How to Maintain Your Water Softener for Maximum Efficiency

A water softener is a smart investment in your home’s plumbing, appliance longevity, and water quality. But like any system, it needs regular upkeep to keep working effectively.

This guide walks you through essential maintenance tips to keep your water softener running at peak performance.

1. Why Water Softener Maintenance Matters

2. Check Your Salt Levels Regularly

3. Use the Right Type of Salt

4. Break Up Salt Bridges

5. Clean the Brine Tank

6. Inspect the Resin Bed

7. Watch for Signs of Trouble

WaterSmart can help if you need expert advice or a professional tune-up - contact us today.

1. Why Water Softener Maintenance Matters

Routine water softener maintenance ensures your system is doing its job: removing excess minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause hard water.

A well-maintained softener can:

• Prevent scale buildup in pipes, fixtures, and appliances

• Improve the performance of dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters

• Reduce soap scum and spotting on dishes and glassware

• Improve soap and detergent effectiveness, saving you money

• Extend the overall lifespan of the softener unit

Without proper upkeep, your system may become inefficient, use more salt and water, or even break down prematurely.

A few simple monthly tasks can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your water consistently soft.

2. Check Your Salt Levels Regularly

Salt is the lifeblood of your water softener. It’s used during the regeneration cycle to clean the resin beads that remove hardness minerals from your water.

If salt levels drop too low, the system can’t regenerate properly, leading to hard water in your home.

Here's how to stay on top of it:

• Open the brine tank lid and visually inspect the salt level once a month

• Refill when the salt drops below half full

• Aim to keep salt about 3 to 4 inches above the water level

• Be cautious not to overfill, as this can cause salt bridging (more on that below)

You can also mark a recurring reminder in your calendar or phone so you never forget this quick but crucial step.

3. Use the Right Type of Salt

The type of salt you use directly affects your softener’s performance. Choosing the right one reduces maintenance needs and improves efficiency.

Recommended:

• Evaporated Salt Pellets: These are highly purified and dissolve well, minimizing residue and buildup

• Solar Salt: A more natural option that works well in areas with lower water hardness

Avoid:

• Rock Salt: Although cheaper, it contains more impurities and can clog or damage your system over time

Also, check your softener's manual to see if it specifies a preferred type. Using a poor-quality salt can lead to bridging, mushing, and increased cleaning frequency.

4. Break Up Salt Bridges

A salt bridge is a hard, crusty layer that forms across the top of the salt in your brine tank, creating a gap between the salt and the water below.

When this happens, your softener can’t dissolve salt properly, preventing the regeneration process.

How to identify and break a salt bridge:

• Use a broom handle or stick to gently press down into the salt

• If it feels solid or hollow underneath, you likely have a bridge

• Carefully break it up and remove large chunks if necessary

• Pour warm water into the tank to help dissolve any clumps

Prevent bridging by keeping the tank in a low-humidity area and avoiding overfilling.

Using high-purity salt helps reduce the chances of a bridge forming in the first place.

5. Clean the Brine Tank

Even with good salt and regular checks, your brine tank can accumulate sludge, sediment, or mold over time.

A yearly cleaning can prevent salt mushing and bacterial growth.

Steps to clean your brine tank:

1. Turn off your water softener and unplug it if applicable

2. Remove any remaining salt and water using a scoop and sponge

3. Scrub the interior using warm water, dish soap, or a soft bristle brush

4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap or cleaning residue

5. Refill with fresh salt and reconnect the tank

Depending on your water source and salt quality, you may need to clean the tank every 6 to 12 months.

WaterSmart offers brine tank cleanouts if you'd rather leave it to the pros.

6. Inspect the Resin Bed

The resin bed inside your water softener is where the real magic happens. It attracts and holds onto hard water minerals before flushing them out during regeneration.

Over time, resin beads can become fouled by iron, chlorine, or organic matter.

Keep your resin bed in good shape by:

• Using a resin bed cleaner every 6–12 months (especially if you have high iron levels)

• Installing a pre-filter if you use well water or have high sediment

• Monitoring for reduced softening effectiveness—this may mean your resin is breaking down and needs replacement

Most resin beds last 10–15 years with proper maintenance, but keeping them clean extends their life and keeps your water quality high.

Upgrading to a 10% resin water softener may cost a little more up front, but the benefits are substantial, especially over the lifespan of your system.

7. Watch for Signs of Trouble

Your water softener may not come with a warning light, but there are several signs that something's wrong.

Catching these early can save you from bigger headaches later.

Common issues to watch for:

• Hard water symptoms return (soap scum, dry skin, mineral spots)

• Water feels slippery or salty after softening

• Unit constantly running or regenerating

• Unusual noises or error codes on digital models

• Low water pressure, especially if the resin bed is clogged

Any of these could indicate a salt bridge, a faulty valve, or worn-out resin beads. If your DIY efforts don’t solve the issue, it’s time to call in a technician.

Regular maintenance may seem minor, but it plays a major role in extending the life of your water softener and keeping your home protected from the damaging effects of hard water.

With the right salt, timely cleanings, and attention to performance issues, you can ensure your system continues delivering soft, high-quality water for years to come.

And remember—when in doubt, WaterSmart is just a phone call or click away.

Call WaterSmart for Professional Help

Sometimes, maintenance goes beyond what a homeowner can—or wants to—do. That’s where we come in.

At WaterSmart Systems & Plumbing, our licensed technicians have decades of experience servicing and installing all types of water softeners.

Whether it’s a quick repair, annual inspection, or complete system upgrade, we’re here to help you protect your investment and enjoy reliably soft water year-round.

We proudly install high-performance, Canadian-made 10% resin water softeners designed to give you cleaner, softer water with less hassle, year after year.

And remember, installation is always free with the purchase of any WaterSmart water softener. In addition, we install our Smart Series water softeners a little differently than the conventional softener to make it more water-efficient.

Contact us today for a free water test or to learn more about the benefits of upgrading to 10% resin.

Your water softener should work as hard as you do - let’s make sure it lasts.

“Arrived on time did an excellent job and was fairly priced. I would not hesitate to use them again. Many thanks Watersmart!”

— Mick Sayer

Home Water Filtration: The Ultimate Guide

When considering a home water filtration system, understanding your options, costs, maintenance needs, and lifespan is key to making the right decision.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the most popular home water filtration systems:

1. Water Softeners

2. Reverse Osmosis Systems

3. Fridge Filters

4. Tap Filters

5. Simple Pitcher Filters

At WaterSmart, we’ve been guiding homeowners through this process since 1994—helping them select, install, and maintain water filtration systems that improve water quality and save money long-term.

Contact us today to tap into our expertise.

1. Water Softeners

Average Cost (2025): $1,000 - $3,000

Installation: Requires professional installation into the main water line to ensure even treatment across the household.

Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years, depending on water usage and maintenance.

Maintenance: Refill with salt every 4–8 weeks and schedule an annual check-up.

Water softeners are designed to remove calcium and magnesium, two minerals commonly found in hard water. These minerals can cause a build-up in your pipes and appliances, leading to long-term damage and inefficiency.

By eliminating these minerals, water softeners extend the lifespan of your appliances and help you use less soap and detergent in daily cleaning.

The primary drawback is the need to replenish salt regularly, which adds to the ongoing cost. The more water your household uses, the more often salt must be added.

2. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Average Cost (2025): $150 - $4,800

Installation: RO systems can be installed under sinks or as whole-home solutions. Professional installation is recommended, especially for larger units.

Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years. RO membranes typically require replacement every 2–3 years.

Maintenance: Filter replacement every 6–12 months and annual sanitation.

Reverse osmosis systems force water through a semipermeable membrane, removing a wide range of contaminants such as heavy metals, nitrates, chlorine, and even certain bacteria.

This produces cleaner, better-tasting water that won’t contribute to scale in kettles or coffee makers.

While they offer thorough filtration, RO systems are more expensive upfront and use more water than other types.

Additionally, membranes and filters must be replaced regularly for optimal performance.

3. Fridge Filters

Average Cost (2025): $1,600 - $8,000 (includes refrigerator) | $30 - $100 (replacement filters)

Installation: Installed as part of your refrigerator unit. Connection to a water line is required.

Life Expectancy: The filter itself lasts 1–3 months, while the fridge may last 8–15 years.

Maintenance: Replace filters approximately every 1–3 months based on usage.

Fridge filters work by running tap water through activated carbon, which traps impurities and contaminants. It’s a simple, convenient option for families who want fast access to cold, filtered water.

The main downside is the upfront cost of purchasing a fridge with a built-in water filter and the limited range of contaminants it can remove compared to RO systems.

4. Tap Filters

Average Cost (2025): $20 - $100

Installation: Easy to install without professional help. Designed to attach to most standard faucets.

Life Expectancy: 1–2 years for the housing unit.

Maintenance: Replace internal filters every 1–3 months.

Tap filters are a cost-effective way to reduce chlorine, lead, and other contaminants. They are ideal for renters or people who want an easy-to-install solution without modifying plumbing.

However, they can be bulky and visually unappealing. Some may not fit all faucets, especially handheld or spray units. Reduced water pressure is also a common complaint.

5. Simple Pitcher Filters

Average Cost (2025): $20 - $80 | $6 - $10 for replacement filters

Installation: None needed. Fill with tap water and refrigerate.

Life Expectancy: 1–2 years for the pitcher; filters should be replaced monthly.

Maintenance: Replace the filter approximately every 30 days.

Pitcher filters - like Brita, for example - are easy to use and affordable. They work by passing water through a carbon filter that reduces chlorine and sediment. With no installation required, they are perfect for dorms, offices, and small households.

That said, they have a limited capacity and require you to wait as the water filters through. Frequent refilling and filter replacement can become inconvenient over time.

Here’s a handy chat for your reference when trying to make a home water filtration decision.

How WaterSmart Supports You

Since 1994, WaterSmart has helped homeowners in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, and surrounding areas choose and maintain water filtration systems tailored to their needs.

Our expert team will:

• Test your water to identify specific issues.

• Recommend the best solution based on your household’s size, water source, and goals.

• Install your new system professionally and efficiently.

• Provide ongoing service, including salt delivery, filter changes, and repairs.

• Answer all your questions and show you how to get the most from your system.

We’re local, experienced, and dedicated to improving your water quality.

Contact us today to get started.

“The installation was done very efficient. No messes, went through the operation of the water softener. Friendly and honest. I would recommend to everyone.”

— William Miller

What Is 10% Resin in a Water Softener - and Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a more durable and efficient water softener, you may have heard about the 10% resin water softener. But what exactly does that mean—and is it really worth the upgrade?

In this post, we’ll explain the difference between 8% and 10% resin, explore the benefits of using a 10% resin water softener, and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your home.

1. What Is Resin in a Water Softener?

2. What Does “10% Resin” Mean?

3. Why Choose a 10% Resin Water Softener?

4. Who Should Consider a 10% Resin Water Softener?

5. Is a 10% Resin Water Softener Worth It?

We proudly offer 10% resin water softeners built for durability, efficiency, and long-term value. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a free water assessment.

1. What Is Resin in a Water Softener?

Water softeners work by removing hardness minerals, like calcium and magnesium, through a process called ion exchange.

At the center of that process is the resin bed, a chamber filled with thousands of small beads made from a durable plastic polymer.

Each bead is charged with sodium ions. As hard water passes through the resin bed, the beads attract and hold onto the hardness minerals, releasing sodium in their place. This is what “softens” the water.

Over time, however, resin beads can break down, become less effective, or get clogged with iron, chlorine, or other contaminants.

The better the quality of your resin, the longer your system will run smoothly—and that’s where 10% cross-linked resin comes in.

2. What Does “10% Resin” Mean?

The number in 10% resin refers to the level of cross-linking in the polymer structure of the resin beads. Cross-linking is the process of bonding polymer chains together to make the bead stronger and more compact.

• 8% resin, the industry standard, has 8% cross-linking. It works well in average water conditions and is typically less expensive.

• A 10% resin water softener, by contrast, uses resin beads that are 10% cross-linked, making them denser, more chemically resistant, and far more durable.

This higher level of cross-linking means the resin is less susceptible to breakdown from chlorine, iron, and heavy usage.

It's a small difference in formulation that can have a big impact on longevity and performance.

3. Why Choose a 10% Resin Water Softener?

Upgrading to a 10% resin water softener may cost a little more up front, but the benefits are substantial, especially over the lifespan of your system:

Longer Resin Lifespan

Because of its increased durability, 10% resin can last up to 20 years in the right conditions, 5–10 years longer than 8% resin. That means fewer service calls, fewer replacements, and better return on investment.

Better Performance Over Time

10% resin beads maintain their shape and function longer, even in homes with high water usage. You’ll get consistently softened water with fewer drops in performance over the years.

Greater Resistance to Chlorine

Chlorine is added to municipal water supplies to disinfect it, but it can be harsh on softener resin. 10% cross-linked resin stands up better to chlorine exposure, meaning it’s far less likely to degrade or turn to mush over time.

Lower Maintenance and Replacement Costs

While the up-front cost of a 10% resin water softener is slightly higher, you’ll likely save money in the long run by avoiding early replacements, resin bed cleanings, or full system repairs due to resin fouling.

4. Who Should Consider a 10% Resin Water Softener?

A 10% resin water softener is not just a luxury upgrade—it’s a practical choice for many households. You should strongly consider it if:

• You’re on municipal/city water: City water often contains chlorine and other chemicals that break down standard resin faster.

• You have a high water demand: Larger families or homes with multiple bathrooms use more water, which puts extra strain on the system.

• You’ve had issues with previous softeners: If you’ve had to replace or repair your softener sooner than expected, the resin might’ve been the weak link.

The investment in a 10% resin water softener ensures your system can keep up with your home’s needs and won’t wear out prematurely.

5. Is a 10% Resin Water Softener Worth It?

For most homeowners, especially those using city water, a 10% resin water softener is well worth the investment.

It offers greater durability, better protection against chlorine and fouling, and longer-lasting performance.

While the initial price might be slightly higher than a standard unit, the long-term savings in maintenance and replacement costs make it the smart choice for many families.

Ready to Upgrade?

We proudly install high-performance, Canadian-made 10% resin water softeners designed to give you cleaner, softer water with less hassle, year after year.

And remember, installation is always free with the purchase of any WaterSmart water softener. In addition, we install our Smart Series water softeners a little differently than the conventional softener to make it more water-efficient.

Contact us today for a free water test or to learn more about the benefits of upgrading to 10% resin.

Your water softener should work as hard as you do - let’s make sure it lasts.

“Great service with very reasonable prices.”

— Naresh Sharma