Macclean water softener maintenance manual#

Put the system in bypass mode, then unplug the softener and disconnect the brine tank from the valve assembly. To clean your brine tank, you will need a place to dump the brine from the tank, like a pit or gravel bed in your yard. If you don’t clean it regularly, salt can form into sludge, which is a huge mess to clean up (more on that in a bit). Most water softener experts recommend cleaning your brine tank once per year. If you notice signs of hard water, like cloudy films on your glassware or soap that won’t lather, that may mean your salt level has fallen too low. High-quality salts will leave the storage tank with less residue and lower the likelihood of salt bridges and salt mushing. Pure salt with iron remover is a good choice.

Macclean water softener maintenance manual#

Most people use 1-2 bags per month, depending on water hardness levels, household size, and tank capacity.Ĭonsult your water softener’s manual for the recommended salt for your specific product. Water softener salt prices range from $5 to $35 per 40-bag bag. Evaporated salt is more expensive, but it is the most highly effective at treating hard water. Solar salt is 99.6% pure and more soluble than rock salt, meaning it will dissolve faster.Įvaporated salt is made from mining and evaporation, and at 99.9% sodium chloride, it is the purest option. Solar salt, commonly called “sea salt,” comes from evaporated seawater. Standard rock salt may be less expensive, but it is not the best choice because it contains more insoluble minerals that can result in not only decreased softening capabilities but a muddy tank that you will need to clean more often than you like. There are three types of water softener salt: rock, solar, and evaporated. This is also the time to talk about quality salt. A good rule of thumb is to ensure the salt is at least three inches above the water line. Make sure not to overfill the tank with salt.

If the salt is low, refill the tank to no more than 2/3 full. The salt pellets should be high enough to cover any visible water in the tank. To check your water softener’s salt levels, lift the lid to the brine tank. If your salt level is too low, your softener won’t be able to soften water, so this is an important tip.

The sodium ions “swap” with magnesium and calcium through the ion exchange process. Your salt is in the brine tank, and this is where the softening action occurs. It’s important to check your softener’s salt levels at least every 4-6 weeks or more frequently if you have high levels of hard water minerals. Your manual will let you know what type of salt to use, how often to clean your system, and provide you with the information you should know in keeping your water softener well maintained. Don’t rely on Google or Siri, as they can’t tell you what your manual can. Pre-Tip: Read your Water Softener’s Manualīefore you do anything, read your water softener company’s manual to see specific recommendations for your system. Whether you have a brand new water softener or you want to keep your current one running well, follow these tips to keep your water softener in top shape: Water softener maintenance is simple and could save a lot of time and money on possible repairs later. They just hum along and do their job, but there are a few easy ways to ensure your water softener works to its fullest capacity. Thankfully, water softeners are relatively low-key after they are installed and working. Water softeners can last up to 20 years, but to keep them working efficiently, regular maintenance is required. For some people, a water softener is a vital household appliance that removes the minerals causing water hardness. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which causes limescale buildup in pipes and appliances and interfere with soap’s ability to clean.