3 Quick Facts About Water Softener Systems
Brad Berdon • Apr 05, 2018

If you live in Jacksonville FL then chances are you have thought about the installation of a water softener. Often times people are hesitant to rent or purchase a water softener because they aren’t quite sure that hard water really is a problem. “Is hard water really going to damage my plumbing and appliances?”  This is the most frequently asked question because brand new homes or businesses may not show hard water damage immediately prompting you to take no action. I have condensed some quick facts to help determine if you should consider a water softener. Florida Water Technologies always offers a free consultation if you would like to discuss in person.

Fact 1 

Yes, Jacksonville Hard Water Levels are ridiculously excessive.

Believe it. According to the Water Quality Association, “Very Hard” water measures 7 and 10.5 G.P.G of hardness minerals. On Jacksonville’s south side and into Saint Johns County we average over 20 G.P.G. of hardness levels. That is double the estimated “Very Hard” water measure. Many of the studies that are conducted and documented are done on water that only has a 1/3rd of the hardness levels that we experience. With that said, the damage and inefficiencies documented by the experts expose that hard water is compromising your appliances, skin, and countertops much faster because our hardness levels are 2 to 3 times higher. Look, I know you wanted to spend money elsewhere but installing a water softener is a good idea that will pay for itself. It really is that simple.

Fact 2

Plumbing and Appliances Have a Decreased Life Expectancy

According to a study posted by the Water Quality Association, Dish-washers, Water Heaters and plumbing fixtures last longer and run more efficiently when using soft water. Source

Dishwashers:

Researchers ran dishwashers through 240 wash cycles over a 30 day period. Half of the dish washers were on soft water while half were on hard water. At the end of the month they found that the systems on soft water had little to no scale while the systems on hard water needed to be descaled for them to function efficiently. That’s why you see a lot of rinse agents available for dishwashers that are designed to help lessen the damage caused by hard water. The image to the right is the white scale that is produced by hard water.

Water Heaters:

They also found that water heaters that used soft water maintained their factory efficiency rating and lasted 15+ years. While running hard water through these units cut efficiency by 48% and some of the water heaters failed in as little as 1.6 years. The image to the right is the heater elements in the water heater damaged by hard water.

Fact 3

It’s Easier To Clean Your Homes Bathrooms and Kitchens

Yes, much easier. Hard water leaves behind white scale formations that are very hard to clean off. Soft Water Systems remedy this side effect by completely removing these hard water minerals before they enter your home to form white scale formations. Most of the cleaning products in our area are to assist in removing lime scale build up. Imagine not having to scrub those pesky hard water spots on the shower glass doors and counter tops.

By Brad Berdon 13 Sep, 2023
If a water softener system stops using salt you will not get soft water. The most common reason a water softener stops using salt is due to the formation of a "Salt Bridge". A Salt Bridge is a clump of salt that has been fused together due to moisture that's spans entire diameter of the salt tank. This clumped salt resembles concrete and is very hard to break up. Consequently, the salt bridge prevents the salt on top from coming in contact with the water beneath it. That is why we call it a Salt Bridge. How is a Salt Bridge formed? A salt bridge is formed when the dry salt is exposed to moisture. Moisture causes the once granular salt crystal or pellet to merge into one giant clump of salt. By chance if it makes it from one side of the tank to the other side a bridge is formed. Once the bridge of salt is formed the salt level will no longer go down. At this point the salt bridge needs to be broken up. How to remove a salt bridge. I hope you ate your Wheaties because removing a salt bridge can be intense. Once the salt has fused together the consistency resembles concrete. So, breaking it up will take some effort. Method 1. The Rubber Mallet First. Use a rubber mallet and gently tap/hit the side of the salt tank all around it. Next, grab the rim of the salt tank and give it a good shake. Note, the salt tank is hundreds of pounds so shaking it may be difficult for some people. Method 2. The Broom Stick If Method 1 did not work it's time to move onto method 2. Brut force and a firm tool. By using a broom stick, a shovel, or an iron rod, you will attack the salt bridge until you succeed. Start by removing all the loose salt from the salt tank into a bucket or onto a drop cloth. Once you see the bridge start pounding trying to locate a weak area of the bridge. Keep working the weak area until you make it all the way through the bridge. It might be a few inches to a foot thick. Then keep working the salt bridge until the entire bridge breaks up and falls down inside the salt tank. Remember, the greater the obstacle the greater the glory when you overcome it. Method 3. The Water Method If you cannot physically break through the salt bridge then you may have to add water. To do this, use a hose to spray water into one dedicated spot while continuing to work the area with a broom stick. The salt bridge will quickly give way however your salt tank will have a lot of water left in it. Stop spraying water and thoroughly break up the remaining clumps of salt. From here, place the system into regeneration either immediate (right now) or delayed (tonight at 2am). Different models of water softeners will have different configured buttons and programming. You may have to consult your owners manual. Note, adding water is an effective way at breaking up a salt bridge but all the salt gets wet during the process. Wet salt will have the potential to bridge again. If you have to use the water method, break up the salt daily to avoid another salt bridge. How to Avoid a Salt Bridge Preventing a salt bridge in a water softener system in Jacksonville FL is easy. Either before you refill a low/empty salt tank, or if you are filing the tank for the first time simply place two pieces of scrap pipe in the shape of an X. As the salt level lowers it falls around the pipes and avoids bridging. This is our standard practice when installing our water softener systems in Jacksonville FL.
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When water is hard, it can clog pipes and soap will dissolve in it less easily. Water softening can prevent these negative effects.Hard water causes a higher risk of lime scale deposits in household water systems. Due to this lime scale build-up, pipes are blocked and the efficiency of hot boilers and tanks is reduced. […] The post Why A Water Softener. appeared first on Florida Water Technologies.
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