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Common Water Softener Problems

Gary Monks • October 26, 2022

Common Water Softener Problems

If you have a water softener, it can be frustrating to deal with when an issue arises. At Aqua Solutions, we've put together a guide to the most common water softener problems and how you can resolve them.

Check that the Unit has Electricity

In some cases, the issue with your water softener can be simple. Make sure the outlet is working and that the unit is plugged in. You may also need to check whether or not the breaker has been thrown.

Check that the Bypass Switch is Turned Correctly

Water softeners are equipped with a bypass valve that is used to direct water into or away from it. Check to see which way the handle is turned. If it is turned the wrong way, your water isn't being filtered by the softener. Be sure to close the bypass valve.

Check the Salt Levels

Your salt level should be about three to four inches above your water level. When the salt level is too low, your system will not function properly. If you are using the wrong type of salt, you will notice crusty salt buildup, also called bridges forming in the water tank. These will prevent the water from being treated properly. To remove these bridges, you will need to tap on the salt bridge with a hard, blunt object.

If you've noticed that your water tastes salty, you may be using too much salt. Also, there may be a clog in the drain hose that is preventing the water from being flushed away.

Check the Timer

If your timer is not properly set or has failed, it could cause your softener to run at the wrong time of day or can cause it to stop regenerating altogether. Set single-tank softeners to regenerate at night. You will want to set your timer for the daily regeneration cycle and listen to see if it comes on overnight.

Check the Resin

As time goes on, the resin in the tank can become depleted. This reduces its ability to remove unwanted chemicals from the water. After many years of filtering hard water, the water softener will eventually need to be replaced.

Check the Motor Function

In some cases, your motor may be running too slow or not all. This will prevent the unit from functioning properly.

Need Help Troubleshooting? Call Aqua Solutions Today!

At Aqua Solutions, we have the expertise to help you with trouble shooting your water softener and getting things running again. We are the number one stop for Pittsburgh Water Softener installation. Contact us today to learn more!

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Author: Gary Monks

Gary Monks has led Aqua Solutions since 1997, earning recognition as a water treatment expert with 25 years of experience. Renowned in Butler, he has won the Best Water Treatment award for three years and actively supports the community, including local sports and radio engagements.

How Water Filtration Provides Clean Water & Healthy Homes

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By Gary Monks • March 10, 2025

Improve your home’s water quality! Learn how water filtration ensures clean drinking water, supports plant growth, and promotes a healthier living environment.

How Water Quality Impacts the Taste of Your Food and Drinks

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If you love hot drinks like tea or coffee or enjoy cooking, you're likely always looking to improve the quality and health of the daily foods and beverages you and your family consume. Why Water Filtration is Important for Your Home Water quality is crucial in many ways. High-quality water can elevate the tastes and textures of your favorite foods and beverages, making them safer and healthier for your family. By installing a water filtration system, you can: Keep Your Family Safe and Healthy The most important benefit of home water filtration installation is that it helps you achieve clean, contaminant-free water. Water filtration enables you to reduce your risk of waterborne illness, giving you peace of mind that your food and drinks are healthy and safe. Enhance The Taste of Food and Drinks In addition to increasing the safety of your food and drinks, high-quality water makes your favorite beverages and foods' natural flavors shine. Poor-quality water can introduce unwanted flavors, such as metallic tastes or chlorine, that can ruin the taste and quality of your foods and drinks. Impure water can also smell bad, making the aroma of food or drinks unpleasant. Additionally, water high in chemicals or impurities can make your taste buds less sensitive, reducing the flavor you experience in food and beverages. Get Better Cooking and Baking Results Water is an essential ingredient in many recipes. Higher-quality water can improve cooking and baking results. Water that is free from impurities and chemicals can help you achieve better texture and consistency, properly hydrate other ingredients, and achieve a better rise or fluffiness in your baked goods. How Water Filtration Works and Options for Your Home Water filtration removes contaminants, impurities, and unwanted elements from your water supply, ensuring that the water you and your family use is clean, safe, and better-tasting. Filtration systems achieve this through various processes, such as physical filtration to block particles, chemical treatment to neutralize harmful substances, and biological filtration to remove bacteria and microorganisms. The result is water that meets health standards and improves overall quality of life. When it comes to home water filtration, there are several options to suit your specific needs that we specialize in here at Aqua Solutions: UV Filtration Ultraviolet (UV) light filtration is a highly effective and chemical-free method for disinfecting drinking water. It exposes microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa to a germicidal wavelength of UV light. This exposure damages their DNA, rendering them inactive and unable to reproduce. UV filtration is an excellent solution for homeowners who want to ensure their water is free from harmful pathogens. It provides peace of mind and safer drinking water for your household. Reverse Osmosis Reverse osmosis (RO) is a powerful water filtration system that delivers exceptionally pure water by removing a wide range of contaminants. This system typically includes a small retaining tank, often installed in the basement, to store purified water for easy access. RO systems use a combination of sediment filters and advanced filter technologies, including carbon filters, to improve the taste and smell of water. These systems effectively eliminate heavy metals, pesticides, and dissolved solids, making them a top choice for homeowners seeking high-quality drinking water. Standard Filters Standard filters are a versatile and commonly used option for improving water quality. They come in two primary designs: cartridge devices and loose media tank-style systems. Sediment filters, a type of standard filter, are specifically designed to remove grit, particulates, and debris from the water. Additionally, standard filters can address unpleasant odors, discoloration, bad taste, and iron content. They provide a simple, affordable way to enhance your water's clarity and quality. Water Softeners Water softeners are designed to combat the challenges of hard water, which is caused by high levels of minerals like magnesium and calcium. These systems use a mineral tank filled with resonated media, such as resin or plastic beads, to filter out these hard particles. The media has a negative electrical charge, which attracts the positively charged minerals in the water. Water softeners are available in two main types: ion exchange systems, which replace hard minerals with sodium ions, and dual-tank systems, which feature two resin tanks for continuous operation. By softening the water, these systems prevent scale buildup, improve appliance efficiency, and enhance the feel of water for daily use. Ready to Enhance Your Home's Water? Call Aqua Solutions Today! Aqua Solutions is your top choice for home water filtration installation in Butler and beyond. Call today to learn which water filtration system works best for your home and get cleaner, healthier water!