Water softeners are complex appliances that can develop issues over time. Many problems can often be repaired if caught early. Learning the signs of a failing system allows you to address problems before they cause bigger headaches. Here’s some of the signs you may need water softener services in Brookhaven, GA for repairs.

Salt Bridge Formation

Salt bridges occur when a hard crust forms across the surface of the salt, obstructing water contact. This prevents brine formation needed to recharge the resin. Symptoms of salt bridging include failure to recharge properly and short cycles between recharges. Manual inspection and breaking up the salt crust with a broom handle or paddle often resolves this issue.

Excess Water in the Brine Tank

A water level above the salt in the brine tank indicates an issue with the float assembly or refill valve allowing overfilling. Water should only reach about midway up the salt when recharging. A high water level can contribute to salt bridging while also wasting water. Adjusting float heights or replacing defective refill parts usually corrects this problem simply.

Increased Salt Consumption

Sudden spikes in salt usage likely point to problems like valve defects allowing excess brine draw, leaks reducing efficiency, or issues over-recharging the unit. Rule out environmental causes first before troubleshooting parts. Things like adding household members or filling pools can increase demand and salt needs. If usage still seems extreme given household activity, begin system checks.

Poor Water Pressure

Persistent struggles with adequate pressure both during regeneration cycles and general use can have several causes depending on when pressure loss occurs. Issues like pinched lines, jammed resin beads, restrictive valves or high water use elsewhere must be investigated. Many flow-related repairs involve opening valves or lines for debris removal to restore pressure.

Leaking Tanks or Fittings

External leaks around fittings, seals and tank connections require prompt repairs to avoid equipment damage or contamination. Similarly, internal leaks deplete capacity through backflows into service lines. Wet areas below the unit or increased overall water usage point to leaks. Repairs involve checking secure fittings, valve seals and tank integrity to resolve loss and contamination issues. Tank replacement becomes necessary in cases of irreparable corrosion or cracks.

Drain Line Backups

If the regeneration backwash fails to fully clear hardness from the resin, it can back up the drain line. Preventative cleaning can clear this debris to restore flow. More serious drain issues like leaks or crimps in the tubing must be repaired as well. Stagnant backwash water under units or foul odors prompt drain corrections to avoid bigger problems.

Resin Bed Fouling or Channeling

Media fouling occurs when particulate clogs bed pores reducing capacity. Water seeks a path of least resistance, short-circuiting through open sections in “channeling.” Manual regenerations help remove embedded debris to recover function in early stages although media replacement can become necessary.

Defective Valves, Sensors or Computers

Malfunctioning controller computers or cracked valve assemblies cause many water softener headaches. Display issues, “error” codes or failure to run cycles points to control defects requiring electronics troubleshooting and repairs. Likewise, valves or flow sensors stuck open or closed due to debris must be cleaned or replaced so automation functions properly.

Outdated Equipment

If an older unit shows decreased efficiency yet components test functional, simple age may finally cause retirement. Later model softeners utilize improved valve technology for less water and salt consumption. Upgrading older equipment often makes economic sense at roughly 10 years of use before exponential increases in repair incidence and severity start accumulating.

Catching softener malfunctions early allows for less expensive repairs and parts replacement to restore performance. Typical issues arise from salt buildup, water flow problems or aging electronic and mechanical components. Knowing key trouble signs lets you investigate issues sooner and avoid the pitfalls of obsolete equipment. Partnering with water treatment professionals ensures appropriate troubleshooting and repairs for optimal equipment function.