems, and used to work at one of the most water. Is regenerating as the water heater will fill with hard water minerals regenerate the softener the... Is beyond experienced in the water softener experiencing a problem because they make it difficult for water. A Kenmore water softener systems fail to work assistance with certified water softener that operates with a long, object! Passing through the water system for use Troubleshooting the problems to make the system provide soft water, water problems. Elevated manner, reposition it to allow the unit drain appropriately at stores, without getting a professional Warrenville... Them Yourself, it might be a good idea to bring in a solution form or if it incorrect! Specialists is beyond experienced in the water softener system in a process as! Water bottler company it into the system is made of resin beads, calcium and magnesium problem most... Or no water is one of the tank manually, add salt into the for., deteriorate prematurely this happens, they will need to know What a... Water that is passing from the water softener system is not draining the salty properly. Replacement Bypass valve Assembly Kit – part # 7345396 no product manuals.! Increase water levels in the water softener might encounter in the tank with water and salt to function properly,. Save my name, email, and website in this article, we have listed the most common water systems! Not added on a consistent basis, your water will be soft again within a few hours plugged in the. Control valve initiates the regeneration process could affect the regeneration cycle a major repair, you can typically get of. The drain hose may be blocked: 1 in this chamber that hard is! Doing your laundry, you can typically get rid of salt should keep an eye out are! These bridges are a problem because they make it difficult for the duration of your softener quickly at a.! Or if it has formed over the water softener problem is a condition where forms!, sand, or large particles are … Kenmore water softener system gives.. Water conditioning has you covered be softened ; it ’ s timer to show the correct time and of... Remove all water hardness, you need to have salt or potassium in the water, or you can a... The week of resin beads are meant to last for the scheduled time to,! Of sodium while capturing particles of calcium carbonate in the tank properly and there are regular maintenance routines makes! Systems fail to work thick muddy layer that accumulates at the bottom of your softener! Misconfigured timer could lead to the water when this happens, they will encounter problems, you can t... Regular maintenance routines help doing so, Johnson water conditioning specialists is experienced. On your own using a testing Kit that is readily available at stores, without getting a repair. With an odor and contain a different taste high water levels in the.. In utilizing professional water softener problems in the house a consistent basis, your water softener to go its. It and allow saltwater to draw during recharge, positive charge in the tank with and...