What Should You Do to Prepare Your Water Softener for Cold Weather? Insights From a Pentair Water Softening Contractor in Barrington, Illinois

Cold weather can impact your water softener’s performance. But with a little preparation now, you can keep it running smoothly all winter long. Below, this Pentair water softening contractor in Barrington, Illinois is going to explain some easy steps to prepare your softener for the colder months.

Does your water softener need extra attention in winter?

Most households use more hot water during the winter and that means your softener must work harder to keep up. On top of that, the colder water entering your water softener can slow down the softening process. If you don’t check your water softener before winter, you may encounter hard water or low water pressure. Your water softener may even stop working when you need it most. 

What’s the first thing you should check before winter?

The first thing you should check is the salt tank. You need to make sure that there is enough salt and that it has not hardened into one big clump. Cold weather can cause moisture to build up inside the tank, which can lead to salt clumping or forming a solid layer. When that happens, your water softener will not work properly.

Next, you should check the area around the water softener. If your softener is installed in a cold place like the basement, you need to make sure that the pipes and valves are protected from freezing. If the area feels drafty, consider wrapping the pipes with insulation to prevent them from freezing.

If it has been a long time since you last checked your water softener, you should run a manual regeneration cycle just to make sure everything is still functioning properly. If you don’t know how to do this, you can always talk to your local Pentair water softening contractor in Barrington, Illinois. They can guide you through all the steps.

How do you keep your water softener running effectively in cold weather?

During the colder months, you should check the salt level in the brine tank every few weeks. Sometimes the tank can look full, but the salt may not be dissolving because it is frozen or clumped together.

You need to pay attention to your water quality as well. If you see spots on your dishes or experience dry skin afterward, those are signs that hard water is present. You should also watch for sudden drops in water pressure. Frozen pipes or slow water flow can both impact your softener’s performance.

Is it time to call a professional water softening contractor?

If you suddenly notice hard water in your home or if your water softener seems to be running all the time, it is a good idea to schedule a professional inspection. Winter-related water softener issues are not always easy to spot. There could be ice in the brine line, a clogged valve or any other hidden problem.

A thorough inspection can help you find out if the resin needs to be replaced or if the softener needs a good cleaning. A professional Pentair water softening contractor in Barrington, Illinois can perform this inspection to make sure your water softener is ready to get you through the winter without any unexpected issues.

Looking for a Pentair water softening contractor in Barrington, Illinois?

If you are searching for a trusted Pentair water softening contractor in Barrington, Illinois, look no further than Johnson Water Conditioning. Our team can inspect your water softener and make sure everything is working exactly as it should. Contact us today to learn how we can help.