Water softeners are supposed to remove the minerals from water, significantly improving its quality and making it taste great. Sometimes, these systems do not do what they are supposed to, and water develops a salty, metallic or nasty taste. Let’s look at why this happens, what this means and how to fix the problem.
Why Water Softeners Change the Taste
The way that a water softener works is that a tank full of resin beads swaps out the minerals in your water, such as calcium and magnesium, for sodium or potassium. Normally, this is never noticeable as the change is small. But when something in the system malfunctions and throws off the balance, then water will develop a strange taste.
Common Causes of Bad-Tasting Soft Water
There are numerous reasons soft water can taste weird or bad. A metallic or bitter taste indicates that you need to procure new resin beads because your current ones are worn-down. While resin beads can last for some time, they eventually break down, which causes them to release materials that change water taste. Too much sodium being released into the water will cause it to taste salty.
If your water tastes musty, algae or bacteria is growing inside the tank somewhere, and this can happen when the system is not flushing correctly. This results from standing water in the system, and it has been some time since you had it professionally serviced.
Clogged or dirty filters can also interfere with water taste. They let weird odors and tastes slip through.
Sometimes, nasty-tasting water is not the fault of the water softener at all. You may have problems with your home plumbing system, such as corroded pipes, which can also change how water smells and tastes.
Why This Is a Problem
Bad tasting water is more than a complete turnoff. It can actually cause health risks. For instance, too much salt in the water can be a major concern for someone who contends with hypertension or heart problems and requires a low-salt diet. If you have bacteria or algae growing in the tank, this puts you and your family at risk for waterborne illness. If you are experiencing system failure, then you are wasting money and water, and you are not enjoying the benefits of having a water softener.
How to Fix Bad-Tasting Soft Water
If you are contending with soft water that tastes bad or strange, you have solutions. Make sure you are using the correct salt type. Steer clear of using rock or table salt as these are not the right kinds for water softeners. Replace the resin beads if necessary.
Make sure you work with a professional regularly. Have them thoroughly check and clean your system and perform a water quality test to make sure the problem does not lie with your plumbing. It is best to schedule service calls yearly. If it has been some time since you had your water softener serviced and you are contending with nasty-tasting soft water, call Kyle Plumbing in Deerfield Beach, FL straight away.