Monthly
- Check the salt level and top it up
- Look for a salt bridge, a hard crust above the water
Yearly
- Clean the brine tank if it has sludge.
- Check the timer and settings.
- Clean the venturi and injector screen.
- Check the bypass and drain line.
Signs of trouble
Scale returning, salty water or water running into the drain constantly.
Salt choices
Pellets or crystals are fine. Avoid rock salt with impurities.
Resin and lifespan
The resin beads inside a softener wear out slowly over many years. Chlorinated city water speeds this up. If you are adding more salt than usual and still seeing scale, the resin may need replacing. A softener service technician can test it. Many units last well over a decade with basic care, and a carbon prefilter can extend resin life.
Iron and sediment
Peel water rarely carries much iron, but older service lines can shed rust. If the brine tank turns orange, call for a check.
Most modern softeners regenerate based on measured water use. If your household size changes, such as a new baby or a basement tenant, update the settings so the unit keeps pace.
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