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Project Summary
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Output: Purified water softening materials and storage tank.
- Proficiency Level: Intermediate
- Projected Expense: Between $20 and $30
A water softener in your home removes impurities such as iron, manganese, silt, metal fragments, and various minerals that lead to hard water. Since almost all the water in your home flows through the softener, it needs to be maintained and cleaned regularly. Many homeowners can easily clean the softener’s media and tank themselves, and the process typically takes around an hour.
Reasons to Maintain Your Water Softener Cleanliness
The most typical maintenance task involves using a water softener cleaner to clean the media resin beads, with the next step being the cleaning of the salt reservoir. In contrast, the cleaning of the nozzle and venturi is a more meticulous task that is performed less often.
Cleaning the media beads.
Minerals present in hard water are drawn to resin beads or media situated in a tank distinct from the main salt reservoir. The salt effectively cleans these resin beads, rejuvenating them and enabling them to continue attracting additional hard water minerals. Introducing a liquid water softener cleaner into the brine well area of the water softener cleans the beads and restores them to their optimal condition.
Tip
Heavily soiled resin beads can be taken out and substituted, but it’s generally better to clean them on-site if feasible. With adequate care, resin media beads are typically anticipated to endure for the entire lifespan of the water softening system.
Maintaining the Salt Storage Tank
The substantial part of the water softener known as the salt reservoir tends to accumulate the majority of the system’s dirt and debris. If this buildup is not addressed, it can lead to blockages, resulting in costly repairs or the need for a complete system replacement. Additionally, salt buildup can obstruct the brine well intake, and it is essential to break up this crust.
Cleaning the nozzle and the Venturi component.
The nozzle and venturi are situated beneath the cover of the water softener. The venturi functions as the valve that draws brine water from the salt reservoir and directs it to the media or resin bead tank for the regeneration process. If these components become obstructed, they need to be taken out individually and cleaned manually.
Frequency of Water Softener Cleaning
It is advisable to clean the water softener reservoir annually, or more often if necessary. Utilize a cleaning agent in the brine well up to four times a year, but at a minimum, once a year, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Regularly inspect the tank for salt bridges and remove them promptly if found.
Safety Factors to Keep in Mind
Water softeners provide drinkable water, so it’s important to maintain cleanliness for all components while cleaning the unit. If soap is used for cleaning, ensure to rinse all parts thoroughly with cold water until all soap residue is removed.
Requirements
Gear / Instruments
- One broomstick or rod.
- Two towels
- One container
- One used toothbrush
- A pipe connected to a water supply.
Materials
- 1. Cleaner for water softeners
- 1 gentle dish detergent
- 1 silicone-based lubricant
Instructions
Steps for Cleaning the Media Beads in a Water Softener
Combine the cleaning solution.
Combine the water softener cleaner with cold water in a clean receptacle, following the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Certain cleaners come pre-mixed and do not need to be diluted.
Unlock the Brine Well.
Remove the cap from the brine well container located within the water softener. Place the cap outside the water softener to prevent it from becoming lost among the salt pellets.
Add the cleaning solution.
Gently pour the water softener cleaning solution into the brine well. A little overflow onto the salt pellets is acceptable, but it’s best to ensure that most of the mixture stays within the brine well.
Change the Lid
Reattach the lid of the brine well container and secure the top of the water softener.
Revitalize the System
To initiate the cleaning cycle of the water softener, simply press the activation button, which is usually marked as “recharge.”
Steps for Cleaning a Water Softener Reservoir Tank
Drain the Reservoir Tank.
Allow the system to deplete the remaining salt in the reservoir until the slots in the brine well become apparent.
Disable the softener.
Disconnect the water softener from the electrical outlet.
Eliminate any detached pieces from the base.
Carefully dislodge and take away any loose pieces of salt crust from the bottom. Use the broom handle or a dowel to gently poke at the crust.
Tip
At this stage, there’s no need to pry the crust apart, as the subsequent steps will aid in breaking down the salt.
Add Water
Utilize the hose to add water to the salt reservoir until the level is approximately four inches beneath the cap of the brine well. If a hose and faucet are not accessible, a bucket can be used instead.
Allow the water to rest.
Allow the water to remain in the salt container for a duration of two to four hours.
Eliminate the Water
Use a shop vacuum set to wet mode to extract the water from the salt reservoir. Alternatively, you can utilize a hand pump, a submersible pump, or a siphon. Another option is to scoop out the water using small containers like measuring cups. Aim to remove as much water as possible.
Break the Salt Crust Apart
Carefully remove any loose salt from the bottom of the reservoir using the broom handle or a dowel. Take your time to prevent any harm to the reservoir’s floor.
Clean the base of the tank with a vacuum.
Using the shop vacuum in wet mode, clear out all remaining items from the bottom of the reservoir, including sizable pieces of salt, dirt, and various debris. Then, use a towel to thoroughly wipe down the bottom and sides.
Clear the Brine Well Inlet.
Manually clear any visible debris from the slots of the brine well container. You can either pick out the debris by hand or use a nozzle attachment from a shop vacuum to remove it.
Reset the Water Softening System
Fill the reservoir with salt to the appropriate level, connect the water softener to a power source, and switch it on.
Steps for Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi of a Water Softener
Turn off the water softener.
Disconnect and power down the water softener.
Activate the Bypass.
Set the bypass valve of the water softener to the bypass mode to stop water from passing through the venturi and nozzle while you perform maintenance on them.
Activate the Soft Water Cycle.
To effectively clean the water softener, ensure it is in the soft water (service) cycle, as this will relieve water pressure at the nozzle and venturi.
Reach the nozzle and the Venturi.
Lift the upper cover of the water softener and take it off entirely. Place it to the side.
Twist off the cap and take out the components.
Grip the dome-shaped nozzle and the venturi housing with one hand while using the other hand to remove the cap. This action will release the internal components, so take care to avoid misplacing any parts within or behind the water softener.
Tip
The components in this section are intricate and compact. When you take out the parts, arrange them in order on a towel. Additionally, capture images of the area. The instruction manual for the water softener might also include a detailed diagram of this section.
Take Apart the Components
Set the components on a clean towel. After taking off the cap, you can carefully remove the screen support along with the screen. Next, take out the nozzle, venturi disc, gasket, and flow plugs. If you notice any blockages in this section, you will probably find damp debris on the disc and screen.
Wash the Components
Fill a bucket halfway with warm water mixed with dish soap and allow the components to soak for a few minutes. Afterward, use your fingers or an old toothbrush to scrub each piece. Once everything is clean, empty the bucket and refill it with cool, fresh water to rinse the parts. Open the towel to a dry area and place the components on it to dry.
Swap the Components
Once the components are completely dry, reassemble them. Ensure the O-ring seal is coated with silicone lubricant prior to reinstallation. After positioning the O-ring seal, manually attach and secure the cap. Be cautious while tightening to prevent damaging the cap.
Reinstate the System for Operation
Return the bypass valve to the service position for soft water. Reconnect the softener to the power source.
Suggestions for Maintaining the Cleanliness of Your Water Softener for an Extended Period
- Disrupt the salt bridges in the tank using a broomstick or a wooden dowel.
- If the salt content is low, sprinkle in salt until it reaches the midpoint.
- Always utilize water softener salt that is specifically formulated for your system, and avoid replacing it with rock salt or any alternative substances.
- Install a prefilter before the water intake to ensure the water entering the softener remains cleaner.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
Cleaning the nozzle and venturi requires careful attention to detail, and there’s a risk of misplacing components or reassembling them improperly. It might be a good idea to hire a professional for this task. Additionally, if the resin beads need to be changed, it’s advisable to have experts handle the replacement.
