Why Is Water Softener Resin So Important?

Water Softener Resin is normally made of sodium or potassium covered beads. As hard water passes through these beads, the calcium and magnesium ions in the hard water are exchanged with the sodium or potassium on the beads. The resin is then washed through a brine solution, which causes the minerals to release from the beads. The minerals are washed away down the drain.

Is There a Water Softener Resin Cleaner?

In most water softener systems, the water softener resin will need to be cleaned periodically. However, there are some systems in which cleaning is automatic. For those that aren’t, there is a wide variety of cleaners available on the market. While most manufacturers recommended the softener resin cleaner they sell, these cleaners are pretty much the same across the board for each type of water softener systems.

The resin cleaner is added directly to the resin and will remove all of the residue on the beads. There are also sanitation additives as well to remove the cleaner. For those consumers who are environmentally conscious, there are also resin cleaners that are eco-friendly.

When Do I Replace Water Softener Resin

Most manufacturers recommend changing softener resin every five to ten years. For those on city water, you might need to change it every 15 years. For those who have a high iron content in their hard water, you will probably need to change the water softener resin at the five year mark. You can do this yourself, or you can contact a service company in your area.

What about Other Water Softener Parts?

It also a good idea to complete all of the other major maintenance on your water softener when you change the resin. It’s also a good idea if you have a service technician out to clean the water softener resin. There are some maintenance issues in which a service technician may be better equipped to handle and more familiar with than you might be.

The softener brine tank should be inspected annually to be sure there is no build up of salt occurring in the tank. If there is, it needs to be addressed rather quickly to avoid a malfunction of the water softener.

Where Can I Find More Information on Water Softener Parts and Maintenance?

There is a wealth of information available online. You will find many water softener review sites that can help you with your choice of system. These review sites are also a great way to see if there are any problems with a system. While you must take each review with a grain of salt, you can find some very good information.

Also check at the manufacturers’ sites. Not only can you find product specifications, you will also get to see the suggested retail prices for the systems. This will give you an idea of pricing before you buy.

A Final Note

Routine maintenance and clean resin is one of the best ways to keep you water softener system functioning properly. Before you buy your system, be sure to do a little research to see which system requires the most maintenance.