Exploring Water Softeners

Ann Arbor, Mi. (December 4th, 2023) – Did you know there are minerals in your water?

Just like any natural source collected from the Earth, there are minerals present in water – including that from your faucet! When there are high concentrations of minerals, predominantly calcium, magnesium and iron, the water quality is considered hard. While not immediately harmful to your health, hard water can cause preventable problems to your home’s water system.

Luckily modern plumbing provides a solution: water softeners. This whole-house filtration system removes minerals from your home’s water through dedicated processes that vary based on softener type.

Salt-based water softeners use a process known as ion exchange, which utilizes resin beads to remove minerals from the water are are best suited for households with higher water usage.

Salt-free water softeners do not remove minerals from the water but instead conditions the water. They could use an electromagnetic field to strip heavy minerals or a process called template assisted crystallization (TAC). These systems change hard minerals from ionic forms to crystalline forms that do not attach to pipes, appliances or fixtures. Chemistry in action!

While your local experts at Z PLUMBERZ are always ready to lend a hand when your water softener reaches the end of its 10-15 year lifespan, here are our top 3 tips to keep up on your water softener maintenance.

1. Check Salt Levels – Salt levels should be checked every 4-6 weeks to ensure they have not dropped too low. As these levels lower, hard water returns into the water system. When you need to add more salt, make sure the recommended salt cubes or crystal salt are used.
2. Clean the Brine Tank – In order to avoid salt mushing and salt bridging – both versions of salt solidification that can lead to the failure of your water softener – you should clean your brine tank once per year. This involves draining the tank, removing the salt remnants, mixing in a cleaning solution of dishwasher detergent or dish soap and 1-2 gallons of water, and thoroughly scrubbing the interior of the tank.
3. Rinse the Resin Bed – Use a resin cleaner, such as Rust Out, to flush out hard water particles from your water softener. The process should be repeated between 3 months to a year depending on the level of minerals in your water system. You will need to pour a mixed solution of Rust Out and a 1/2 gallon of cold water into the brine well, start a regeneration cycle, and regenerate until your water comes out clean and clear.

Save your home, appliances, body, clothing and other potential hard water touchpoints from damage with a water softener. You don’t have to do it alone – give your local Z PLUMBERZ a call to discuss your water softener needs and scheduled your next plumbing service.

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About Z PLUMBERZ
Z PLUMBERZ is a full-service, fast-growing plumbing franchise. Z PLUMBERZ provides expert repairs, installation and maintenance for emergencies or long-term, preventative safeguarding. From blockages, sewer lines, appliances, infrastructure and more, Z PLUMBERZ’s Call Center Support and experienced plumbers work 24/7 to ensure long-lasting and reliable plumbing, drains and sewer solutions in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Z PLUMBERZ is part of BELFOR Franchise Group, a division of BELFOR Property Restoration, the world’s largest property restoration company. For more information about Z PLUMBERZ services, please visit www.zplumberz.com. For more information about franchising with Z PLUMBERZ, visit https://zplumberzfranchise.com/.