Water Softener Parts-Replacement and Repair

Repair of water softener parts and maintenance of the unit are serious matters that should be properly done based on what is required in the instructions manual. At the first sign of problem and abnormal operation, it is essential to make the necessary inspection of the unit.

Here are several typical problems we encounter and the appropriate and recommended course of action:

Replacement of Water Softener Resins

As a general rule, a water softener will not require its resins replaced in its entire service life (20+ years). Water softener resin must be replaced only if the unit has developed a high level of bacteria that does not respond to chlorine.

This condition develops when the unit is left in a not-working mode with no water flowing through it for months. Further, units exposed to direct sunlight can also develop a layer of algae and would require complete replacement of water softener resin.

An excessive accumulation of sand in the water softener tank will also necessitate replacement of the water softener resin.

Repairing Pressure Loss in the Water Softener Tank

Problems in the water softener may lead to pressure loss in the home. This may be due to the resistance from the resin bed caused by one of the following:

• Fine sand entering the water treatment system
• Algae growth that can clog the lower distributor tube screen
• Sand getting through the water softener tank during construction or work on water lines
• Water softener resin can be damaged and turn to mush

Another common cause of pressure loss is the damage on the Autotrol control valves. The flapper valve discs swell up when used on chlorinated water. This blocks the holes of the valve, resulting in pressure loss at high flow rates.
To solve this problem, you have to get hold of the appropriate water softener repair parts to replace the valve disc set and the backwash flow control ball.

Persistent Odor in the Water System

In general water softeners do not remove the taste and odor in your system except the metallic taste caused by iron in the water. However, you should periodically check and replace water softener filters to ensure that the unit would function well in controlling the metallic taste brought by iron in your water.
Odors can be due to hydrogen sulfide in wells and chlorine in treated water. This would require an activated carbon filter to be used in conjunction with the water softener.

Distributor Failure in the Bottom of the Water Softener Resin Tank

If you keep on replacing the distributor of your water softener, it may be due the following reasons:

• Too much pressure causing affecting various GE water softener parts
• Not backwashing regularly. The system must regenerate at least once every 7 days
• Highly chlorinated water can break the resins down into small fragments. These fragments accumulate in the fine slots of the bottom distributor.
• Very high flow rates can also be a problem.

Most of the problems affecting water softener parts are due to poor care and maintenance. You just have to follow simple troubleshooting techniques and practical tips for proper maintenance in order to keep your unit from breaking down. Follow closely the instructions manual.