If you have a water softener, you most likely have hard water that may cause harsh calcium buildup in your sinks, faucets, tubs, and toilets. You may also notice iron if you have hard water, which can stain clothing, sinks, toilets, and tubs. The water softener uses sodium to replace the ions in your water so it isn't as harsh. Maintaining your water softener is essential to prevent it from breaking down and unable to do its job. Read on for maintenance tips for your water softener.

Add Salt

Your water softener uses sodium (salt) in order to work. If you don't have any salt in the system, it cannot work properly. Look in the reserve tank to be sure you have enough salt in the system and add what is needed. Check your salt levels at least once per month (or more often), depending on your water usage. Most grocery stores and hardware stores sell salt for water softeners.

Use The Proper Type Of Salt

Use the right type of salt in your water softener system. There are different types that can be used (granular, tablet or block), but you should only use what your manufacturer's instructions suggest. Your system may not work properly or could clog easily if you use the wrong type of salt.

Check For Clogs

Some salt may harden and prevent your water softener from working. If this happens, you may notice hard water again. Open up the tank and see if the salt on the top is hardened. If it is, use a long handle to help break up this hard layer and get your softener working as it should again.

Clean The Tank

Mush can accumulate at the base of your tank, which will make your water softener not work as efficiently. If this happens, empty the tank entirely of water and dispose of the salt inside. Then remove the brine grid and scrub the tank out using mild detergent and water. Most water softeners do not need to be cleaned, but if you have an older water softener, or your water softener is not working properly, cleaning may help to get your softener working efficiently again.

Water softeners are in place for a reason. Don't let your water softener fail you by not maintaining it properly. If you are experiencing problems with your water softener and the maintenance tips above are not helping, call a professional repairman for help get it working properly again or consider contacting a company like Better Soft Water about a replacement.