Why Does My Softened Water Sometimes Taste a Little Salty? Insights from a Pentair Water Softening Contractor in Warrenville, Illinois

Softened water is supposed to taste clean and fresh. If you notice a salty flavor, there could be a problem with your water softener. Below, this Pentair water softening contractor in Warrenville, Illinois is going to explain the common reasons softened water can taste salty.

What does salt have to do with the softening process?

Softening starts with a process called ion exchange. Inside the softener is a tank filled with resin beads. As water passes through these beads, the beads catch the hard minerals (calcium and magnesium) and release loosely held sodium ions into the water. This exchange is what removes the minerals that make water feel “hard.”

As the beads slowly collect more calcium and magnesium, they can’t soften the water very well. At that point, the softener starts a regeneration cycle. During regeneration, a concentrated salt-water mixture called brine is flushed through the tank. The brine pushes the hardness minerals off the beads and replaces them with sodium again. The minerals are rinsed out through the drain and the beads return to normal operation.

Softened water will always contain a small amount of sodium due to this process. Most people never notice it and the water usually feels nicer to use because the minerals that cause buildup are gone.

If you are confused about which softener is right for your home, an experienced Pentair water softening contractor in Warrenville, Illinois can help you choose the right one.

What could make your softened water taste salty?

One common reason is a softener that is not rinsing thoroughly after regeneration. When residual brine remains in the resin tank, a noticeable salty taste can carry over into your tap water. This can happen when the drain line is clogged or when parts like the injector or brine valve are faulty.

Incorrect settings can also cause trouble. If the softener is set to regenerate more frequently than necessary, the sodium level in your water can increase and lead to that salty taste.

Wear and tear inside the softener is another possibility. Over time, parts can get worn down or start leaking. The system may not complete its regeneration cycle properly when that happens and extra brine can be left behind.

Sometimes, the problem can even be the water source itself. Some water supplies, especially groundwater sources, naturally contain higher levels of salts like chloride or sulfate. A softener does not remove those so the water may taste salty.

What to do if your softened water tastes salty?

If your water tastes salty only right after the softener regenerates and the taste goes away after you let the water run for a minute, it may just be some leftover brine. But if the salty taste does not go away or comes back after every regeneration, you need to check a few things.

Start with the brine tank. Sometimes the salt forms a hard layer, a “salt bridge.” When this happens, the salt can’t dissolve, and the softener may not pull in the correct amount of brine. Breaking up the crust with a broom handle can restore proper brine formation and prevent leftover saltwater from reaching your faucets.

You should also check the float valve inside the brine well. It should move up and down without getting stuck. If it is jammed, the tank may fill with too much water or may not draw brine at all.

You need to check the drain line as well. If the line is blocked, the softener can’t rinse the brine properly and the leftover salt gets into your water.

If you still notice the salty taste even after these checks, you may be dealing with a bigger mechanical issue. In situations like these, contacting an experienced Pentair water softening contractor in Warrenville, Illinois is the best option.

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

If you’re searching for a trusted Pentair water softening contractor in Warrenville, Illinois, look no further than Johnson Water Conditioning. Our team is experienced with Pentair systems, and we can quickly diagnose the cause of salty-tasting water or any other softener problem you are facing. Contact us today to learn how we can help.