water filtration

Hand sanitizers are excellent for killing germs that creep onto hands. Now imagine something similar for water softeners. If germs can linger on our hands, they can also show up inside your water softener, but sanitization methods are available to target and eliminate them.

From salt refills to water filtration installations, our technicians at Monkey Wrench have firsthand experience with water softeners. By working with water softener manufacturers, we know these systems inside and out, so we can better service and install them throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of water softener sanitization, how the process works, and how often it should be done. With this information, you’ll understand why it is essential and how to make sure that your water-softening system continues providing you with soft water. 

Let’s jump right into it!

 

Should You Sanitize Your Water Softener?

Sanitizing your water softener is necessary because it helps eliminate all types of bacteria and other pathogens that may be in the water. It also helps maintain good water quality. Water softener sanitization may also extend the lifespan of your water softener, and it is part of routine maintenance that keeps the internal components free from mineral deposits and any bacterial growth.

Here’s a list of the most common pathogens eliminated through sanitization.

  • H1N1
  • MRSA
  • Bird flu
  • Staph
  • E. Coli
  • Other organisms 

Although municipal water treatment plants regularly test and filter the water supply, it’s still possible for bacteria to form through lack of maintenance. Impure water can linger, and even though it’s being softened, it can still contain bacteria that can possibly harm people.

In warm climates like Los Angeles, microbes can quickly multiply under the right conditions, but thankfully, sanitizing water softeners can kill it off before it becomes a significant problem.

 

Water Softener Sanitization Process

Although homeowners can sanitize their water softeners, we recommend having a technician sanitize them during a salt refill or a yearly maintenance check. This helps to avoid accidentally adding the sanitizer to the wrong compartment and possibly damaging the water softener and voiding its warranty. Here’s an inside look at how to sanitize a water softener.

  1. Identify the brine tank of the water softener. It’s where the salt is added.
  2. Open and remove the lid of the brine tube inside the tank.
  3. Pour the .5oz packet of liquid sanitizer concentrate into the brine.
    1. Pro tip: A true water softener should have a brine tube.
  4. Put the brine tube lid back on and for the brine tank.
  5. Set a manual regeneration on the water softener.

As the unit regenerates, the liquid concentrate sanitizes the water softener. The sanitizing solution will then be flushed out during the system’s backwash cycle.

There are various types of sanitizer, but none have shown to be as effective as Sani-System Liquid Sanitizer Concentrate. It is the only sanitizer for water softeners registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and approved by the National Sanitization Foundation (NSF). It is 99.99% effective in removing bacteria inside your water softener. 

Technicians usually carry sanitizer in stock in their work vehicles since the concentrate isn’t sold directly from Sani-System. Adding the sanitizer takes minutes, but the entire sanitization process can take 1 to 2 hours. However, most of that time is spent on the regeneration cycle, which can vary from water softener to water softener. 

Cleaning and disinfecting your water softener is important, but how often should you do it?

 

How Often Should I Clean My Water Softener?

It’s recommended by the EPA and the Water Quality Association to sanitize your water softener either once or twice a year. It’s important to check the salt levels in your brine tank once a month, but also keep an eye out for any signs of bacteria.

Foul odors are one of the most obvious signs of bacterial growth in your water softener. Water discoloration is another symptom of bacteria present. 

Regular maintenance checks are the best way to stay on top of when and how often your water softener needs to be cleaned and disinfected. 

 

Scheduling Water Softener Sanitization 

If you suspect bacteria are present in your water softener, the best thing to do is to book an appointment with a technician who can come and disinfect your system. Doing so provides peace of mind and ensures your home’s water quality doesn’t decrease. It also helps protect you and your family from potentially harmful bacteria.  

At Monkey Wrench, we understand how crucial safe drinking and usable water is for every home. Whether it’s a simple kitchen sink carbon filter or full-home water filtration, our technicians receive specialized training to inspect and repair systems like water softeners.

If you believe your water softener needs a sanitization service, contact us using the button below. You can also book an appointment directly through our water softener online scheduler. If you’re wondering other ways to improve your water quality, learn more about the top 5 best water filters for Los Angeles.

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