Who Repairs Water Softeners? Here’s Who to Call

Although homeowners can fix a few simple issues with water softeners, most problems require the help of a pro. So, who repairs water softeners? A local water softener professional will have the skills and licenses to make safe repairs. Otherwise, most professional plumbers can fix softeners.

Benefits of Hiring a Water Softener Company to Repair a Water Softener

Hiring a local water softener company is the best option for repairing water softeners. These pros can also install and replace them. Repair technicians at a water softener company may have specific licenses and certifications from appliance manufacturers that allow them to maintain their warranties while doing repairs. 

If you try to work on the device yourself, the manufacturer could void the warranty because of potential damage you could cause without the necessary training. Most water softener problems—such as a water softener leaking or a clogged water softener—require the expertise of a professional.

Can I Hire a Plumber to Repair a Water Softener?

If you don’t have a water softener repair professional near you who can service your model, you can reach out to a local plumbing professional. Most plumbers have the skills and tools to do this work properly. 

Some plumbers do not repair water softeners, though. You’ll want to let the plumber know about the brand and model of your appliance before the appointment. If that plumber can’t work on your particular softener, you can set up an appointment with another local plumber.

How Do Pros Repair Water Softeners?

The specific steps a pro uses to repair a water softener will depend on the model, but the basic steps include:

• Turning off the water supply and unplugging the appliance

• Putting the softener in bypass mode

• Removing the head on the control tank

• Draining the tank

• Cleaning the tank and removing the old resin beads

• Inspecting all components for damage, blockages, or wear

• Replacing any damaged components 

• Adding new resin beads

• Taking the appliance out of bypass mode and plugging the softener in again

• Refilling the tank with water

• Watching the softener for leaks and proper operation

How Much Does Repairing Water Softeners Cost?

The average water softener repair cost is $550. The size and model of the appliance, as well as the type of repair needed, determine the bill. Replacing the brine tank, for example, costs more than replacing the multistage filter cartridge.

If you have an older system, you may want to consider a replacement instead of a repair, especially if the water softener repair bill is high. Water softeners last 10 to 25 years, on average.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Should you find out who repairs water softeners, or should you try to do it yourself? If you’re a homeowner with little or no experience working on these appliances, you should stick with a pro. 

Homeowners can do some simple projects like breaking up a salt bridge. If the salt clumps together and creates a salt bridge, it can clog the unit. Use a broom handle to carefully break it up from above. Don’t use too much pressure, or you could crack the tank.

If you are asking yourself questions like, "Why is my water softener constantly draining?" or "Why did the LCD screen go dark?" you may want to rely on a professional. If you don’t have any experience diagnosing and fixing problems like these, you will likely get overwhelmed trying to fix the appliance yourself.

If you wouldn’t try to DIY a water softener installation, you definitely shouldn’t try fixing anything but the most basic issues with the appliance.