Category: Water Treatment

If you notice your water softener leaking, you don’t need to panic, but you should fix it as soon as possible. In this article, I talk about some of the most common scenarios as well as some solutions that you can try on your own before contacting a plumber.

Important note: before trying to figure out where the water is coming from, disconnect the water softener’s power supply. Always remember, safety first!

Scenario #1: Rotor Valve

The rotor valve on your water softener is usually located at the top of the unit. As the source of water into the water softener, the rotor valve is often the source of leaks. Over time, it can develop cracks and need to be replaced.

If you do not notice any cracks or breakage around the rotor valve but you can see water coming from it, the problem could be the seal located on the inside of the valve. In either case, you will need to contact a professional plumber to fix the issue.

Scenario #2: Punctured Brine Tank

The brine tank is where you place the salt. In case you didn’t know, water softeners work by replacing calcium and magnesium ions in your water with sodium ions. A puncture in the brine tank usually means that you need to replace the tank altogether. In some cases, certain sealants might work, but be careful what you use—picking the wrong one could seriously damage your water softener system.

Scenario #3: Loose Hose Connection

In this third scenario, the solution is often straightforward. If you notice your water softener leaking from the supply hose, try tightening the connection. The problem could be that simple.

If tightening the connection does not stop the leak, the hose could be punctured. When this happens, you will need to replace the hose.

 

Scenario #4: Defective Bypass Valve O-Rings

Some water softeners have a valve that allows the water to bypass the system. The bypass valve is a convenience in case you need to repair or replace part of the water softener without cutting off water to your home, but if you notice your water softener leaking, it could be the cause, too.

On the bypass valve are located what are called O-rings. As your system gets older, these O-rings may need to be replaced if you do not maintain them. Replacing the O-rings requires special tools and skills, so it is best to contact a plumber with experience fixing water softener systems.

Water Softener Bypass Valve Leaking? Here’s What You Should Know

What is a water softener bypass valve?

In place of a drain valve, there is the bypass valve on the water softener. The switch opens the bypass by introducing water from the main system to the water softening system. The water goes through and flows into two or more lines, creating unique flushes for every single household connected to this household unit.

It is possible that you’ll face a water line disruption in your home, which might require replacing the water softener. During this time the displaced water needs to be cleaned and flushed through the system. This can normally take at least 90 minutes of continuous activity to complete.

If you want to avoid the situation where you have to drain the softener first and then clean it, you can use something called a bypass valve. When using a bypass valve, you utilize it before getting water from the softener by opening a valve before bringing in the water.

The bypass valve gives you full control over the water flow system. You can turn the valves on or off in accordance with your needs.

Do not be confused while looking at the valve, though complicated it looks. The pipes fixed to the wall might have a variety of control tabs, which indicate how the water goes through them and gets to your plumbing system. Examine each tab so you can understand what’s going on at each point in the pipe, but pay attention to the flow of water all throughout!

Once you understand how the whole structure works, it’s easy to bypass the water softener by changing the valves themselves.

Learn the basics of what a bypass valve does

The bypass valve is used to change the water flow from the water softener to the mainline connection to the home.

However, your home has a backup system in place to give you the reassurance of never having to go without water.

A bypass valve is used to help better control the water flow in and out of your faucets. Shut off your water valves and use this valve to free up the system so you can continue using water.

How to replace your water softener bypass valve

Know where the water softener valve starts, where it ends, and the location of the bypass valve before you start

1. Cut the connection of the water softener system from the main water line.

2. Remove the bypass valve from the connection.

3. You can first use another pipe to serve as a valve and then connect the two pipes at the connection or use other pipes to assemble the water.

You should be sure that both the inward and outward flow of the water softener system are properly sealed. If they are not, you could risk a leak.

4. When complete, turn the water on to allow the water to flow into the softener.

 

Water softener resin tank leaking from bottom? Here’s how to fix it.

One of the most common problems that homeowners run into with their water softener is a leaking resin tank, which can be caused by a variety of different factors. Luckily for you, this blog post has an easy fix for any leaking water softener resin tank!

Softener resin tank leaks from the bottom

Resin tanks are designed to be watertight to prevent leaks, but in some cases, resin tanks will leak from the bottom. When a leak occurs, the tank must be patched or replaced. When installing a new resin tank, it is important to use the same brand and model of resin tank as before.

How to fix a leaking water softener resin tank

A resin tank is one of the most important components of a water softener. The water passes through the resin and becomes softer. Over time, the tank can develop leaks, so it is critical to know how to fix any holes that form. To fix the problem, you will need to drain, clean, and patch the leaking resin tank.

Step 1: Drain the Resin Tank

First, you will need to shut off the water. Wait for as long as it takes for the tank to drain, noting where the leak or crack is located for future reference. Once the tank is drained, you can disassemble it and clean it.

Step 2: Clean the Resin Tank

Once you have disassembled the resin tank and set the resin beads to the side, it’s time to clean the tank. One way to clean the tank is to use a bleach and water solution to soak the resin tank in. After it has soaked, be sure that any salt and iron deposits are removed using a toothbrush. Now that the tank is clean, you can start the repair process.

Step 3: Patch the Resin Tank

Remembering where the crack or leak was located on the resin tank, sand the area around the crack to create an abrasive surface. This allows the epoxy to bind with the resin tank more firmly. Now take some waterproof epoxy and fill any cracks in the tank with a putty knife. Allow the epoxy to dry according to the instructions on the container. Once the epoxy is dry, you can reassemble the water softener.
Be sure to check on the leak as time goes on. Sometimes repairing a leaking resin tank can take a few attempts. If you need to repatch the resin tank because it is still leaking, follow the above steps again.

 

Is Your Water Softener Leaking? Contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona for Help

In Arizona, having a water softener is critical to protect your home’s plumbing and appliances from hard water buildup. Is your water softener leaking? Don’t wait too long to fix it. It could turn into a much more expensive problem.

Need help? That’s why we are here. Contact us today to schedule a visit from one of our expert plumbers.

Posted on Author Vince VinceCategories Residential Plumbing Services, Water TreatmentTags

Thinking of adding a hard water treatment system to your plumbing? Get more information about why you should in this article.

You have scrubbed the deposits from your sink, felt the residue on your skin, replaced your shower head more times than you can remember—maybe it’s time to install a water softener.

If you are tired of dealing with the effects of hard water, this solution is pretty easy to put into action. Here are five reasons why you should stop putting it off.

5 Reasons to Install Hard Water Treatment

Scale Deposits

A clean home is a happy home, but hard water makes cleaning surfaces a pain. When the water on your shower door or in your kitchen sink evaporates, you’re left with a chalky substance—usually a mixture of calcium and magnesium. It is relatively easy to remove, but if you let even days pass between cleanings, your pristine home won’t look so pristine anymore. Hard water treatment can keep your home looking cleaner for longer.

Dull Laundry

Remember those laundry detergent commercials you watched on TV as a kid? Remember how bright and vibrant the clothes were after they were washed? Many people wonder why their clothing doesn’t stay colorful for long, and the answer is often the hard water running through their pipes. Installing a water softening system may do more to make your dull clothes pop with color than switching to a more expensive detergent brand.

Soap Scum

When minerals like calcium and magnesium mix with soap, the result is something nasty—soap scum. This substance is difficult to clean and can gunk up your drains if you don’t address the root of the problem.

Hair and Skin Health

When you have hard water, you might notice that you never really feel clean after a shower or bath. The residue that ends up on your water fixtures and bathroom tile is prone to clinging to your skin and hair, too, leaving you with dry skin and dull, stringy hair. Hard water treatment is a great way to up your beauty game.

Expensive Appliance and Pipe Failure

When mineral deposits form on your bathroom counter, it’s an annoyance. When it happens inside your pipes and water-using appliances, it can get expensive. Over time, the deposits will build inside your plumbing and any appliances—refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine—that are connected to it. You may need to get your machines serviced to solve the problem, and in some cases, you may even need to replace them completely.

Already have hard water treatment installed? Water softener maintenance is key.

If you have already added a water softening system to your home’s plumbing, it is critical to keep it working properly. Water softeners sometimes leak, which can cause significant damage if you don’t catch it immediately. You need to check your brine tank every other month and have the system serviced at least once a year by a professional to keep it working at its best.

Want to learn more? Check out our post on how to find and fix leaks in your water softener.

Posted on Author adminCategories Residential Plumbing Services, Water TreatmentLeave a comment on Hard Water Treatment: 5 Reasons to Install a Water Softening System

Why is water quality important? Your home’s water has a direct impact on your family’s health. Is it doing more harm than good? Here’s what you need to know about your water quality.

We don’t often think about water quality in our homes, at least, not in terms of health and safety. Most of us in the United States do not have to worry about it. Unfortunately, however, in some cases, we should be worried about it.

What if you found out that your water contained microorganisms, heavy metals, or minerals that could make your family sick? Your home’s water quality is an integral part of your family’s life. Your loved ones use it to cook and clean. They drink it straight from the tap to stay hydrated.

Here are some common problems that affect water quality, a few health risks from bad water, how to fix the problem before it gets serious.

Common Problems That Affect Water

Some of the most common water quality problems that affect homeowners include:

  • Hard water
  • High acidity
  • Contamination

Hard water does not cause health issues, but it can cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing. The minerals that make the water “hard” can build up inside the pipes and appliances in your home, leading to repairs that cost thousands.

High acidity in your home’s water, however, can pose a risk to your family’s health. Water with high acidity often contains heavy metals, which can be seriously detrimental if consumed in high amounts.

Water in your home may also contain decaying organic matter. If your water tastes or smells bad, you could have contaminated water that could make your family sick.

Health Risks of Poor-Quality Water

Exposure to heavy metals from acidic water over a long period of time can have serious health consequences. Among them are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, immune system suppression, and even organ damage. For young children, heavy metal exposure can result in developmental delays.

If your home’s water is contaminated, you could be ingesting dangerous bacteria, including e. coli. Some common diseases that can develop from contaminated water are Hepatitis A, Giardiasis, and Shigellosis. You can also develop respiratory infections, such as Legionnaire’s disease, by inhaling contaminated droplets.

The first step in addressing any water purity problems in your home is to have a complete test done. The test you choose should measure for pH, microorganisms, heavy metals, and hardness.

Once you have your test results, then you can start to work toward better water quality for your family.

Why Is Water Quality Important to You?

Are you worried about the quality of your home’s water? You don’t have to be. Contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona today to talk to us about your options for water filtration and water softener. We are waiting to take your call or answer your email. Don’t hesitate another second while your family’s health could be at risk.

Posted on Author Vince VinceCategories Residential Plumbing Services, Water TreatmentTags

Have you ever wondered do I need a water softener? If so, this article is for you.

Hard water is a common menace to many homes’ plumbing in Arizona. The only solution to this problem is to install a water softener.

But how do you know if you need a water softener? It can be difficult to tell, but if you notice either of these signs, you can bet that you need to counteract a hard water problem.

You Notice Limescale Buildup

What do we mean by hard water? What makes water “hard”? It’s the minerals that the water running through your home contains. Two minerals that create hard water are calcium and magnesium. When these minerals come into contact with a hard surface, they often get left behind as deposits. While it can be a slow process, over time these deposits build up into what is known as limescale.

Limescale is not only unappealing to look at, it can also cause damage you your pipes and fixtures that gets more difficult to fix over time.

If you notice a white substance on any surfaces that frequently come into contact with your tap water, such as sinks and faucets, you have a hard water problem.

You Notice Your Water Pressure Is Poor

Unfortunately, limescale doesn’t only build up on the surfaces in your home that often get wet. It can also build up inside your pipes. As limescale collects on the inside of your pipes and your water fixtures, it can restrict the flow of water, which leads to poor water pressure.

And is there anything worse than poor water pressure when you go to take a shower or wash the dishes?

One of the most common areas that you can see limescale building up inside your pipes is your shower. Take a look at your showerhead the next time you use your shower. Is there a white substance on it? Has your water pressure decreased over the years? If the answer to either of these is yes, you probably have a hard water problem in your plumbing.

But you don’t have to live with it. It is an easy fix for those who are in the know.

Do I Need a Water Softener? The Answer Is a Phone Call Away

Unfortunately, hard water doesn’t just go away. You have to install a water softener if you want to avoid nasty limescale buildup and poor water pressure. If you notice any of the above signs in your home’s plumbing, it’s time to call in an expert.

Not sure whether your home needs a water softener? Let us help you figure it out on our next trip to your house! To set up an appointment, contact us, or call 602-883-2761. One of our expert plumbers will come to your home and help you decide whether a water softener is right for you.

Posted on Author Vince VinceCategories Blog, Plumbing Service & Repair Phoenix AZ, Residential Plumbing Services, Water TreatmentTags

Wondering whether you need a home water filtration system if you live in Arizona? Read on to learn about a few reasons that your plumbing might benefit from installing one.

Every homeowner must decide whether pollution, outdated municipal treatments, eroding pipes, and other common issues affect their homes’ water. Those in Arizona especially have to think about how hard water affects the taste and quality of their water. To solve these problems, many households make the choice to install a home water filtration system.

If you have been thinking that water filtration might be your best choice but are not quite sure, here are a few reasons you actually do need one.

You Notice a Film Residue after Washing the Dishes, Showering, or Using the Sink

One of the most common plumbing problems that Arizonans (or Arizonians, depending on your preferences) deal with is hard water. A clear sign of hard water? Mineral deposits left behind after water dries. Perhaps you noticed it the last time you did dishes. I know, annoying, right?

But scrubbing mineral deposits from those dishes you already washed is the least of your worries if you have hard water. For instance, did you know that hard water can ruin your clothes, cause damage to your plumbing, and lead to water heater failure? These problems can lead to damage that costs you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Installing a home water filtration system can prevent the damage from occurring.

You Don’t Like the Taste or Smell of Your Water

Another sign that your water is not being filtered thoroughly enough is a bad taste or odor. While not necessarily a health hazard, foul tasting water is not exactly appealing. One reason that your water might taste bad is because of naturally occurring algae. While the algae itself is filtered out by the city, a nasty taste is often left behind.

With a home water filtration system in place, you will notice a big difference.

You Have Dry Skin or Dull Hair

You don’t have to be a beauty queen to want beautiful, healthy skin. So, why do so many of us put up with dry skin that results from hard water? In fact, anyone who has sensitive skin can also expect rashes and eczema if they continue to shower or wash with hard water.

It’s not only the calcium and other mineral deposits in water that cause damage to hair and skin, either. Chemicals used to make the water safe to drink, like chlorine, are also harsh. All of the above strip the hair and skin of their natural oils, so even if you use expensive soap and shampoo, you can still see problems.

Learn More about Installing a Home Water Filtration System

While these are not the only issues that hard, unfiltered water can cause, they illustrate what you can gain by installing a home filtration system. Are you interested in learning more? Contact Custom Plumbing today to speak to someone on our team.

Posted on Author Vince VinceCategories Plumbing Service & Repair Phoenix AZ, Residential Plumbing Services, Water TreatmentTags