Maintaining your eco water softener involves several key steps to ensure its efficient and long-lasting performance. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Routine Maintenance Steps
Proper maintenance of your eco water softener includes regularly checking and addressing several key areas:
-
Adding Salt:
- Regularly check the salt level in your softener's brine tank.
- Keep the salt level at least halfway full.
- Use the appropriate type of salt recommended by the manufacturer, usually pellet or crystal salt.
- Avoid using rock salt, which may contain impurities that can cause blockages.
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Preventing Salt Bridging:
- A salt bridge occurs when the salt forms a hard crust or solid mass in the brine tank, preventing the salt from dissolving properly.
- Visually inspect the salt in the tank.
- To prevent bridging:
- Break up any hardened salt clumps with a broom handle.
- Ensure the salt is not overly compacted, and there is space for it to fall as it dissolves.
- Consider using a salt designed to resist bridging.
- If bridging is frequent, it might indicate a high moisture environment or poor quality salt.
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Cleaning the Venturi and Drain Hose:
- The venturi is a crucial part of the softener that helps draw brine into the resin tank.
- The drain hose removes waste water.
- Both are prone to clogs from sediment and debris.
- Regularly check for clogs or obstructions.
- Clean the venturi and the drain hose to keep the flow of water and brine unobstructed:
- Disconnect the parts carefully.
- Flush the venturi and hose with clean water.
- If needed use mild soap and a brush.
- Reassemble properly.
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Ensuring Proper Operation:
- Periodically check your water hardness levels. Use a testing kit to monitor the water hardness after going through the softener.
- A softener that is not performing properly may indicate:
- A faulty control valve
- Resin that needs replacing.
- Address any signs of malfunction quickly and contact a qualified professional if needed.
- Listen for unusual sounds coming from the softener, as these can indicate issues.
Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Check & Add Salt | Monthly | Keep the brine tank at least half full. |
| Inspect for Salt Bridging | Monthly | Break up any clumps of salt. |
| Clean Venturi & Drain | Every 6 months | Use water, a mild soap and a brush if needed. |
| Check Water Hardness | Every 6 months | Compare against hardness before softening to evaluate performance. |
| Professional Servicing | Annually | For in-depth inspections and performance tests to be carried out by a certified technician. |
By following these steps, you can extend the life of your eco water softener and keep it operating efficiently. Regular maintenance ensures you consistently have softened water, preventing scale buildup and extending the life of your appliances.
