BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING

First 3 things to check on your old water softener

1. Is the system plugged in?
2. Is it going through salt?
3. Does it pass the pressure test?

ADVANCED TROUBLESHOOTING

1. Is the water pressure correct?
2. Are the settings correct?
3. Is the control valve functional?
4. Is the flow meter accurate?
5. Is the resin fouled?
6. Is the brine tank check valve bad?
7. Is the drain clogged?
8. Is it plumbed in properly?

There are many compelling reasons to replace your old water softener.

• Hard water isn’t the only concern we have with our water supply
• Old water softeners can waste thousands of gallons of water per year
• The resin inside the water softener may only lasts 7-12 years on city water
• Newer systems can use less salt
• The system valve has been discontinued and new parts are not available

No contact installation

With the COVID-19 situation many people are wanting to have their systems replaced because they are stuck in their homes with hard water. We have never washed our hands more in our lives. If your hands are feeling the effects of your water, it’s time to make a change.

When to repair your old water system instead of replacing it

• If the system is still under warranty
• If your system sometimes works
• If your system only has a few bad parts and they are available
• If you are willing to invest a couple hundred dollars into the system to determine if it’s working or not

The main components of a water softener

1. The control valve (controls when the system cleans itself)
2. The resin tank (holds the resin and distributor)
3. The resin (media inside the resin tank that softens the water)
4. The distributor and riser (part inside the resin tank that keeps the resin from going through your plumbing)
5. The Brine Tank (holds the salt and water solutions that is used to clean the resin)

The Used Car Analogy

When you have a car that is not running well it’s usually an easy fix, you throw money at it! If it’s a newer car that’s under warranty it’s simple and free. If your car is out of warranty BUT it’s still in good shape AND you like it then it’s worth fixing. The concerns start when the car is showing it’s age, it has high mileage and you’re no longer in love with it. Maybe it needs some engine work, or transmission work. When you spend money on the engine it’s likely that the next part that will give you trouble is the transmission.

Now, if you KNEW the transmission was going to need to be repaired or replaced soon after you paid to repair the engine would you spend the money on it, or get rid of it?

This is what happens to water softeners at about the 5-10 year mark. If the control valve is not functioning properly you can repair it, but then the resin shortly there after will need to be replaced. It’s like the engine and transmission in a car. Both have to be functional in order for the machine to work.

If the system has made it to 15 years and it’s out of warranty it’s best to replace the system with a new system and a new warranty. It’s not to say you can’t repair the system and keep it running for 20+ years it just means that you know you have a “classic” that is not efficient but may work fine.

Back to the car analogy, if it’s a classic Mustang, Bronco, Chevelle or Camaro it’s well worth fixing because you love the car and it will hold it’s value. If it’s not a classic and you aren’t in love with the car, you let it go. Trade it in while you still can.

We keep our installation and service vans running for 15-20 years before we trade them out. We take pride in our vehicles and they always look and run nice. We take the same care and consideration with your water systems. We want you to enjoy the benefits from having clean water for decades. All water systems will need service. Some water systems are no longer worth servicing.

Repairing Hague Systems after 15+ years

We have thousands of Hague Watermax systems on the central coast that are still in service and working well after 20+ years. These systems are not conventional water softeners. They are engineered to last 50 years, they are guaranteed to last 25 years. Most water systems on the market have a 5-10 year warranty. 15 years is considered a good warranty. Only Hague offers a 25 year manufactures warranty. You really do get what you pay for.

If you’re unsure if you should repair or replace your system let us help you

If you’re a DIY’er we can sell you the test kit, and replacement parts you request. You still need to diagnose the problem. Getting the diagnosis correct is the challenge. There are many external variables that can cause a system to fail. The owners manuals and You Tube videos are helpful but there is no shortcut on the learning curve. Most people who attempt to do their own repairs will cause more problems than they solve. If you feel comfortable taking your valve apart make sure you have everything you need to bypass the water system so that you’re not spending your weekend with a leak or no water because you had to stop the leak.

If you want to have a professional diagnose your system it’s only $120. We will come to your home and inspect your water system. We will cover the components that should be addressed as well as a firm price for the parts and labor. If you choose to have us complete the work we may have to order parts and make a return trip to complete the job.

If after the initial diagnosis you decide to not repair the system we will apply the $120 diagnosis fee towards the purchase of a new system.

Ready to kick your old water softener to the curb? There is no charge for a replacement estimate.

If you would like a free estimate there is no obligation. Click the link below to get started.