Water softeners can assist in removing hard minerals from water that contain significant concentrations of calcium and magnesium, which separate the hard water ions. If you are a homeowner, a water softener is vital for your home, especially if your local water is rich in dissolved minerals. As a result, water softeners will make your shower and tap water purer and softer.
However, during the cold season, the water softener might be damaged due to water inside of its mechanisms freezing; so it is always vital to protect your water softener if there is the possibility it may freeze this winter. This guide will assist you as a homeowner avoid damage to your softening units or pipelines during cold weather.
Why Do I need to Winterize a Water Softener?
A water softener’s main task is to make your pipes more robust and survive longer. Water Softeners remove hard water particles from your showers and taps. The molecules generated by hard water can cause pipe blockages and corrosion.
However, due to the harsh temperatures throughout the winter, your pipes may break and cause damage to your water softener system. Make sure to winterize your water softener in preparation for the winter. Cold temperatures are dangerous to your pipes and can cause damage, costing you a lot of money in repairs. Cases in which it is best to winterize your water softener include but are not limited to:
- You have installed water softer in an unheated garage
- Your water softener is in a place where it might freeze
- You’re leaving your home for a vacation during winter
- If you are not planning to visit your vacation home during the winter season
One way to ensure your water softener is not frozen by the cold weather is by insulating the area in which it is stored.
This will help to keep your water softener in good working order. Pipe insulator wrap is available at most hardware and home improvement stores. For the water supply system, you can also use electric pipe heating cables and heat tape. When it comes to insulating water softener tanks, homeowners prefer an insulated box that is attached to the system. You can also buy an insulating sheet and wrap it around the tank, just make sure to contact a professional before doing this to ensure you do it in a way that is safe.
For homes that use their water softener on a daily basis, such as during the winter, you can keep your water softener warm to prevent from having to totally shut it off in the winter time. When heating the water softener, make sure keep the temperature it is stored in above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Draining and Disconnecting a Water Softener
If you are not going to use your Austin TX water softener during the winter, consider disconnecting it to prevent corrosion and clogging in your pipes. To save money on your electric bill, you should also turn off the heating. If you have a tank water softener, ensure the water is drained, and the tank is empty.
Water in the tank might cause damage to your water softener because it freezes. You can read the manufacturer’s handbook guidelines to help drain your tank; if the guidelines are difficult to grasp, contact a professional in Austin Water Softening System for assistance, contact Austin Water Solutions today!