Avoid salt bridges in your water softener with these tips from Wally Blanton Plumbing & Sewer, serving Chicago and Wisconsin areas.
What is a Salt Bridge?
A salt bridge is a hardened crust that forms on top of the salt in your water softener’s brine tank. This crust prevents the salt from dissolving properly, leading to inefficient water softening and potential damage to the system. Salt bridges are caused by high humidity, low salt levels, or using the wrong type of salt. To prevent and fix this issue, follow these steps from the experts at Wally Blanton Plumbing & Sewer.
Prevention Tips
Preventing a salt bridge is easier than fixing one. Here are some tips to keep your water softener running smoothly:1. Use high-quality salt pellets or cubes designed for water softeners. Avoid rock salt or other types that can cause mushing.2. Keep the brine tank at least half full of salt at all times. Refill it before it gets too low.3. Consider installing a salt bridge preventer, which uses a grid or screen to break up salt clumps.4. In humid environments, use a desiccant or dehumidifier near the water softener to reduce moisture.5. Schedule regular maintenance with Wally Blanton Plumbing & Sewer to ensure your system is functioning correctly.
Fixing a Salt Bridge
If a salt bridge has already formed, don’t worry ‚ it can be fixed. Follow these steps:1. Locate the brine tank and remove the salt bridge using a blunt object like a broom handle or softener salt mover tool. Break up the crust carefully to avoid damaging the tank.2. Once the bridge is broken, keep poking and raking the salt to loosen any remaining clumps.3. Refill the brine tank with fresh, high-quality salt pellets or cubes.4. Initiate a manual regeneration cycle on your water softener to flush out any remaining debris and restore proper operation.If the salt bridge is severe or you’re unsure how to proceed, call the experts at Wally Blanton Plumbing & Sewer for professional assistance.
Trust Wally Blanton for All Your Plumbing Needs
Wally Blanton Plumbing & Sewer is committed to providing top-notch plumbing services to families in the Chicago-Land and Wisconsin areas. From water softener maintenance to emergency plumbing repairs, our team is ready to solve any issue with unparalleled five-star service. Contact us today for all your plumbing, sewer, water heater, gas line, and drain cleaning needs.