Although winters in San Antonio are typically mild, we’re no strangers to freezing temperatures. While you may already know to cover your pipes or seal any cracks, your water softener system requires the same kind of attention and care.
What are some ways to winterize your water softener? What are you preventing by keeping up with water softener maintenance? Kinetico SA is here with the answers, so keep reading to learn more about how to keep your water softener safe this winter!
Is Winterizing My Water Softener Necessary?
Water softener systems require routine maintenance just like any other major appliance in our homes. If you don’t winterize your water softener before freezing temperatures settle in, your pipes may separate or crack. Not only does this result in costly repairs, but it can also cause your home to flood. Taking the time to winterize your water softener system saves you time, money and stress in the long run.
DIY Water Softener Maintenance
Water systems are meant to be low maintenance, but you don’t want to wait around until your water starts to suffer before deciding to take care of your softener. Here are a few routine maintenance tips that any homeowner can do to ensure their water stays pure and clean season after season.
Read The Manual
The same kind of salt can’t be used for all water softeners. Find the user manual that came with your water softener and check if your system needs cube or crystal salt. If you’re still unsure, you can always ask us at Kinetico. We recommend Diamond Crystal Bright and Soft pellets for Kinetico water softeners.
Check The Salt Level
The salt level in your water softener should be checked every 4-6 weeks. Your salt level should always be about half-full or less. Monitor whether the level is dropping, and try to avoid the creation of a salt bridge.
Drain The Water
If you don’t plan to use your water softener during the cold months, such as for a lake house or summer cabin, then you’ll need to drain all the water from it to prevent any freeze damage. Most installers provide an instruction manual that shows you how to complete this process step-by-step. However, if you’re not feeling confident, then it might be better to leave it to the professionals. Reach out to the Kinetico SA team to schedule your service.
Clean The Brine Tank
The brine tank on your water softener can get a little crusty. This is caused by adding too much salt to your system or adding salt too frequently. Carefully break up any hardened salt in the tank with a knife or another pointy object and then dispose of it. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to get rid of any leftover particles, then wash out the brine tank with soap and water.
Add Insulation
While your system may be indoors, the connecting pipes are usually located outside, which means they’re exposed to the cold. To prevent any water damage to your system and pipes, consider adding insulation such as plumbing sleeves. Most hardware stores have plumbing sleeves or other pieces of insulation you can cut yourself to cover your water softener as a whole and the pipes connected to it.
Call Kinetico SA Today
At Kinetico San Antonio, we’re dedicated to improving your water quality. Whether you have questions about installing, inspecting, cleaning or winterizing your water softener, our soft water professionals are here for you. Ready to achieve softer, healthier water for your home? Reach out to us today!
