Abrasive 'hard' water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, causing lime scale buildup and interfering with soap's ability to clean. For homes in some geographical locations, a water softener system is a vital household appliance. Modern water softeners can generally last for years with little maintenance, but regular checks will improve their lifespan.

Check salt levels. Salt is an essential part of the water softening process, the brine it creates regenerates the resin beads to prepare them for more softening. We do recommend extra coarse solar salt.  McAleer Water Conditioning offers salt delivery, routes.   You only pay for the salt we deliver.  There aren't any delivery fees.  Give us a call for more details on how this works or to get signed up for a salt route.  

Break up salt bridges. Salt can form a solid layer or "bridge" in the brine tank. This prevents the loose salt on top from mixing with the water down below, preventing the softener from working. If you notice your softener isn't using salt and you think it might be bridged, push a long broom handle several times around the center of the tank, all the way to the bottom, to break up any solid layers that have formed.  

Check the timer. The time on the softener should be set to whatever time of day it is when you are looking at it.  Some units have a battery backup that will keep the time set when the electricity is off.  If you need help setting the time on your unit, give us a call, and we can help you with that.  If the time isn't set right, your softener may regenerate during the day.  Water should not be running during regeneration.  That is why the softener is set to regenerate at 2 A.M. most of the time.

McAleer Water Conditioning in Anamosa, Iowa is available to help with any of your water conditioning needs.  Call us at 800-397-1995 to see  how we can make your water treatment maintenance easier.   With our salt delivery routes you don't have to worry about running out of salt, or carrying those heavy bags to the softener!