Florida’s hard water is no secret. With all that natural mineral content, water softeners are practically a must-have for households looking to protect plumbing, appliances, and skin alike. But owning a water softener isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it situation—especially when summer rolls around. If you haven’t given your system some love lately, now’s the perfect time for a quarterly tune-up.
Why Water Softener Maintenance Matters
Quarterly maintenance may sound like a lot, but it’s a relatively simple process when done regularly—and even better when handled by a professional. Here’s what needs to be done:
- Check Salt Levels: Make sure your brine tank has the right amount of salt. If salt is below the desired level, add salt to the marked spot on the brine tank. Use high-quality salt pellets for best results.
- Break Up Salt Bridges: Sometimes, salt can form a hard crust (called a bridge) inside the tank. This prevents it from dissolving properly. A plumber can safely break it up without damaging the tank.
- Inspect for Standing Water: If you see water above the salt level, it could mean your softener isn’t draining correctly. That’s a red flag you’ll want addressed right away.
- Clean the Brine Tank: Every few months, the tank should be emptied and wiped down to prevent bacterial growth and residue buildup.
- Test Water Hardness: If your water feels “hard” again (think soap that won’t lather, spots on dishes, or itchy skin), it might be time to adjust settings or perform a deeper cleaning.
Why Summer Is the Perfect Time
Higher temperatures and increased water usage during the summer can make existing problems worse. Kids are home, guests are visiting, and everyone’s running more laundry and taking more showers. That’s a lot of strain on your softener. Regular checks now will help you avoid costly repairs and ensure everyone stays comfortable all season long.
DIY or Call a Pro?
While topping off salt is something most homeowners can do, tasks like cleaning the tank, testing the resin bed, and troubleshooting drainage issues are best left to a licensed plumber. We’ll make sure everything is working as it should—and catch any small problems before they become big ones.
Schedule Your Summer Service with Miller and Sons Plumbing
If it’s been more than three months since your last softener check—or if you’re seeing signs your system is underperforming—don’t wait. Routine maintenance is the key to long-term performance and peace of mind.
Call Miller and Sons Plumbing at 352-433-6525 or schedule a service appointment online at millerandsonsplumbing.net.
