Whether you bought a home equipped with an old model or scored a deal on a second-hand system online, you may be wondering if it’s safe to use a water softener unused for years. While a water softener is designed to prevent pipe corrosion, protect your appliances, and prevent soap scum, a neglected or damaged unit might not be effective.
If you’d like your water softener system inspected, repaired, or replaced, contact the pros at Tri-County Water Services. For the past 18 years, we have been providing water treatment services to businesses and homeowners throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. Our fully insured crew has the tools, training, and experience to help you tap into the big benefits of sediment-free H2O. Contact us at 610-857-1740 to schedule a consultation.
Common Water Softener Issues
Water softeners work by stripping excess magnesium and calcium from your supply. These sediments can affect the clarity, taste, and smell of your water; cause corrosive scale buildup inside your pipes; and leave a sticky soap residue on your skin, sink, and bathtub. But older water softeners, especially those that haven’t been used or maintained for years, can break down, exposing you and your home to hard water. Look out for these warning signs when using an older unit:
1. The Water Is Not Soft
Without a side-by-side comparison or a detailed water test, it can be difficult to tell if your water softener is working. Below are a few telltale signs that your system has been compromised:
- Spots on your glassware and dishes;
- Soap scum on your sink or bathtub;
- Mineral buildup around your faucets and other water fixtures; and
- Dry hair or itchy skin.
At Tri-County Water Services, we can perform an advanced water test to evaluate the quality of your H2O. Our pros will visit your home, take samples of your supply, and provide you with an in-depth report on your water’s contents.
2. The Water Is Discolored or Brown
While rust in your plumbing or high levels of sediment in the feed supply can discolor your water, old softener systems are often riddled with bacteria that cause brown water. As part of our maintenance plans, our pros will ensure any harmful bacteria are flushed from your supply so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your water is safe to drink.
3. The Water Softener Is Leaking
Unfortunately, wear and tear can cause leaks in your water softener. The result: You’ll be forced to foot the bill after moisture damages your floor, walls, and possessions. If you have an old water softener, it’s important to have it checked by an expert. At Tri-County Water Services, we have experience working with a wide variety of water treatment systems, from carbon filters and brim filters to reverse osmosis setups.
Get Water Softener Repairs or Replacement from TCWS
An old water softener can cause more issues than it solves. Make sure you aren’t compromising your supply; contact the pros at Tri-County Water Services to evaluate your system today. Call 610-857-1740 to get started.
OUr water softerner was used for 2 years then stored in our basement for 20 years. Can we use it again now that we moved into a house with no softener?
Have not used the water softener system in 10 years and now the plumber said that it’s leaking which has caused our water bill to skyrocket!
Thank you so much for talking about what can end up happening if you leave a water softener alone for years. Something like this could easily ruin the water quality of things like showers and faucets, so I feel like we would need to include this in our renovations. Once I find a home water treatment expert in the area, I’ll definitely ask them for some help with getting that replaced.
Thanks for helping me understand how seeing strange-colored water from your water softener could signify that it needs repairs. I have a friend that wants to try investing in a new home this year with his wife. I think finding a plumber that can install and repair these systems is a good investment.