Recognizing the Signs of an Outdated Water Softening System

Homes with water softeners enjoy water that is free of unwanted minerals like magnesium and calcium, as well as other contaminants. Soft water means appliances that last longer, clothes that stay brighter, and dishes that get cleaner. But, as with all appliances, eventually your water softener will reach the end of its lifespan. Though a well-maintained system can last upwards of 15 years, they typically begin to break down after about a decade. However, the longevity of your particular system will depend heavily on the quality of the water it is treating – a system dealing with extremely hard water will have to work harder than one treating water that is comparatively better quality. Because of this, there is no hard and fast timeline for your water softener.

Indications that Your Water Softener May Not Be Performing

If you are not seeing the results you might expect from your water softener, it is likely that there is a problem with the system. However, it is often difficult to tell as a homeowner whether it needs to be replaced, or simply requires a repair or updated part. It could be as simple as forgotten maintenance or a jammed valve, or be a much more serious problem. These are just a few things that you can watch out for so you know when you bring in the experts.

Bubble Trouble

If your soap just isn’t lathering like you’re used to or you are going through shampoo much more quickly than usual, this is a telltale sign that you have hard water. The minerals left in hard water make soap much less able to lather up!

Mineral Build-Up

If there is crusty or chalky build-up around the pipes or faucets in your home, a faulty water softener could be to blame. The minerals found in hard water will often deposit around faucets and become much more noticeable over time. When you see evidence of this, it is a clear indicator that your water quality is not what it should be.

Cleaning Problems

For the same reasons that you might notice issues with your lather during a shower, things like laundry and dishes are impacted by hard water as well. Water that has a heavy mineral component keeps soap from doing its job. This can result in clothes that are stiff, scratchy, or don’t feel clean, and dishes that are streaky, spotted, or have soap residue. If there is a visible or tactile difference in your laundry or dishes, you have good reason to suspect that hard water may be the cause.

Change of Flavor

As you can imagine, soft water and hard water taste very different. If you notice a sustained change in the taste of your tap water over time, it could be due to an increased mineral content. We recommend checking on your system if you notice this change!

Get Quality Water Softener Replacement

The good news is, you already know all of the wonderful things that a working water softening system can bring you. If your system has reached the end of its life, our team at Quality Home Services can help you choose a new model to suit your needs and install the system perfectly.