How Long Do Water Softeners Last?

Water softeners are a solution for hard water. Whether you’ve just bought a new water softener system, or you’ve had it for years, you may wonder how long your water softener will last. 

In this article, we discuss how long your water softener system will last and how you can help prolong its life.

What Does A Water Softener Do?

Water softener systems are a popular appliance in many American homes.

They remove magnesium and calcium particles, which aren’t dangerous to consume but can cause your hair and skin to dry out. Hard water also causes limescale to build up on your plumbing fixtures. 

By installing a water softening system, you reduce or eliminate these issues. Hard water is treated to prevent these issues from occurring, which will save you money in the longer term on fixing appliances around the home.

How Long On Average Will A Water Softener Last?

The lifespan of a water softener can differ by the model and type of unit. On average, a water softener could live between 10 and 20 years.

It should be noted that no appliance will last forever, and the older your system gets, the more likely it is to break.

If you notice issues with your water softener unit after 5 years, we suggest repairing the unit. If the unit is over 10 years old, then it is better to replace it. 

Don’t ignore signs that your system is faltering. Some signs to look for are mineral spots on your dishes, decreased water pressure, and limescale around your faucets.

Call a professional to inspect your unit. The sooner it is repaired, the more you reduce the chance of an expensive failure.

A lot of people install their water softener and then forget about it, but regular inspections and maintenance will save you a lot of money in the long run. 

How To Prolong The Life Of Your Water Softener?

There are ways to help prolong the life of your system, involving regular maintenance checks. Regular maintenance is important to keep your water softener working efficiently for longer. These maintenance tasks will get you started:

Change Filters

Over time, filters become ineffective, which means your appliance needs to work harder. Therefore, change the filters per the manufacturer’s recommendation.

The owner’s manual should advise you how often to replace the filter and provide directions.

Make Sure The Brine Tank Is Topped Up

The regeneration process is a really important part of your water softener system. The process typically happens at night.

It allows a brine solution to enter the media tank to replenish and recharge the resin beads so that they will continue to work during the day when you need water. 

The brine tank must always be filled up with water and salt. You should refill the tank before the water is visible in the softener cabinet or brine drum.

Be aware of the salt you are using. A salt pellet or cube is of much higher quality than rock salt. Not only will it save you money in the long run, as they last longer, but they also prevent the chance of bridging occurring.

Watch Out For Salt Bridges

Only add more salt when the tank is only ⅓ full. Then leave around 6 inches of the tank empty at the top. Sometimes the salt can form bridges and will decrease the brine solution’s effectiveness.

If you see a salt bridge, remove it as soon as possible. 

Settings

Seek the advice of a professional first to verify the settings necessary for your water type. Then check the settings regularly.

You want them just high enough to soften your water, but You don’t want your water softeners working harder than necessary 

Conclusion 

As long as you look after your water softener system, it should last between 10 and 20 years. Maintenance is important, as this will prolong its life and save you money on repairs or replacement.

We hope this article has been insightful. Now you know how long your water softener should last and what you can do to help it last longer.