How to Clean a Water Softener System Like a Pro
Your water softener system plays a vital role in providing clean, healthy water for your home, preventing calcification, staining, and the build-up of harmful minerals. But to keep it running efficiently, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential.
By following these steps, you can ensure your system operates smoothly and delivers optimal results.
1. Empty the Brine Tank
The brine tank stores the salt solution needed for the regeneration cycle. Here’s how to clean it:
Switch to Bypass Mode: Turn the system to bypass mode to safely drain the brine tank.
Remove Salt: Carefully remove excess salt. Reusable salt can be set aside, while hardened chunks should be dislodged with hot water.
Clean the Tank: Scrub the bottom of the tank to remove dirt, mould, or debris.
2. Handle Bleach with Care
Bleach can help eliminate mould and bacteria but must be used sparingly. Use only 50-100 PPM (parts per million) and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to protect the resin bed.
3. Choose the Right Cleaning Solutions
Use products specifically designed for your water softener system and the minerals it targets (e.g., iron or calcium). Refer to the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for guidance.
4. Flush the System Regularly
Flush debris from the system by activating the regeneration cycle, typically 4-6 times per year. Schedule this when water use is minimal, as the cycle may take time and produce noise.
5. Break Up Salt Bridges
Salt bridges—hard clumps of undissolved salt—can hinder your system’s performance. Break them up manually and add warm water to dissolve remaining crystals. Use high-quality salt to reduce the risk of bridging.
6. Clean the Filters
Reusable filters should be cleaned regularly as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Disposable filters, while more convenient, should be replaced when needed to maintain filtration efficiency.
7. Maintain the Resin Tank
Use resin cleaners designed to tackle specific mineral build-up, such as iron. If you’re unsure which minerals are causing issues, consider a water test to identify problem areas.
8. Scrub and Rinse the Brine Tank
For a thorough clean:
Mix 3 tablespoons of dish soap with 7 litres of water.
Scrub the tank with a soft brush, paying attention to corners and the base.
Rinse thoroughly and dispose of residue responsibly, avoiding areas with plants or pets.
9. Return to Normal Operation
Reconnect water lines and turn off bypass mode. Refill the brine tank with clean water and salt (approximately 19L of water and 22.7kg of salt). Let the salt dissolve for two hours before initiating the regeneration cycle.
Need Help? Contact Georgian Water & Air
Cleaning a water softener system can be time-consuming, but Georgian Water & Air is here to help. Our experienced technicians provide regular maintenance, cleaning, and inspections for water softeners near Barrie.
With a 25-year service plan and annual check-ups, we ensure your system stays in peak condition. Contact us today to schedule maintenance or learn more about our residential water treatment solutions.