A water softener removes minerals such as calcium and magnesium from your water, resulting in purified water that’s excellent for home use. Softened water improves the efficacy of your hair- and body-washing products, helping you to look and feel your best. It also improves the quality of your freshly laundered clothes and reduces scum buildup.

To get the most out of your water softener, maintain the system with simple, regular care. Use these tips for making your water softener last longer.

1. Clean the Brine Tank

In a water softener system, the brine tank holds the salt solution. Sometimes, a layer of dirt or grime can form on the inside of the tank. Depending on the circumstances, most homeowners need to clean their brine tank thoroughly just once a year.

Wait until the salt level is very low before cleaning the tank. Follow your system manufacturer’s instructions and disconnect all lines between the water softener and the brine tank.

In general, you can wash your brine tank first with a solution of dish soap diluted in warm water. After scrubbing and rinsing the tank, pour two to three gallons of clean water into the tank. Add a quarter cup of household bleach and let sit for 15 minutes. Then, scrub the inside of the tank with a brush, dump the bleach water, and rinse.

2. Maintain the Salt Level

Another tip for making your water softener last longer is to maintain the salt level in the brine tank. While you will probably need to add salt once every six to eight weeks, check the salt level more often.

Keep your brine tank at least one-quarter full of salt and no higher than four inches from the top of the tank. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions when choosing your salt type. Generally, a family of four with average water hardness and usage will use about one 40 lb bag of salt every month.

3. Prevent and Remove Salt Bridges

Salt dissolves in water in the brine tank to form the brine solution. Sometimes, salt crystals clump together and form a hardened layer. When the saltwater leaves the brine tank, the layer of hardened salt remains and forms a salt bridge. A salt bridge creates a barrier between new and water and prevents your system from forming a brine.

To remove the salt bridge, simply scoop out the loose salt above the bridge. Then, break apart the salt crust, remove the pieces, and refill with fresh salt.

To prevent salt bridges from forming, ensure you securely fasten the brine tank lid to prevent humidity from building up in the tank. Use manufacturer-approved salt, and do not overfill the tank.

For a new or replacement water softening system, contact The Good Water Company. We’re a reliable and friendly water softening equipment supplier servicing homeowners in New Mexico and Colorado. For fresh water free from excessive minerals, call us today.