How Long do Water Softeners Last? - Haferman Water Conditioning (2024)

  • May 7, 2018
  • Kinetico, Water Softeners

How Long do Water Softeners Last? - Haferman Water Conditioning (1)

Whether you just moved into a new house, just bought a new water softener, or you’ve had yours for years, you may be wondering when you’re expected to replace it. How long do water softeners last, anyway? And do they require some kind of maintenance? You want your investment to last as long as possible. So, here are some tips to extend your water softeners lifespan.

What Does My Water Softener Do?

Most of us here in Minnesota have very hard water, thanks to concentrations of calcium and magnesium. These minerals aren’t dangerous, but they can dry out skin and hair, cause spots and soap scum to build up on dishes and plumbing fixtures, make our water taste “off,” and eventually, even clog our water heater.

Installing a water softener eliminates these annoying problems by filtering the hard water through resin beads before it is distributed throughout the house. The beads trigger an ion exchange that converts the hard water into soft.

How Long Do Water Softeners Last?

Water softeners can last 10 to 20 years, depending on the type and quality you buy. On average, a single tank electric water softener could last you up to 12 years, while a Kinetico system can last as many as 20 years. However, no appliance lasts forever. If your system is 5 years old and you start to notice some of the hard water symptoms we noted above, it’s probably time for repair. However, if your water softener is 10 years of more, if might be time for a replacement. The sooner you call for a professional inspection, the better your chances of fixing a problem rather than suffering an expensive failure.

While you could install and ignore your water softener until something seems amiss, taking a few simple steps can keep it in optimal working condition and extend its life for years.

Tips for Giving Your Water Softener a Long and Healthy Life

  • Change the filter: Your owner manual will be able to walk you through this process. If you have a Kinetico water softening system, it may use an in-line filter and this will occasionally require replacement.
  • Add Regenerant: You need to make sure your softener never runs out of regenerant. Refill before water is visible in the brine drum or softener cabinet. Use high quality cube or pellet rather than rock or solar salt. It costs more, but its higher purity means less residue build-up. That will save you money in the long run.
  • If you have a single tank electric softener, you will need to flush the resin bed with water softener cleaner about once a year to retain the effectiveness of the resin beads.
  • Don’t replenish the salt supply until the tank is down to 1/3 full. When you refill, leave 4-6 inches (about 1/4 of the tank) empty.
  • When you add salt, look for any hardened “salt bridges” and remove them.
  • Don’t make the softener work too hard. The setting should be high enough to properly soften your water, but anything higher will only cause undue wear. Ask your dealer for advice if you aren’t sure especially since we have such hard water here.

With just a little effort, you can significantly extend the life of your water softener, and enjoy the benefits of soft water for many years. You can help ensure the long life of your water softener by making the right choice when selecting one for your home. Single tank electric systems are often cheaper, but may require for more time for maintenance. Kinetico water systems are engineered to provide you with quality water, all the time, and without requiring extensive and frequent maintenance.

So, let’s hear it for water softeners. They give us clean, soft water that’s easier on our hair, laundry, fixtures, and food and saves us money on cleaning products and water.

  • Tags: water softeners

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FAQs

What is the life expectancy of a Kinetico water softener? ›

The typical lifespan of a Kinetico water softener is 20 or more years. The water source to the home or daily water usage factors how long a water softener and its media will last. When a water softener age nears 20 years, the media (resin) inside the softening tanks becomes worn and loses capacity through attrition.

What is the average lifespan of a water softener? ›

Although a good water softener can last for 10 – 15 years, without proper maintenance and service, it will not last forever. They are actually not meant to last forever, but proper care measures can ensure the lifespan of your water softener is extended to its full capacity.

What is the life expectancy of a Kenmore water softener? ›

If you are unsure how old your water softener is, there are some physical and functional indicators to let you know when it's time for an upgrade: - Check the Serial Number - our systems have an average lifespan of 8-10 years.

How often does Kinetico water softener regenerate? ›

Unlike traditional water softeners, Kinetico systems operate on demand based on your water usage, without timers or electronics. So your system regenerates whenever necessary, at any time of day.

How do you know when your water softener needs to be replaced? ›

Signs Your Softener Isn't Working Properly
  1. Scale buildup inside water-using appliances.
  2. Reddish/yellowish stains around drains and faucets.
  3. White crust buildup on faucets.
  4. Mineral spots in bathroom and on dishes.
  5. Clothes feel scratchy and the color is fading.
  6. Lower water pressure in the shower.

How do you know if your water softener is going out? ›

Is My Water Softener Not Working Properly?
  1. Your water feels hard. ...
  2. Your water softener is making too much noise—or no noise at all. ...
  3. You are going through salt too quickly or slowly. ...
  4. The water level is too high. ...
  5. Your water pressure is low. ...
  6. Your water is discolored or full of resin. ...
  7. Your water has an unpleasant odor.
Nov 14, 2022

Should I replace my 20 year old water softener? ›

While they can last much longer if properly maintained, water softeners have a typical lifespan of between 10 and 15 years, sometimes longer depending on the circ*mstances such as how much water is processed and the incoming quality of water being treated.

What happens when water softener gets old? ›

You might also see the return of some common hard-water issues, like mineral buildup or dry skin and hair. Salt levels can offer clues as well. If your salt tank is always full, that means the softener isn't using any salt, which it needs to function.

Is it worth fixing a water softener? ›

The decision to repair your water softener depends on the severity and frequency of the problem. If your water softener is relatively new and the problem is minor, such as a clogged valve or a faulty timer, repairing it may be a cost-effective solution.

What is the longest lasting water softener? ›

EcoWater softeners are made in America, and they're NSF 44-certified. Between amazing performance and durable warranties, these water softeners can last for decades. They feature excellent serviceability and indiscernible pressure loss force.

How often do water softeners need maintenance? ›

A good water softener system can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Ideally, you'll have a professional like Aquarius Water Conditioning service your unit at least once a year. This is the frequency that the majority of water softener system manufacturers recommend.

Can a water softener last 25 years? ›

While water softeners can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years, most homeowners get 15 years out of their systems before it's time to consider replacements.

How do I make my water softener regenerate more often? ›

Usually, the clock dial is adjusted by lifting it and turning it to the proper position or turning a knob, depending on the machine. Some water softeners have digital settings, so you might be able to hit the “set time” or “set clock” button and then punch in the current time and desired regeneration time.

Should I manually regenerate my water softener after adding salt? ›

If your salt storage tank does run out of salt, you can manually regenerate the unit after adding salt, or you can wait for it to go through regeneration automatically.

Do Kinetico water softeners wear out? ›

On average, a single tank electric water softener could last you up to 12 years, while a Kinetico system can last as many as 20 years. However, no appliance lasts forever. If your system is 5 years old and you start to notice some of the hard water symptoms we noted above, it's probably time for repair.

How often do you need to service a Kinetico? ›

Whether it needs cleaning mostly depends on the condition of your water. Modern water softeners will benefit from a good clean anywhere between once a year or every five years. However, if you start noticing a funny smell, signs of hard water, or discolouration, you will need to clean the system as soon as possible.

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