Get matched with top water softener pros in Butte Des Morts, WI

Water softener life spans range from 10 to 25 years, with most lasting around 15 years on average. After the 10-year mark, you may see your softener’s performance diminish as it progresses in age. Proper water softener maintenance can impact how long your water softener lasts. Likewise, a home with very hard water or a high demand will put more demand on your softener, which in turn shortens its life span.

Experts recommend that you put two to four bags of potassium chloride in your water softener every month. This amount depends on how much is in the bag (40 pounds is most common) and what your water softener manufacturer recommends. For more specific advice, talk to a water softener pro in your area and read the manual that came with your system.

Yes, it is safe to bathe in yellow water. The iron or tannin content won’t harm your skin, and soap will clean you whether your water is clear or yellow. If you find bathing in yellow water problematic, you can ask a pro to inspect your plumbing and determine how to get your water clear again.

If your water softener repair is fairly straightforward, like a simple filter replacement, then you can probably do it yourself with little risk. However, anything beyond a simple fix should be addressed by someone with extensive plumbing expertise to avoid costly water softener problems, like leaks. 

That said, even simple problems can be complicated to diagnose, particularly if your water softener is attached to a whole-house treatment system. So, unless you feel absolutely certain that the problem is an easy fix that you can take on yourself, it's probably best to hire a plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.