Water softeners perform an extremely important job, removing minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the water in your home. But just like any other appliance, a water softener will only last for so long. Eventually, components break, electrical problems occur, and it just stops working. While they can last much longer if well maintained, water softeners have a typical lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. If you are softening extremely hard water or well water with iron, your equipment may need to be replaced sooner. If your water softener was installed more than a decade ago, it may be time to replace it with a newer model. Learning how to spot the signs of your water softener starting to fail can help you determine if its time for an upgrade.

Common Signs Your Water Softener Isn’t Working Properly
Here are four things to watch for that could indicate your water softener needs to be serviced or replaced.

1. Not Enough Lather
One of the telltale signs of hard water is soap refusing to lather. If you notice that you are having a hard time soaping up in the shower, you may need to check your water softener. You may notice that you are going through shampoo and soap a lot faster than usual, as you need to use more to make a decent lather.

2. Laundry Problems
Washing your clothes in hard water can make them stiff and scratchy. Fabric softener can counteract this stiffness to some extent, but a more effective solution is to make sure your water softener is functioning properly to effectively remove the minerals that are making the clothes stiff.

Hard water can damage a washing machine as well as other appliances such as hot water heaters and dishwashers. To protect those appliances, it is important to check to make sure your water softener is functioning properly.

3. Crusty Buildup Around Pipes and Faucets
The minerals that are naturally present in hard water can cause a crusty buildup around your pipes and faucets. Pay attention to your faucets when you are cleaning the kitchen and bathroom. If you notice a chalky substance building up around them, this could be a sign that you need to take a look at your softener.

4. Your Water Tastes Different
Hard water tastes different than soft water. Some people prefer the smooth taste of soft water and will notice if the water supply to their home begins to have increased mineral content. If you’re drinking water straight from the tap, pay attention to changes in taste, as it could mean your softener needs to be serviced or replaced.

Benefits of a New Water Softener
Replacing an old water softener can make your life at home much easier. If your water hasn’t been getting properly softened, it means you’ve likely been dealing with common hard water problems like those mentioned above. A new water softener could make it easier to keep your house clean, provide you with softer clothes, and better hair and skin. It also helps ensure your water-using appliances last at least as long as you’d expect.

Getting a new water softener also allows you to take advantage of updated features and technologies in water treatment. Much like upgrading a furnace, most modern day furnaces will be more efficient than one 15 years old. Water softeners are the same way, but there are even more advanced features as well. For example, you could purchase a water softener equipped with settings to refresh your system proportionally, helping you save on salt and conserve water. Salt monitors can alert you when you need to add water softener salts, chlorine generators can keep your system clean, and there are even innovations that connect softeners to Wi-Fi.

Rely on the Water Treatment Experts at the Lake of the Ozarks
Water quality changes over time. If you are thinking of replacing your water softener or having it serviced, it is a good idea to get your home’s water evaluated so you get the right water treatment equipment. The experts at Lindyspring Systems have more than 20 years of experience in the water treatment industry and can give you reliable advice and recommend the right solutions for your particular needs.

Lindyspring Systems services the Lake of the Ozarks and the surrounding areas. With a large customer base of homes and businesses, we are large enough to respond quickly when you need us and still small enough to give good old-fashioned personal service. If you're in need of a home water treatment system at the Lake of the Ozarks, we can get you set up with the equipment you need, and the service you deserve.