MYTH: YOU CAN NEVER FULLY WASH OUT SOAP USING SOFT WATER

Showering in soft water can make your skin feel 'slippery' and may give you the sensation that soap and shampoo are never truly rinsed away. In fact, by removing the hardness from your water, a softener removes the barrier to the moisturizing agents within soap and shampoo. With hard water, soap residue leaves skin dry, and hair dull. But with soft water, you get to experience your skin and hair how they were always meant to be experienced - shiny and full of life. Clean, soft water is the instant boost your body never knew it needed.

MYTH: SOFT WATER TASTES SALTY

Some believe that because a water softener uses salt to remove water hardness, that the water that comes from a water softener must also taste salty. This is markedly false. In fact, most do not realize how little sodium is in soft water. The average amount of sodium in a quart of water from a water softener is 75 to 100 mg. That's less sodium than a slice of white bread. Another solution? Add a Reverse Osmosis water filter for completely sodium-free drinking water.

MYTH: WATER SOFTENERS WASTE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SALT AND WATER

Hague's technological advances in water softeners began in 1960 and are more energy-efficient than most conventional water softeners on the market. With the use of patented technology such as directional flow screens, our systems are fast, use minimal salt and waste little water.

MYTH: SALT-FREE AND SALT-BASED WATER SOFTENERS ARE THE SAME

While many salt-free or saltless water systems do exist, they are almost always 'descalers,' not true water softeners. This means that they only break down the hardness from the water entering your home. They do not help prevent the buildup of scale in pipes and appliances, but all the other benefits of soft water are forfeited.

MYTH: BOTTLED WATER IS MORE CONVENIENT, CHEAPER, AND CLEANER THAN SOFT WATER

Bottled water may be convenient, but it is definitely not cheap. Buying bottled water can result in paying 240 to 10,000 times more per-liter than making the most of your tap water. Not to mention the negative effects on the environment by using and throwing away all those plastic bottles. Bottled water can sometimes be perceived as 'pure water' or 'purified water,' but in most cases, bottled water is no purer than tap water.

Best Practices for Maintaining a Water Softener in Mooresville

December 14, 2025

Introduction

A water softener is one of the most valuable systems you can install in your Mooresville home. It protects your plumbing, extends the life of appliances, and improves the feel of your water. But like any piece of equipment, a water softener requires regular attention to perform at its best.

Many homeowners install a softener and forget about it—until they start seeing soap scum, scale buildup, or dry skin return. The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can keep your softener running smoothly for years to come. This article covers the best practices every Mooresville homeowner should follow.

Why Water Softener Maintenance Matters

Your water softener works by removing calcium and magnesium minerals that cause hard water. Over time, the resin bed, salt tank, and other components can lose efficiency if not maintained.

Common issues from poor maintenance

Salt bridging, where a hard crust forms and prevents the softener from regenerating properly.
Resin bed fouling, which reduces the system’s ability to exchange hardness minerals.
Inefficient regeneration cycles, leading to wasted water and salt.
Premature wear on valves and other mechanical parts.

In short, good maintenance doesn’t just improve performance—it extends the lifespan of your softener and protects your investment.

Step-by-Step Best Practices for Water Softener Care

Here are the essential steps Mooresville homeowners should take to maintain their water softener effectively.

Step 1: Check salt levels regularly

Look into the brine tank every few weeks. The salt should be at least half-full and kept above the water level. Always add salt before the tank is empty.

Step 2: Break up salt bridges

Salt sometimes forms a solid crust that looks like a full tank but leaves water underneath. Use a broom handle or stick to gently break up the bridge if you notice hard clumps.

Step 3: Use high-quality salt

Choose pellets or solar salt designed for softeners. Cheaper salts often contain impurities that leave sludge at the bottom of the tank.

Step 4: Clean the brine tank annually

Empty the tank once a year, scrub away buildup, and rinse thoroughly before refilling with fresh salt.

Step 5: Monitor water softness

Pay attention to soap lathering, spot-free dishes, and the feel of water on your skin. These are simple indicators of whether your softener is working correctly.

Step 6: Schedule professional service

Once a year, have a technician inspect and service your softener. They can clean the resin bed, check valves, and recalibrate settings.

Step 7: Re-test your water

Mooresville homes often see seasonal fluctuations in water hardness. A fresh water test ensures your softener is programmed correctly.

FAQs on Water Softener Maintenance

How often should I add salt to my water softener?
Most households need to add salt every 4–6 weeks, but frequency depends on water hardness and usage.
What type of salt is best for my softener?
Pellet salt is generally best because it dissolves evenly and leaves less residue than rock salt.
How long does a water softener last?
With proper maintenance, most softeners last 10–15 years or more.
Why does my softener use more salt in the summer?
Hardness often increases when water tables are lower, so your system regenerates more often.
Do water softeners need to be cleaned?
Yes. Brine tanks should be cleaned once a year, and resin beds may require periodic professional cleaning.

Conclusion

Maintaining your water softener doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require consistency. By checking salt levels, cleaning the brine tank, and scheduling annual service, Mooresville homeowners can avoid costly breakdowns and keep their water softener working at peak efficiency.

The payoff is clear: better water, longer-lasting appliances, and peace of mind knowing your system is protecting your home year-round.

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