Tips for Balancing Salt and Time in Your Home Water System

Austin, Texas, in the zip code 78734, is home to many lovely residences and businesses that rely on functioning water systems for their daily needs. Home and business owners know that their water systems require significant maintenance over the years, and a particular concern in this area of the state is the balance between salt and time. Balancing the two elements, essentially salt usage and control, is essential for preserving the health and efficiency of your plumbing system.

For residential and commercial property owners in Austin who are looking for ways to maximize their home maintenance, here are the top five things to consider when it comes to salt and time.

1. Anticipating Changes in Water Hardness

Water hardness describes the amount of salt dissolved in water, and the amount of dissolved salt that remains behind when the water evaporates. While Austin tap water has long been seen as generally soft, fluctuations in water hardness are not unheard-of. The hardness of the water can fluctuate depending on the time of year, monthly, or even week-to-week. As such, property owners should be aware of the characteristics of their water and anticipate any changes in salt levels without making drastic modifications to their water system.

2. Calibrating Salt Level Measurement

It's important that home and business owners consistently monitor their salt levels over time. Accurate salt level measurement requires the water softener system to be calibrated before readings can be accurately taken. This step involves testing a small sample of water and adjusting the settings on the water softener to read the total amount of salt in the sample.

3. Knowing the Recommended Salt Usage Levels

Once the water softener system has been calibrated, it's important to determine the right type of salt to use and the right amount for the particular water system being used. In Austin, the recommended salt usage is 2 gpg (grams per gallon) of water. This number should be used as a guideline when determining how much salt to add to the water system.

4. Checking for Salt Leaks

Salt leaks occur when excess salt builds up in the water softener, leading to its excessive consumption. This is caused by an incorrect setting of the water softener control, the age of the system, imbalanced brine wash, or an accumulation of dirt and debris inside the tank. If a leak is suspected, it's crucial to call a professional as soon as possible.

5. Installing the Right Water Softener System

Water softener systems have a lifespan of five to ten years. In Austin, it's important to make sure that the water softener system is correctly installed for maximum efficiency and to protect against any potential salt leaks. Abacus residential and commercial plumbers are experts in the installation of all kinds of water softener systems, from gas and electric water heaters to slab leak repair to hydro jetting services.

Maintaining the balance between salt and time in a water system is an important element of home and business maintenance in Austin, Texas. By properly calibrating the water softener system, familiarizing with recommended salt usage levels, and installing the right water softener system, property owners can enjoy the benefits of an efficient and healthy water system while also minimizing long-term expenses related to salt and time.

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