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.

Signs Your Water Softener Needs Repair in Franklin, IN

Introduction – Spotting Trouble Before It Gets Worse

In Franklin, Indiana, hard water is a common problem. That’s why many homeowners rely on water softeners to protect appliances, reduce scale, and improve water quality. But what happens when your softener stops working the way it should?

Knowing the signs of a failing water softener can save you money on bigger repairs or premature replacement. In this guide, we’ll cover:

The most common symptoms of a water softener in need of repair

What those signs actually mean
When to call a professional vs simple DIY checks
Local homeowner FAQs about water softener issues

Common Signs Your Water Softener Needs Repair

Water softeners don’t usually fail overnight. Instead, they show subtle warning signs that performance is slipping.

Unusual Taste or Smell in Water

If your water tastes salty, metallic, or has a foul odor, your system may not be filtering minerals properly. This often points to a clogged resin tank or malfunctioning valve.

Hard Water Symptoms Return

Spotty dishes, scale on faucets, or stiff laundry are classic signs your softener isn’t doing its job. This usually indicates a salt bridge, clogged resin, or a system that isn’t regenerating.

Low Water Pressure

Sediment buildup inside the softener can reduce water flow, creating lower pressure throughout the home. This is especially common in older systems.

Constantly Running or Not Regenerating

If your softener seems to run endlessly—or not at all—there’s likely a control head or timer malfunction. This is one of the most common repair issues.

Excessive Salt Use

If you’re refilling your brine tank far more often than normal, there could be a leak, clog, or failing control valve wasting salt.

Puddles or Leaks Around the Unit

Any sign of water pooling around the system indicates a leak in the tank, seals, or lines. These should be addressed quickly before they worsen.

Why These Signs Matter – How Repairs Work

Each symptom points to different underlying problems. Here’s a closer look at what they mean for Franklin homeowners.

Taste and smell issues: Resin tank may need cleaning or replacement.
Hard water stains return: Often a regeneration cycle problem caused by control valve failure.
Low water pressure: Usually buildup of iron or sediment in the system.
Leaks and puddles: Tank cracks, worn seals, or failing connections.

Most of these problems are fixable. Repair costs in Franklin generally range from $150 to $700, depending on the part and labor.

Decision Guide – When to Repair vs Replace

When you notice signs of trouble, the first step is to determine whether a repair will solve the issue or if replacement is smarter.

Consider repair if:

Your system is less than 10 years old.
The problem is isolated (e.g., clogged resin, valve replacement).
The repair cost is less than half the price of a new softener.

Consider replacement if:

Your unit is 12–15+ years old.
Multiple signs of failure appear at once.
Repairs cost more than 50% of a new system.
Your water still feels hard even after servicing.

FAQs – Franklin Homeowner Questions

How long should a water softener last?
Most systems last 10–15 years in Indiana with regular maintenance.

Can I fix my water softener myself?
Basic issues like salt bridging can be handled DIY. But valve replacements, leaks, or resin tank issues require professional service.

What’s the average repair cost in Franklin, IN?
Homeowners typically spend $150–$700, depending on the part.

Why does my water taste salty after softening?
This usually means the brine cycle isn’t flushing correctly, often due to a valve problem.

Should I replace my softener instead of repairing?
If your unit is over 12 years old or repairs are frequent, replacement is usually more cost-effective.

Conclusion – Take Action Before Issues Worsen

Your water softener is essential for protecting your Franklin home from hard water damage. By recognizing the signs of trouble—like poor water quality, leaks, or high salt use—you can act before small issues turn into major expenses.

For many homeowners, professional service makes the difference between a quick repair and unnecessary replacement. The best next step is to schedule a water test and system inspection with a local expert. That way, you’ll know exactly what’s wrong and how to fix it.

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