Inspect for leaks: Check your water softener and its connections for any leaks, as these can introduce air into your water lines.
If you find air discharge at plumbing fixtures after a water softener regen cycle the brine tank tube air check valve itself may be debris-clogged. So if your water softener manual shows an air check valve installed, or if you find one on un-modified original equipment, the valve may need cleaning or replacement.
The main cause of air in the water lines is water system maintenance. Cutting off the water supply for a period of time can allow air to enter the system.
This type of water can affect how long your metal pipes will last and how fast the pipes will corrode. Water that is soft will not create mineral build up within the pipes but it can create pinhole leaks as soft water is lacking in minerals making it aggressive towards unlined metal (copper) pipes.
One of the most common causes is the installation of new pipes or alterations to existing ones, which can cause air bubbles to enter your pipes and create air locks. Construction or repair work in the neighborhood can also introduce air into your home's plumbing system.
To help get all the air out of your pipes, you want to turn on every faucet in your home or building (after you've shut off the water valve). Don't turn the faucets on at full force, just enough to let the air escape.
Twist all Faucets a Half Turn and in Order
This process creates a path for the air to leave the plumbing system. To start this process, turn on all your faucets, twisting the tap only halfway. Spinning the tap halfway ensures the water has a consistent flow and avoids putting too much pressure on the taps.
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.
Disadvantages of home water softening
Can corrode your pipes. The corroded metal from the pipes can end up in your water. This can contribute to elevated lead and copper levels in drinking water. Potential health effects from additional sodium.
Cons of Soft Water
The process used to make the water soft also makes it more volatile, which means it picks up more unwanted elements from your pipes. These elements can include lead, making it potentially more dangerous.
Airlocks do sometimes fix themselves, but it isn't a risk worth taking. Airlocks occur when air becomes trapped in the hot water or central heating system.
If your toilet making foghorn noise after flushing, it's likely because it has a metal ballcock (don't laugh) fill valve. The washer inside the assembly may be loose or worn.
Sometimes, shutting off the pump that distributes water to the affected area will eliminate the humming noise. If that's the case, the pump may have to be changed out for a different model or reset. In some instances, adding isolators and better stabilizing the pump works too (see rattling noises, below).
Your water softener will start removing the existing mild scale buildup within two weeks. The buildup in your kettle should be gone in around four weeks. Your water heater should be free of buildup for around six months. For extreme buildup cases, your entire plumbing system will be free of scaleup within two years.
The typical flushing process requires bypassing the water softener then flushing the water heater, followed by running all kitchen and bathroom fixtures, including the dishwasher and washing machine. If you're unsure how to do this, you can call on professionals to do it for you.
The main reason some people experience problems with water softeners causing a pressure drop is because their installer has fitted a unit that is too small to cope with their water usage.
While they can last much longer if well maintained, water softeners have a typical lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. If your water softener was installed more than a decade ago, replacing it may be the right option.
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.
Don't Add Too Much Salt
Adding too much salt to your water quality softener can cause salt “bridging,” or a buildup and solidification of regenerant. This buildup can prevent your system from regenerating properly.
Simply put, you know something is wrong with your water softener when its regeneration schedule shifts. If your softener is running more or less often than every two to three days, it's a good idea to call a professional to come take a look at it.
The following are signs that indicate you may need a new resin: The condition of your pipes or fixtures has changed. If they appear corroded or leaking or have become discolored or warped, then chances are good that it's time for a replacement.
Water softener resin will usually need to be replaced every 10 years. Resin that's exposed to high levels of chlorine, iron, or water hardness will only last around 5 years. The lifespan of the resin depends on the quality of the water it is treating.
Noisy pipes: Loud banging, hammering, or gurgling noises coming from your pipes can indicate the presence of air bubbles. Sputtering faucets: If your faucets are sputtering or spitting water when turned on, this is a clear sign that air is trapped in your plumbing system.
If your pipes sound like they're humming, it's likely a water pressure issue. When the water pressure is high, it can cause the water pipes to vibrate and create a humming sound. High water pressure is more common if you have a well for your water, but it can happen with municipal water as well.
When your water pressure is too high for the system's capacity, it can leave your pipes vibrating. This vibration may result in a humming noise, especially when the water is running. Overly high water pressure can occur in any home, but is particularly common in homes that rely on well water.