How Often Should a Water Softener Run?

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How Often Should a Water Softener Run?

A water softener is not like a water heater in that it does not need to run all the time in order to do its job. Your water softener should only turn on every two or three days. When it does turn on, the process it runs is “regeneration.” Regeneration is the process by which the softener flushes the minerals from the resin beads. Without regeneration, the beads would be soggy with minerals and unable to do their job.

The regeneration process is very important, not only for your softener but also for you. Simply put, you know something is wrong with your water softener when its regeneration schedule shifts. If your softener is running more or less often than every two to three days, it’s a good idea to call a professional to come take a look at it.

At Plumbing by Jake, we have experience taking care of water softeners just like yours. If your softener is giving you trouble, call us at (928) 377-5910, and we’ll come down and take a look.

Your Water Softener’s Schedule

While water softeners typically regenerate every two to three days, you can program certain models to regenerate at the same time on its scheduled days. Some models start the process in the early morning hours, which is great because it should complete the process by the time you get up in the morning. Most of the newer models allow you to adjust the schedule by way of the control panel. Check your owner’s manual for exact instructions on how to do this.

Other softeners regenerate based on how much water you use. The more you use, the more often the system will run. Some models even regenerate daily. The best way to know for sure what schedule your particular softener should run on is to check the owner’s manual. This is something you should definitely familiarize yourself with so you know when the schedule is off, which can signal a problem with the softener.

In some rare cases, your softener may go a week without regenerating. This may be perfectly normal for your make and model, but if it does this, you may want to consult with a professional just to be sure.

What Happens During the Regeneration Process

The regeneration process is the job you expect your water softener to do in order to “soften” your water. It’s the whole reason for having a water softener in the first place. When the softener starts its regeneration process, it passes hard water through its bed of resin beads. The beads then pull the minerals out of the water and store the minerals so they don’t pass through to the water you drink or otherwise use straight from the tap.

By removing the minerals from the water, the softener makes the water “soft.” However, there’s only so many minerals the resin can hold onto. Over time, the system must clean the resin so it can do its job again. That’s where the regeneration process comes in. This process removes the minerals from the resin, effectively cleaning them and getting them ready for another round of mineral removal.

Whether your softener works on a timer or by way of demand all depends on the valve your particular model comes with. However, if you’re in the market for a softener, you may want to consider picking up one with demand regeneration instead of timed regeneration. These softeners are more efficient because they run when you need them to, rather than on a schedule whether your resin needs regeneration or not.

Things to Check Before Calling a Professional

If you notice a change in the quality of your water, you can check a few things before you call a professional. First, make sure your softener has power. Then, check the drain line to see if a kink is present that may be restricting its flow. You should also check to see if the brine tank is empty and add more salt if necessary.

If you’ve checked all these things and you still have hard water, then give our team a call to come take a look. Our experienced and licensed technicians are here around the clock, ready and able to help you no matter what time it is, and no matter how big or small the problem is. We offer all our customers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on parts and repairs.

We know how dirty a job involving water can be, so we do our best to leave the workspace as clean as it was when we arrived. Call us today at (928) 377-5910, and we can have your water softener working efficiently again in no time!