Proper Brine Tank Maintenance For Water Softeners

How Softener Brine Tanks Work

Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from hard water. A key component of water softeners is the brine tank, which holds a salt solution that cleans and regenerates the ion exchange resin inside the softener.

What is a Brine Tank?

A brine tank is a small plastic or fiberglass tank that sits beside or on top of a water softener. It holds a salt solution, also known as brine, that is used to regenerate the ion exchange resin beads inside the softener. The brine tank has a float valve inside that controls the flow of water entering the tank to make brine.

How Does Regeneration Work?

During regeneration, the brine solution is drawn from the brine tank into the mineral tank which contains the resin beads. The brine washes away mineral deposits and replenishes sodium ions attached to the beads so they can continue removing calcium and magnesium from water. Once finished, the brine wash drains out as waste through a backwash flow.

What Goes Into a Brine Tank?

Brine tanks need to be partially filled with salt pellets or crystals. Water enters the tank at timed intervals to create a saturated salt solution. Common types of salt used include:

• Rock salt
• Solar salt
• Evaporated salt
• Pellet salt

Potassium chloride can also be used as an alternative to sodium chloride salt for health reasons.

Maintaining Your Brine Tank

Brine tanks require regular maintenance to keep your water softener working efficiently. Here are some brine tank care tips:

Don't Overfill With Salt

A common mistake is adding too much salt to the brine tank. This can cause salt bridges, mushing, and even overflow into the softener itself. As a general rule, you only need to fill the tank halfway full with salt pellets.

Check the Safety Float

Inside the brine tank is a safety float designed to shut off the flow of water if the tank gets too full. Check it occasionally to make sure it can freely move up and down.

Clean the Overflow Drain

Salt, sediments, and brine can accumulate in the overflow drain tube. Periodically inspect this drain and use a small brush or hose to clear any obstructions.

Watch for Salt Bridges

Moisture can cause salt particles to clump together into solid masses called salt bridges. These often form an empty cavity of air beneath them, preventing good brine mixing. Carefully poke holes in salt bridges with a broom handle or paddle.

Clean Out Sediment

Dirty sediment from salt and minerals will collect at the bottom of the brine tank. Vacuum or scoop this out occasionally to improve brine concentration and flow.

Troubleshooting Brine Tank Issues

If you experience problems with your brine tank, here are some steps to try:

No Brine Flow to Softener

Check that the float is functioning properly and the refill valve outlet is clear. Examine the brine line and connections for obstructions or kinks stopping flow. Also verify the brine pickup tube is not cracked and reaches nearly to the bottom.

Salt Bridge Formed in Tank

Carefully push a broom handle or paddle into the salt to break up any large clumps or salt bridges that have formed. Refill with salt pellets only halfway.

Backed Up Drain

Use a drain snake or auger brush to clear out the safety overflow drain tube. Remove accumulated salt deposits or debris blocking proper flow out.

Leaking Water

Inspect float, refill valve, and hose fittings for cracks or loose connections. Check o-rings and gaskets for damage. Tighten any areas that leak or replace defective parts.

Prevent Problems With Proper Brine Tank Care

With regular brine tank maintenance and avoiding overfill, you can expect years of reliable soft water. Contact us if you have any other questions about maintaining your system!

FAQs

What should the salt level be in my brine tank?

As a general guideline, only fill your brine tank halfway with salt pellets. Overfilling can cause problems like mushing, bridging, and overflow into the softener. The halfway point allows room for the brine solution to mix properly.

Why is there dirty sediment in my brine tank?

Sediment accumulation happens over time as salt and mineral deposits settle at the bottom of the tank. Periodically vacuuming or scooping out this sediment improves brine flow and concentration.

How can I prevent salt bridges?

Salt bridges form when dense salt clumps fuse together, often around a hollow air gap. Break apart any bridges gently with a tool. Only filling your tank halfway helps minimize bridging. Using clean pellet salt also reduces compaction.

What should I do if brine won't flow to the softener?

First check that the safety float is functioning and the refill valve is clear. Make sure the brine line has no obstructions or kinks. Also verify the pickup tube is clear of cracks and reaches nearly to the tank bottom to draw brine.