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

FAQs

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.

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.

Water softeners physically remove hardening minerals from water, but water conditioners simply change the chemistry of these minerals. In addition to crystallizing calcium and magnesium, water conditioners can remove chlorine, a chemical found in city-treated water that causes a foul taste and odor.

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.

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.

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 softener isn't working properly, you will begin to see hardness symptoms and iron popping up in the home, and your softener will use less salt than it had previously. You may also notice less water pressure throughout the home.

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.

Water conditioners are the best alternative to a water softener if you are concerned about sodium in your water. The key difference between water softeners and water conditioners is water conditioners don't remove the minerals from hard water.

Can you drink water from conditioned water? ›

Softened water is safe to drink. There are a few precautionary exceptions but it's a mainly a matter of preference whether you choose to drink it. Many people choose to have a drinking water tap installed at the same time as their softener, because they prefer the taste of harder water.

Do I need a water filter and a water softener? If you have very hard water, you'll need a salt-based water softener or alternative solution. If your water isn't super hard, a Salt-Free Water Conditioner is a great option that requires less maintenance and won't strip away healthy minerals from your water.

As with any household appliance, your water softener will wear out eventually no matter how well you maintain it. If your electric water softener is older than 10-15 years, replacement is likely necessary (non-electric Kinetico systems typically last longer).

You should hear at least five “clicks” while turning the screw before the indicator dot reaches the “BRINE” position. At this point you should hear water begin to run through the system. If you do not hear water running through the system, the indicator dot has not been advanced far enough.

To make this process work effectively and reliably, maintaining a Kinetico water softener is necessary although this is very simple and takes up little time. Required maintenance is as follows: Refill the brine tank with salt, which is necessary if salt is not visible above the water level.

A water softener should last 10 to 15 years. If your unit is facing more wear and tear, it could be due to improper maintenance or particularly hard water. If you'd like to extend the lifespan of your water softener, one option is to add a pre-filter.

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.