The calcium and magnesium in hard water can leave chalky deposits on your pipes and fixtures, but it can also leave the same residue in your soft water system. Over time, the buildup of these minerals and the salts in the brine solution can clog the water pipes that run through the water softener tank.
If there is a big change in how soft your water is, it's a sign that your water softener may be clogged. If you start seeing chalky deposits on your dishes and fixtures, and you didn't have this problem before, this could be a sign that your water softener is clogged.
How to Fix
Clogs most often occur in two areas, including:
1. Valve Ejectors
Over time, the ejectors in your water softener can become clogged with debris. This affects the ability of the water softener to create suction for the brine to circulate. The result is that the water softener can't regenerate properly, and you'll get hard water. The typical way to know if an ejector is clogged is to check if the water in your brine tank is high.
To check an ejector, pull it out with needle-nose pliers and see if you can see inside through the tiny hole in the ejector. The tiny hole is tiny. If something is stuck in the small hole, use a needle or safety pin to push the debris out of the injector.
2. Saltwater Lines
Saltwater lines and valves can also become clogged with sediment. To check if your saltwater line is clogged, check the line for any visible sediment that could be impeding water flow. If you find a clog, you may need the help of a professional to clean the line without damaging your system.
