How to Clean Your Water Softener's Brine Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide Keeping your water softener’s brine tank clean is essential for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your system. While cleaning the brine tank might not top your list of weekend activities, it’s a simple task that should be done annually to ensure optimal performance. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to clean your water softener’s brine tank effectively.
Note on Salt Quality: Before starting, it’s important to use high-purity softening salt to minimize buildup in the tank. Look for labels indicating high purity levels, as evaporative salt pellets with impurities can cause excessive residue, leading to more frequent cleanings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Note on Salt Quality: Before starting, it’s important to use high-purity softening salt to minimize buildup in the tank. Look for labels indicating high purity levels, as evaporative salt pellets with impurities can cause excessive residue, leading to more frequent cleanings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Set the System to Bypass Mode:
- Follow your manufacturer’s instructions to put your water softener into “Bypass Mode.” This stops water flow through the softener temporarily, allowing you to clean the tank without interference.
- Disconnect Lines and Hoses:
- Detach all lines and hoses connecting the water softener to the brine tank.
- Empty the Brine Tank:
- Siphon or dump the water from the brine tank. Avoid dumping the water on grass or plants, as the high sodium content can harm them.
- Remove and Discard Salt:
- Take out any remaining salt and dispose of it properly.
- Handle Salt Bridges:
- If you find a salt bridge (a large block of salt), use warm or hot water to loosen and break it apart.
- Remove the Brine Grid:
- If your brine tank has a brine grid (a platform or screen at the bottom), remove it. Not all tanks have this feature.
- Prepare a Soapy Solution:
- Mix a few tablespoons of dish soap with 1-2 gallons of water to create a soapy solution.
- Clean the Tank:
- Pour the soapy solution into the brine tank and scrub the interior with a long-handled brush. Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water.
- Sanitize with Bleach:
- Add 2-3 gallons of clean water to the brine tank with a quarter cup of household bleach. Stir the solution and let it sit for 15 minutes. Scrub the tank with this bleach solution, then rinse thoroughly.
- Reinstall the Brine Tank:
- Place the brine tank back in position, reconnect all lines to the water softener, and remove the system from “Bypass Mode.”
- Add Fresh Water and Salt:
- Pour 5 gallons of clean water into the brine tank. Add at least two 50-pound bags of water softener salt. Keep the tank at least one-quarter full of salt, leaving about six inches of space from the top rim.
- Maintain Salt Levels:
- As you add new salt in the future, ensure the salt level is always a few inches above the water level. Loosen any encrusted salt and break up large pieces before adding new salt.
- Wait Before Regeneration:
- Allow the salt to dissolve in the brine tank for about two hours before initiating the regeneration process to ensure effective softening.
- Check Softener Performance:
- If you notice that your water softener is not performing correctly after cleaning, it may indicate a malfunction or issue with the salt. Contact a local authorized Water Tech dealer for a professional assessment.
