How to Keep Your Water Softener Safe During Winter: Tips from a Pentair Water Softening Company in Burr Ridge, Illinois

With winter comes the risk of freezing pipes and potential damage to your home. Your water softener, which you rely on to prevent hard water problems like stains, dry skin, and inefficient appliances, is especially vulnerable during these months.

If you’ve already invested in a water softener, you know how drastically it can improve your quality of life. But a single winter storm or overlooked maintenance can put all that convenience at risk. Why even let that happen?

This Pentair water softening company in Burr Ridge, Illinois is going to provide some insight on how to protect your water softener and continue enjoying soft, clean water throughout the winter.

The risks your water softener faces during freezing months.

Freezing temperatures are one of the biggest threats to your water softener. When water freezes, it expands, and that expansion can crack essential parts of your water softener, like pipes, tanks, and valves. If these parts are damaged, repairs are expensive and time-consuming. 

Even if the water does not freeze, cold temperatures force your water softener to work much harder, especially if it is installed in an unheated area like your basement or garage. This extra workload can reduce your water softener’s efficiency, and, in the worst-case scenario, it could stop working altogether.

Taking some precautions now can save you from these problems in the future. 

Steps to keep your water softener working while you are home.

If you are staying home during the winter, you can easily keep an eye on your water softener. First, check the temperature in the area where your water softener is installed. If it is in a garage, basement, or any unheated space, make sure the temperature stays above freezing to avoid any risk of frozen pipes.

An easy way to add protection to your water softener is by insulating the pipes and the room. It does not need a major renovation either. Simple solutions like pipe sleeves or even a portable space heater can keep the area warm enough to protect your water softener from the cold.

You also want to keep water flowing through the pipes. Stagnant water is more likely to freeze, so letting a faucet drip slowly can prevent freezing and reduce pressure on your water softener. 

If you are not sure if your water softener is fully protected during the winter, you might want to schedule an inspection with a Pentair water softening company in Burr Ridge, Illinois. Their professionals can identify any potential problems and address them before they become costly repairs.

How to prepare your water softener for winter while you are away?

If you are heading to a sunny destination to escape the cold season, be sure to winter-proof your water softener before you leave home.

Start by unplugging the water softener. This will prevent unnecessary power usage and save energy.

Next, find the bypass valve and turn it on to stop water from flowing into the softener while you are gone. This reduces the risk of freezing.

You could also drain the brine tank and remove any remaining salt. This prevents the formation of salt sludge or buildup that can otherwise cause clogs or damage when the system is idle.

Finally, set your home thermostat to at least 50° F before you leave home to keep the pipes and system from freezing. This may increase your heating bill slightly, but it is a small price to pay compared to the cost of repairing a frozen system.

Are you not sure how to winterize your water softener? A professional Pentair water softening company in Burr Ridge, Illinois can handle that for you, allowing you to get some peace of mind while you are away.

Looking for a Pentair Water Softening Company in Burr Ridge, Illinois?

Are you tired of worrying about winter damage or struggling with hard water problems? Ready to have your water softener serviced or installed by the best Pentair water softening company in Burr Ridge, Illinois? If so, you’ve come to the right place — Johnson Water Conditioning is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.