Water softeners provide cleaner and higher-quality water. Soft water keeps your pipes and appliances working properly for longer, while also providing numerous benefits to the water you cook and clean with. Although a majority of people are familiar with the advantages of a water softener, few are aware of how often the system regenerates.
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When Will My Water Softener Regenerate?
Water softener regeneration varies depending on a number of factors. Some regenerate daily, while others only need to every few weeks. How often your system regenerates depends on a number of factors:
- The tank size
- Your water usage
- The water hardness
A water softener will need to regenerate more often when the tank is larger, there is more water being treated, and the water coming into the system is harder.
Water Softener Regeneration
Water softeners clean themselves during a process called regeneration. After a while, the resin beads need to be cleaned in order to continue softening the water properly.
Salt is used to remove minerals from the resin. After regeneration, the resin beads can continue to do their job efficiently.
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The Regeneration Cycle
So how does salt clean the resin beads during the regeneration cycle? It’s simple chemistry.
Step 1: Create Brine
When salt mixes with the water in the tank, brine is produced.
Step 2: The Backwash Cycle
The brine rinses the resin beads. All the hard minerals that have collected in the resin are exchanged for new sodium.
Step 3: Drain
The brine and minerals exchanged from the resin get removed from the tank through a drain.
Step 4: Ready To Clean
The newly recharged resin beads are ready to collect more minerals from hard water.
What Are the Benefits Of Using Soft Water?
A water softener uses resin beads to filter minerals like calcium and magnesium from hard water. There are a variety of benefits of using soft water in your living space.
Advantages
- Brighter and softer clothes
- Softer skin and healthier hair
- Longer lifespan for appliances
- No water stains or deposits in showers and sinks
- Fewer water spots on clean dishes
Why Your System Isn’t Using Salt
If the salt level isn’t going down, regeneration isn’t happening. Here are a few reasons why this is happening.
Salt Bridge
Salt can condense and morph into a bridge that blocks the brine. Check for a salt bridge by gently poking a broom handle, or something similar, into the salt. If the handle hits a blockage before reaching the bottom, you’ve got a salt bridge.
To Fix: Break up the salt bridge by pushing it down until it crumbles and falls to the bottom of the tank.
Timer
If your timer isn’t functioning the water softener won’t start a regeneration cycle.
To Fix: Replace the part
Rotor Valve or Valve Motor
The rotor valve controls the water that flows to the salt tank during regeneration. The valve motor is what positions the rotor valve during regeneration. If neither piece is working during a diagnostic test, that is why your softener isn’t using salt.
To Fix: Replace the part(s)
Water Softener Repair & Replacement Services
If you’re experiencing water softener regeneration issues, call the experts on our team. Our team of licensed plumbers offer exceptional water softener repair and replacement services for homes in Jacksonville, FL and other areas. Our team of professional plumbers can diagnose and fix your water softener so you can continue enjoying the benefits it provides. In addition, our staff ot technicians offer other types of dependable plumbing services such as water line installation, water heater repair, water filtration system replacement, and sump pump installation. Call (904) 217-5694 or schedule your service online.