Keeping the softener in prime condition is critical if you’re having issues with high amounts of minerals in the water. Although it might seem complicated, any DIY-er can clean a softener without much hassle. The best thing about it is that you don’t need many tools; a screwdriver will do the job.
Cleaning a unit is nothing but refreshing it by cleaning some of the resin inside the brine tank. The reason why resin needs frequent refreshing is that it attracts calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, and gets saturated.
Choose a Reliable Resin Cleaner
Commercial resin cleaners are your safest bet, and you should add the recommended amount in your system. Once you finish adding it, the mineral ions will get replaced with sodium. When buying a commercial cleaner, make sure that it’s specifically designed to remove mineral buildup.
Some commercial cleaners are designed to focus on a single element like iron. If you suspect that the resin beads have too much of a particular mineral, consider buying these because they are more efficient when focusing on a single element. However, the disadvantage of these specified cleaners is that they only cover one particular aspect.
Pour the Cleaner
Make sure that you read the recommended dose written on the package before feeding the system. If you don’t have a brine tank, pour the cleaner into the salt tank. Remember to do it while the salt level is at its lowest point.
Turn the Regeneration Process On
Most conventional softeners have a control knob located on the valve which controls the regeneration mode. To turn the mode on, screw the knob counterclockwise. Once the system switches to recovery mode, the water flow is reversed.
This way it rinses the membranes and tank of leftover debris. After that, a sodium-rich solution is released into the tank to clean the resin beads.
Repeating the Last Step
After one regeneration process finishes, don’t hesitate to turn it once on once again. Redoing the process will purge the remaining debris. If you notice a layer of iron or calcium on the tank bed, repeat the process for the third time. It’s important that you stay persistent during this step and repeat the process as many times as needed before going to the next step.
Setting the System Back To Normal Operation
After you visually inspect the tank and make sure it’s finished, screw the knob clockwise. The unit will then stop the regeneration process and get back to normal mode.
The Final Step
It’s critical that you remember to run water through the system for at least 10 minutes before using it again. Ten minutes is more than enough time for the system to get rinsed with fresh water. If you notice that the water has an unusual taste, don’t hesitate to run the tap for another 10 minutes.
Advice About Schedule
To maintain your softener in good condition, you need to clean it at least once a year. However, the recommended timing is around every six months. If you keep a consistent schedule, you shouldn’t have an issue with your softener’s condition.