Water Softener Acting Up????

Shoreline58

Hey Guys,
As a GC I hate to admit that I don't know everything, but in this case I will admit that I don't know jack about water softeners. Always had city water until I recently moved to "the woods". Here are the facts;

- Salt consumption has dropped off drastically in the past month.
- Backwashes have increased drastically in the past month, from about once a week to daily.
- Water now has a slightly metallic and salty flavor.
- The unit is manufactured by Waterman. Can't find any website for them and the prior owners did not leave the manuals.
- The float valve in the brine tank appears to be free.
- The unit maybe as old as the house, 30 years, can't find a model # to check.

Any ideas, business is not exactly booming around here and I'm trying to watch the pennies and catching up on "around the house" projects.

Thanks

threaderman

I googled waterman and found many sites......

__________________
Joe ---International Code Council Member

Your plumbing & gas specialist proudly serving Oklahoma City OK, Moore, Warr-acres, Norman, Midwest City, Edmond, Bethany, Forest Park

Shoreline58

Most of the Googled sites are leads to suppliers or contractors, no real info.

threaderman

I'm a fan of Kenmore softeners , though someone who deals in water purification may lay an egg over that statement,their simple to work with and install,and at 350.00-450.00 on sale,it may be more cost effective to replace your current unit then try to repair the old one.30 years is a longer life span than most units.

__________________
Joe ---International Code Council Member

Your plumbing & gas specialist proudly serving Oklahoma City OK, Moore, Warr-acres, Norman, Midwest City, Edmond, Bethany, Forest Park

Jason Janczak

There really could be any number of things that could be the cuplrit. The main thing though is that the softener is possibly 30 years old. Most good (not Home Depot, Sears type) systems like Fleck or Autotrol will last 15 to 20 years at best. The resin inside degrades in this time and is basically spent. May be time for a new one.

Let me know if you need more help. Our shop buys really good units and deal with some pretty difficult waters her in IL.

Thanks, Jason