To keep your water softener running efficiently, it’s important to add the right amount of salt. However, how often should you add salt, and how much should you add? That answer depends on various factors, such as the size of your water softener, how hard your water is, and how much water you use. Here is a more in-depth look at the ideal salt levels and what you need to do to maintain your water softener.
How Does a Water Softener Soften Water?
A water softener removes the minerals responsible for making your water hard, like calcium and magnesium, and it does so through a process known as ion exchange. Water softener tanks come with negatively charged resin beads, which attract the positively charged calcium and magnesium in hard water. The tank then exchanges the calcium and magnesium with sodium or potassium ions.
Once the resin beads are saturated with calcium and magnesium, the water softener system flushes the beads with a saltwater solution. This flushing process recharges the beads so they can be used again, allowing the water softener to soften your water. For this cycle to work effectively, the saltwater solution must be replenished. This is where salt comes in.
How Often Should You Add Salt to Your Water Softener?
Although most homeowners add salt to their water softener every four to six weeks, this timetable can depend on several factors. Some factors include:
The Hardness of Your Water
The harder your water, the more frequently you will need to add salt to your water softener. In Orlando, the water hardness is 129 parts per million, which is relatively hard. This may mean you need to add salt closer to six weeks rather than eight weeks.
The Size of Your Household
Another factor that determines how often you should add salt is how many people live with you. The more people, the faster the saltwater solution will be used up.
The Size of Your Water Softener Unit
Larger water softener units will need more saltwater solution, which means you will need to add more salt if you have a large tank.
It’s important to remember that your saltwater solution should always contain one-third to two-thirds salt. If you add too much salt, you’ll get clumps of salt forming at the top of the tank. And if you add too little, you’ll start to see the effects of hard water on your faucets and dishes.
Make Sure You Add the Right Type of Salt
Adding salt at the right times is crucial. However, it’s also crucial that you add the right type of salt. Remember that not all salts are created equal. You can find salt in three types:
Rock Salt
While rock salt is affordable, it contains the most impurities and is not as soluble as other salt. This may mean having to clean your tank more frequently. It may also make your water softener less efficient.
Solar Salt
Solar salt comes from evaporated seawater. While it’s purer than rock salt, it may still leave some residue in your tank (solar salt is 99.6% soluble).
Evaporated Salt
Evaporated salt is the most pure salt and, as a result, is the most expensive type on the market.
Checking the Salt Levels in Your Tank
Before adding salt to your water softener, you must check the salt levels in your tank first. Here are the steps to take:
- Lift the lid of your brine tank. This is where your saltwater solution is stored.
- Check the salt level. The salt level should be above your water line. If it isn’t, add more salt.
- Look for any salt bridging. If you see salt clumps at the edge of your brine tank, this is called bridging. Poke the clumps to break them up. This will help them dissolve again.
- Look for salt mushing. Mushing refers to a thick sludge of salt at the bottom of the tank. You will need to drain your tank and refill it with fresh salt to get rid of the mush.
Dos and Don’ts
Make sure to follow these rules so that your water softener runs effectively at all times.
Do:
- Check your salt level monthly.
- Use the right type of salt.
- Keep the lid of your brine tank closed to prevent contaminants from entering.
Don’t:
- Don’t overfill your tank as this can result in salt bridging or mushing.
- Don’t put too much salt or too little salt. Aim for the right amount.
- Don’t use rock salt as it has too many impurities.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
If you have questions about the type of salt to add to your water softener or how to maintain it, our plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are a phone call away. When we install or maintain your water softener, you’ll get punctual plumbers, straightforward pricing, and a satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.