Cleaning your water softener's salt brine tank is a straightforward process involving emptying it, scrubbing with a mild cleaning solution, and rinsing thoroughly. Regularly cleaning your brine tank helps ensure your water softener operates efficiently.
Why Clean Your Water Softener Brine Tank?
Over time, residue, sediment, or undissolved salt can build up at the bottom of the brine tank. This buildup can potentially:
- Reduce the effectiveness of the water softening process.
- Lead to bacterial growth.
- Cause a "salt bridge" (a hard crust) or "mushing" (a thick sludge) that prevents salt from dissolving properly.
Cleaning the tank prevents these issues, ensuring your softener continues to produce soft water reliably.
When to Clean the Brine Tank
It's generally recommended to clean your brine tank about once a year, or if you notice performance issues with your water softener.
Step-by-Step Brine Tank Cleaning Process
Here is a common method for cleaning your water softener brine tank:
- Bypass the Softener: Locate the bypass valve on your water softener and set it to the bypass position. This prevents water from flowing into the tank while you're working on it.
- Empty the Tank: Allow the salt level to get very low, then manually remove any remaining salt. You can scoop it out. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove residual salt, debris, and water from the bottom of the tank.
- Prepare Cleaning Solution: According to one common method, pour a few tablespoons of dish soap into 1-2 gallons of water to create a soapy mixture. Mild, biodegradable dish soap is best.
- Scrub the Inside: Pour the soap/water mixture into the brine tank and scrub the inside with a long-handled brush. Pay close attention to the bottom and sides where residue accumulates.
- Dump and Rinse: Dump the soapy water mixture out of the tank. Rinse the inside thoroughly with clean water. You may need to rinse multiple times to remove all soap residue.
- Clean Internal Parts (Optional but Recommended): If your tank has a brine well (a smaller tube inside), you can carefully clean the exterior of this as well. Avoid getting soap inside the brine well unless specifically recommended by your softener's manual.
- Refill with Water: Add a few gallons of fresh water back into the empty tank. Consult your owner's manual for the recommended amount of water to add before adding salt.
- Add New Salt: Pour new water softener salt into the tank. Ensure you use the correct type of salt recommended for your softener (e.g., pellets, crystals).
- Return to Service: Set the bypass valve back to the "service" or "on" position to allow water to flow through the softener again.
- Initiate a Manual Regeneration Cycle: This helps the softener draw brine from the newly cleaned tank and flush the system.
Supplies Needed
Here's a quick list of items you might need:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bucket or Hose | For creating/dispensing water |
| Dish Soap (mild) | For making cleaning solution |
| Long-handled Brush | For scrubbing the tank interior |
| Wet/Dry Vacuum | For emptying water and residue |
| Clean Rags/Towels | For wiping up spills |
| New Water Softener Salt | To refill the tank after cleaning |
By following these steps, you can effectively clean your salt brine tank and help maintain your water softener's performance and longevity.
