When to Replace Your Water Softener

When to Replace Your Water Softener

Water is a valuable resource, especially in the hot desert climate of Chandler, AZ and the surrounding area. The best way to ensure your water is usable for drinking, cleaning, and more is making sure you have a water softener in proper working order. However, it’s challenging to know what to look for when determining the condition of your water softener. At Kinetico Quality Water, we understand that you’re busy and don’t have the time for lengthy inspections of your water softener. Never fear—our experts have compiled a list of common warning signs that it’s time for your water softener to be replaced. If you’re experiencing any of the following, contact us right away to replace your water softener.

Know the Difference Between Hard and Soft Water 

First, it’s essential to understand the basic difference between hard and soft water. Untreated groundwater is often hard water, which contains lots of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Soft water, on the other hand, is what we call hard water after it’s been treated. Treating hard water involves eliminating the minerals. Soft water makes for easy cleaning and reduces the risk of spots and residue that hard water often leaves behind. Softening water also leads to a longer life for washing machines, reduced utility bills, and more.

Your Drinking Water Tastes Bad

The fastest way to tell if your water softener needs replaced is to take a sip of water from your faucet. Your water could taste strange for a variety of reasons, but some lead back to the water softener. You’ll be able to tell the difference between hard water chock full of minerals and soft water. Hard water tends to feel sticky and dry as it hits your skin. In this case, your water softener has likely lost its effectiveness at removing minerals and other substances from your drinking water.

Spots and Residue on Dishes and Faucets

When you open up your dishwasher, you expect to see your dishes clean and pristine. However, if your water softener needs replaced, they may be marred by spots and residue. If your shower has a door, you may also see scale and residue there. In addition, watch for crusty buildup where water comes out of your faucets. Chalky or crusty substances, along with spots and residue are all telltale signs that something’s wrong with your water softener.

Stiff Laundry Even with Fabric Softener

Washing your clothes with hard water makes them take on a stiff, scratchy. Not only are these clothes uncomfortable to wear, but they’re a sign that hard water could be damaging your washing machine. Even adding fabric softener may not make your hard water-washed clothes smooth and soft. If you notice this strange texture in your laundry, replace your water softener as soon as possible to prevent damage to your washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater.

Soap Doesn’t Lather As It Should

You’ll be able to identify several warning signs of a faulty water softener while in the shower. Hard water also makes it more difficult for soap to lather as it should. You’ll clearly be able to tell if the water feels strange in the shower. Hard water feels different on the skin, and you’ll soon notice it when your water feels sticky on your skin. If you’re using more soap or shampoo than usual and the water feels different, it’s time to look into replacing your water softener.

Keep Track of Your Water Softener’s Age

As with any household appliance, your water softener will wear out eventually no matter how well you maintain it. If your electric water softener is older than 10-15 years, replacement is likely necessary (non-electric Kinetico systems typically last longer). If you’re unsure of your water softener’s age, let the professionals at Kinetico Quality Water know. Our team performs water analyses, and we can determine if you’re due for a replacement.

Why Replace a Water Softener

Many of the reasons to maintain a working water softener are crystal clear. Without proper water treatment, you’ll be left to clean up built-on limescale, spots, and residue from your dishes, faucet, and shower. Your personal hygiene is also affected by hard water. It’s more difficult for soap to lather, and you may spend extra money as you run out of soap and shampoo faster. When you invest in a working water softener, you’ll have an easier time cleaning your home, showering, and doing laundry. Besides, replacing your water softener means you can choose a new model equipped with the latest technology. Kinetico’s water softeners conserve resources, have multi-function options that include chlorine/sediment filtration, and self-clean. Read up on our selection of water softeners at Kinetico Quality Water.

Call in the Experts for Faulty Water Softeners

If you need a new water softener or need help determining your system’s condition, Kinetico Quality Water is here to help. Our staff is knowledgeable in the proper care of water softeners and have helped countless customers choose the best replacement. Don’t allow a malfunctioning water softener to be an inconvenience for you and your family. Contact Kinetico Quality Water today for a free quote for a new water softener.