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What's the Lifespan of a Water Softener?

Gary Monks • November 19, 2022

What's the Lifespan of a Water Softener?

A water softener is a device used to remove minerals from hard water. The most common type of water softener uses ion exchange to swap hardness ions for sodium or potassium ions.

How Does a Water Softener Work?

Water softeners exchange ions in the water with sodium or potassium ions. This process removes minerals that can cause water hardness. Over time, the water softener will use up all of its sodium or potassium ions and will need to be replaced.

Water softeners can last many years, but they will eventually need to be replaced. The lifespan of a water softener depends on several factors, including the quality of the water softener, the water hardness, and the amount of water used. The average lifespan of a water softener is 10-20 years. It's important to pay attention to the performance of your water softener, especially if it is more than five years old. After this period, you may notice the signs of hard water, indicating that it's time to repair or replace your water softener.

If your water softener isn't performing as well as it used, it's time to call Aqua Solutions for a professional inspection. This will help you save yourself the hassle of an expensive failure.

How Can I Expand the Life of My Water Softener?

To extend the lifespan of your water softener, it's important to perform regular maintenance. This includes regularly cleaning the unit and replacing the filter. Additionally, you should have your water softener serviced by a professional every few years. You also want to:

Add regenerant. Make sure that the unit never runs out of regenerant. You need to make sure that you refill it before the water is visible within the softener cabinet or the brine drum.

Change out the filter. This should be done regularly to ensure peak performance. Consult your owner's manual for instructions.

Don't refresh salt until the tank is 1/3 full, and be sure to leave 4-6 inches of the tank empty. Also, check for any salt bridges (hardened salt) and remove them.

Check your settings. Don't overwork your water softener. You want to make sure it is set high enough to soften the water but not so high that it causes extra wear on the unit.

Water Softener Services at Aqua Solutions

At Aqua Solutions, Butler homeowners can rely on our experienced team to service, repair, or replace their water softener system. 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 Quality Impacts the Taste of Your Food and Drinks

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