Soft water systems are in place in households throughout the world, helping homeowners avoid the problems commonly associated with “hard water”. Water softener systems treat hard water with the use of sodium, and while there are many benefits resulting from hard water treatment there may also be a few drawbacks to consider. Here we look at common problems associated with water softeners as well as solutions to these problems.
Mechanical problems
The most common problems associated with water softener systems are often mechanical in nature. Some of these problems may be too complicated for do-it-yourself home repair and are best handled by a local water softener professional. The situations that follow may or may not require professional attention.
Water softener system motor is no running- If this situation occurs the first thing a homeowner should do before calling in a professional is confirm power supply and electrical receptacle are in working order. If power is getting to the motor and it is still not running, contact a water softener professional.
High levels of iron- Homeowners should check the filter and when needed replace old or damaged filters. A check for plumbing leaks and whether or not the bypass valve is set to the service position could also pinpoint the problem.
Hard water properties are still present- A home water softener may not be working as intended if household members notice the water does not appear to be “softened”. If this happens, the tank should be flushed and checked to see if additional salt is needed. Consider resetting the timer to increase regeneration frequency.
Water softener system doesn’t “fit”- If you notice that your home water softener system seems inefficient or restricts the flow of household water, the system installed may not be the right size for your house. When a water system is too small or too large to meet the demands of the household, problems may arise that would otherwise be prevented if the right size system were installed.
Health problems
Occurring less frequently than mechanical problems, some household members may find that hard water that has been treated with a water softener system had adverse effects on their health. This is almost always the case of hard water that is treated with sodium.
Family members who follow a strict no-sodium diet due to cardiovascular problems or other issues that require reduced sodium intake may find the salt in the water increases their salt intake. It is possible to set up the water softener system that uses a bypass pipe, making it possible to use hard water for cooking, while other water used throughout the household is softened.
Another issue that is a cause of concern for a few individuals is the fact that some minerals found in hard water may be essential for good health. If this is a cause of concern, experts remind consumers that most essential minerals are found in the food we eat or supplements, not necessarily in the water we drink.
In most situations, water softener problems of the mechanical nature can be avoided by carefully following the instructions in the system manual. When problems do arise, beyond very basic troubleshooting, most homeowners will be better off contacting a trained professional to ensure all aspects of the water softener system are up and running at peak efficiency. In regards to health concerns over softened water, the general school of thought is that the benefits of using a water softener outweigh any drawbacks.