Water Softener Operating & Maintenance Instructions:

How to set & adjust a water softener or water conditioner. Here we provide an owner's guide to water softener controls, what they are, what they do, how to set them - for water softener or water conditioner maintenance, including water softener adjustment of the regeneration or backwash cycle frequency and the water softener salt dose.

We explain the salt dose, regen cycle, hardness setting, and brine tank float level adjustment. We also discuss setting the water softener timer or clock.

Water Softener Settings & Adjustments - FAQs on how to set the water softener controls

Questions & answers about how to set the softener controls such as regeneration cycle frequency, hardness, salt dose, etc.

These questions & answers about water softener settings or water conditioner controls & settings were posted originally at WATER SOFTENER ADJUSTMENT & CONTROLS - be sure to review the diagnosis and repair advice given there.

Shown at page top and in our photo above/left: two typical water softener control dials and pins.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2015-12-22 by (mod) - check for bypass mode

I don't know, Anon. Probably not.

Check that the water softener is in BYPASS MODE and then check your shower flow again. With the unit in bypass the softener should not affect the house water flow at all. That'd be diagnostic.

See WATER SOFTENER CONTROL BYPASS VALVE

On 2015-12-21 by Anonymous - intermittent water pressure problem: is it the water softener?

I just moved into a new house with a Water Right Sanitizer Plus Series Water Conditoner.

We noticed when moving in the until was unpluged and had no solt in it so we added the salt turned it back
on and then I went to use the shower and my water would run for a few seconds and then shuts off and then 2 minutes and keeps doing this what am I not doing correct?

On 2015-08-27 1 by (mod) - manual backwash / regeneration cycle for a water softener

The manual backwash / regeneration cycle for a water softener control you describe will indeed re-set itself to automatic operation or "service" after a regen cycle. That's what you want - to return the water softener to service after a regeneration cycle.

During regeneration you will observe:

- water enters the brine tank and dissolves salt - so salt level should drop

- salty water is pumped back through the water softener to a discharge or drain, regnerating the water softener

- at the end of the regen cycle the softener returns to service

See WATER SOFTENER MANUAL REGENERATION

On 2015-08-27 by Red setting knob at the top is like my 40 plus year Hanson softener.

The red setting knob at the top that says start, service, purge, backwash etc. can be moved to manual start and does start to regenerate. However I didn't notice that the knob moved off service. (It started out on service).

When it has completed regenerating after 2 hours it was back on service. Should it have moved? Did it not regenerate at all if it stayed on service? The salt tank seems to get lower with salt. Should I regenerate and keep my eye on it's movement each 15 minutes?

On 2015-07-15 by Guy

Thanks!

On 2015-07-06 by (mod) - how to contact Western Water Products

Guy,

I can see why you're asking, Western Water Products is a bear to find and contact, and offers no online manuals and a website that barely works. But contact them directly.
Western Water Products, who makes your water softener, will be glad to give you an instruction manual for your model, most likely at no charge.
Contact

Western Water Products
6060 Enterprise Drive
Diamond Springs, CA 95619
USA
Phone: 800-828-2005
Fax: 530-626-7178
[their website is nearly a secret but is at http://www.recycle-water.com/ ]

Or if you bought a unit from the WY company they have a similar name:
Western Water Conditioning, Inc.
1310 N Garner Lake Rd
PO Box 2470
Gillette, WY 82717-2470
Phone: 1-307-682-5583
Toll Free in Wyoming 800-445-3100
Fax: 1-307-682-6290
Email: ross@westernwater.net

On 2015-07-06 15:39:55.660490 by Guy

I don't see mention of the main dial settings on my unit which you illustrate at the top (https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Conditioner_ID_023_BB_DFss.jpg) showing "inserv".

There are several settings like backwash reg, brine wash and a couple of others I think. What do each of them do, when should I use them and what is the regular setting that the unit should be on.

Mine is a Western Water Product again similar to the picture but does anyone know where to get a manual online? Thanks for the help on the settings.

On 2015-04-13 02:47:05.397820 by (mod)

Sounds like a failed control module. Try turning off power and waiting 5 minutes then turning it back on. Try a manual regen.

On 2015-04-10 21:53:29.200210 by Barbara

The control on my softner that tells me what stage of softning it is in keeps going in circles. Does not give time for any one thing to complete.

On 2015-01-05 23:11:56.822200 by (mod)

Michel

OUI. Vous voudrez pour nettoyer et désinfecter l'adoucisseur d'eau avant de le retourner à l'opération. Les détails sont à

https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Softener_Cleaning.php

For our English speaking readers he wrote" its been more than 3 years that there have not been n on, should I do something in particular before restarting"
We replied:
YES. You will want to clean and sanitize the water softener before returning it to operation. Details are at https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Softener_Cleaning.php

On 2015-01-04 14:28:27.670670 by michel

sa fait plus de 3 ans qu il n as pas ete en marche,dois je faire quelque chose de précs avant de le redémarrer

On 2014-09-01 22:10:13.888660 by (mod)

Antoinette

Most water treatment companies will be happy to send a trained service technician to inspect, clean, and also instruct you in the use of your water conditioner. They hope to sell you salt, service, etc.

In the More Reading links just above, see

SOFTENER CLEANING & SANITIZING

for those instructions.

On 2014-09-01 01:38:26.570220 by Antoinette Jackson

OH sorry if it matters I have the manual I found which says it is a GE then it says it is an Autotrol® Brand 255 Valve / 400 Series Controls. I looked it up and sure enough there is the same manual. Not that I can understand any of it. But this page certainly looks like I can start here to begin to figure it all out IF SOMEONE CAN TELL ME HOW TO CLEAN THE HUGE OUTSIDE BUBBLER TANK THAT SEEMS TO HOLD THE WATER.

There is a VERY BIG valve on the bottom I can drain it. But to get those pipes out to tip it over to clean it, I'd have to use a hack saw and cut them then make sure I had more to re do it, with the PVC glue and if I do something wrong YIKEES! Has anyone cleaned theirs? ? Please give any advice Thank you! Antoinette Jackson If I even could find someone to clean this big Plastic Holding Tank what would it cost me?

And other than just bleach and a mop and LOTS and LOTS of HEAVY HEAVY scrubbing on ones hands and knees IF we can get it turned over to do it, any other way to do this????
It says on the side in big Red Letters R&S

On 2014-09-01 01:30:41.666290 by Antoinette Jackson

We are NEW to this water softening sytem of life here in Palm Bay, Florida. Been trying to learn, learn, and learn some more. We do not have hundreds of dollars to pay these companies to come out and do what we could do ourselves.

Example we looked inside of the water bubbler holding tank (it is located outside) and were absolutely appalled at the filth, algae, rust, grime etc in the tank it had obviously not been cleaned in the 7 yrs this house has been here. So PLEASE someone tell me where to start to try to clean this MESS out!

I grosses me out I have been brushing my teeth with this water! I don't think the reverse osmosis filter I have under my kitchen sink can even help this mess! Does ANYONE KNOW of a reliable/responsible person we can pay to come clean the tank out? We are 60 now and I am not in good health.

My only idea is a mop and gallons of bleach, but there are PVC pipes going across the inside near the top and two others coming INTO the tub on the left also.

I need help! Has anyone out there cleaned there own and can tell me how you did it? I'd really appreciate any help and tips. Thank you Antoinette Jackson islandantoinette AT yahoo is my e mail too. If you'd like to write me directly.

On 2014-07-19 01:28:29.850750 by (mod) -

Anon

Check for a stuck brine tank float that is preventing sufficient water in and brine out.

Also see the diagnostics at

https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Water_Softener_Diagnosis.htm

On 2014-07-19 00:45:07.260920 by Anonymous

I meant "no buildup." Sorry.

On 2014-07-19 00:43:27.075980 by Anonymous

Water is not being softened. I moved into a house with a 10-year old Krystal Pure softener (1 cubic foot model) with an Autotrol 255/460i valve. As far As I can tell, the control system is working correctly in all the cycles.

Incoming water hardness is 7 gpg. Salt control was set on 9 pounds per gallon. I did 2 manual regenerations, and the hardness did not change. After those 2 manual regenerations, I (temporarily) changed the salt setting up to 19 pounds, manually regenerated, still no change.

I checked the screen and injector, and both were perfectly clean with buildup of anything in either. Water is refilled into the squarish brine tank to the level of about 1 foot, salt level is of course above the water. During the brine cycle, all the brine is sucked out of the tank in the first 25% or so of the brine cycle. During the first 2 regens the system was sucking air after all the brine went in, so I took the float assembly out of the brine tank and flushed it with hot water. That got the ball loosened up so that no air was sucked out during the next 19-pound super-overload-regeneration.

I am running out of ideas, and I figure either the valve is bad, or the resin is shot. I really 'feel' the valve is working properly. I need a cheap solution. Any help would be appreciated!!

On 2014-06-18 05:24:16.294710 by (mod) -

You'll find the time varying by salt dosage and/ or water hardness

On 2014-06-10 22:57:23.917850 by Anonymous

can you tell me the times for each cycle while the softener is regenerating I have a whirlpool whes30

On 2014-03-10 12:35:08.999470 by (mod) -

Donna,

The exact procedure depends on the particular controls on your water softener; if you have the instructions those will show you exactly which knob to turn or press. Typically one opens the cover over the controls and sees a rotatable knob labeled "Manual Regen" or "Extra Regen" that is rotated. Or send me a photo of your control and the water softener's brand and model and we can look up the specifics.

On 2014-03-09 00:05:35.092060 by donnadavey67@gmail.com

How to do manual cycle on watersoftner

On 2014-02-12 23:26:02.714690 by (mod) -

Anon:
"too often" is something you can correct by adjusting the regeneration cycle control on the water softener.

On 2014-02-12 15:15:23.482410 by Anonymous

I believe our water softener is charging too often. 4 adults and 3 small children live in our house. We are on a septic.

On 2014-01-30 21:59:50.158170 by (mod) -

John,

If you don't have the installation and ownwer's manual for your Whirlpool WHES48 "EZ Touch Demand Controlled" water softener you can call the company at 1-800-986-3223.

The rate at which the water softener uses salt depends on

- the quantity of water used in the home (assuming all water runs through the softener)

- the hardness of the incoming water

- the water softener settings: recharge frequency, duration, salt dose

Your softener includes some nice information on the control including indications that the unit is working and that water is running through it. (The Softener status screen). The control will also tell you

- current water flow
- average daily water use
- capacity remaining
- days in use
- total recharges

You can look at that data to see if it makes sense.

While you're checking, take a look in the salt tank to be sure that salt is flowing and settling normally. Salt can jam and form a "salt bridge" that is corrected simply by poking it so that salt falls to its true level. If you fail to check and break a salt bridge the softener will keep running but will lack salt needed to soften the water.

Check your "salt level" status, including the salt level button. For this indicator to work correctly, you need to re-set the button to match the actual level of salt you observe in the salt tank.

On 2014-01-30 02:50:53.028100 by John

I have WHirlpool WHES 48. It recharges very seldomly Counter says 7 charges in a year can that be right?
The scheduled recharge is off

On 2013-02-12 17:13:01.427082 by Tom

I have read all of the articles and purchased a TDS meter. However, I can't find the answer to one question: when the softener is working properly, what should be the PPM reading at the water softener outlet?
Thanks

On 2013-01-05 16:17:09.238086 by Dan

I have a Culligan Estate 2 and it is set to re-charge every 3 days. If I manually start it to re-charge, how do I know when the next charge will be? I'd like it to be 3 days later.

On 2012-12-21 21:18:21.978117 by Lance Chase

Thanks Dan, I lowered the salt dosage and then after it ran a regen the salty taste disappeared.

On 2012-12-21 03:19:52.194643 by nate

my water softener brine tank fills with water but when the water softener cycles it will not draw the brine in at all

On 2012-12-15 07:24:39.858640 by (mod) -

You can try adjusting the salt dose as described above

On 2012-12-15 03:20:14.635067 by Lance

I am using a Culligan Silver Series Softener that I just installed today. I ran it through a regen and everything seamed to work as it should have. My question is this, My water has a "Slight" taste of salt in it is there an adjustment that I should make to bring that down to zero taste? Salt dosage is set at 8,Hardness is 14.8GPG, Backwash time is 65 minutes, fast rinse is 7 minutes.I am new to this machine and Want to know if I set it up correctly. Thanks, Lance

On 2012-12-03 02:26:24.998521 by (mod) -

Yes, Ron. The brine tank receives water at the start of a then cycle on the water softeners I've seen.myou can confirm operation easily by calling for an extra regen cycle and watching tomsee water enter the brine tank.peep into the float tube to see water entering.

On 2012-12-02 20:15:06.341452 by Ron

I have a Culligsn Model MARK 89. I had to replace brine tank because of a cracked seem. I installed the new tank and set the float as the old one. After regen I notice that the Brine tank does not refil.Does mine refil at the start of the next Regen???

Question: how full should I keep the water conditioner salt tank?

How full should I keep my salt tank? - Linda

Reply:

We fill the salt tank to near the top but not so full that salt falls into the float tube. For details about adjusting the rate at which your water softener actually uses salt, see WATER SOFTENER ADJUSTMENT & CONTROLS .

Also within that article take a look at HOW MUCH SALT to Use in a Water Softener.

Question: Can we Use Water in the House During the Water Softener Regen Cycle?

I have heard that while the recycling is taking place you cannot run your water or take a bath. Is this true, and if so why, Second, about how long should the recycling take place before it completes its cycle - Dan

Reply:

We should distinguish between can you and should you run water during a water softener regen-cycle. It is absolutely physically possible - so you can. But the water you receive will not be treated by your water conditioner or water softener - as during softener regen cycle the house water supply will "bypass" the softener.

So while I wouldn't hesitate to run some water during a water conditioner regen period, for example to flush a toilet if needed, it's better to avoid running water if you can, especially hot water where a tankless coil or tankless water heater is installed - because the un-treated water will be higher in mineral content and over time, depending on the amount run, you risk clogging up water supply piping.

Bottom line: If you need to take a shower, or run water for other uses during a water softener regen cycle, go ahead. But regular consumption of large volumes of water during the regen cycle are likely to speed up mineral clogging of pipes, especially hot water piping or a tankless coil.

Question: Culligan HE (with aquasensor), 9" model

Hi, I have a Culligan HE (with aquasensor), 9" model (1 cu ft of resin). The board on the control unit does all the calculations for salt dosage and even has default settings for backwash time, brine draw-rinse and fast-rinse times based on the hardness value I input (around 14 GPG in our city). The current (default) settings for backwash, brine draw-rinse and fast-rinse for 14 GPG is 5 min, 62 min, and 5 min, respectively.

I want to ensure that enough time is set to a) backwash to clear the resin bed of any debris without fluidizing the resin and losing media, b) rinse out any excess regenerant solution (fast-rinse) and I am concerned that 5 mins for backwash and 5 min for fast-rinse is not sufficient. Can you recommend a better setting? We are currently set to Proportional Brining and both our flow meter and aqua-sensor can trigger regen. Thanks! - Julie 9/15/12

Reply:

Julie, forgive me for not understanding, but if you know the water hardness and are using that input and then selecting the manufacturer's recommended settings, I'm unclear why you'd want to make a change - are you using recommended settings but seeing a problem?

Question: Ecowater Softener and Filter system large backwash quantities

I have an Ecowater Softener and Filter system. Both units use an incredible amount of water to backwash. I am on a very undependable well and every gallon counts. Can you collect and use backwash water rather than wasting it? Is the backwash water contaminated or salinated to the point where it could damage crops or flowers? - Ed 10/10/2012

Reply:

Ed:

I suspect it's a bad idea and that the salt level will be a bit high for watering plants, but I will research the question and update this Q&A. Meanwhile check your water hardness against the water conditioner regen settings to be sure you ar not wasting water unnecessarily.

Question: how do I clean the water softener?

(Aug 31, 2014) Antoinette Jackson said:

We are NEW to this water softening sytem of life here in Palm Bay, Florida. Been trying to learn, learn, and learn some more. We do not have hundreds of dollars to pay these companies to come out and do what we could do ourselves.

Example we looked inside of the water bubbler holding tank (it is located outside) and were absolutely appalled at the filth, algae, rust, grime etc in the tank it had obviously not been cleaned in the 7 yrs this house has been here. So PLEASE someone tell me where to start to try to clean this MESS out! I grosses me out I have been brushing my teeth with this water! I don't think the reverse osmosis filter I have under my kitchen sink can even help this mess!

Does ANYONE KNOW of a reliable/responsible person we can pay to come clean the tank out? We are 60 now and I am not in good health. My only idea is a mop and gallons of bleach, but there are PVC pipes going across the inside near the top and two others coming INTO the tub on the left also. I need help! Has anyone out there cleaned there own and can tell me how you did it? I'd really appreciate any help and tips. Thank you Antoinette Jackson islandantoinette AT yahoo is my e mail too. If you'd like to write me directly.

(Aug 31, 2014) Antoinette Jackson said:
OH sorry if it matters I have the manual I found which says it is a GE then it says it is an Autotrol® Brand 255 Valve / 400 Series Controls. I looked it up and sure enough there is the same manual

. Not that I can understand any of it. But this page certainly looks like I can start here to begin to figure it all out IF SOMEONE CAN TELL ME HOW TO CLEAN THE HUGE OUTSIDE BUBBLER TANK THAT SEEMS TO HOLD THE WATER.

There is a VERY BIG valve on the bottom I can drain it. But to get those pipes out to tip it over to clean it, I'd have to use a hack saw and cut them then make sure I had more to re do it, with the PVC glue and if I do something wrong YIKEES! Has anyone cleaned theirs?

Please give any advice

Thank you! Antoinette Jackson If I even could find someone to clean this big Plastic Holding Tank what would it cost me? And other than just bleach and a mop and LOTS and LOTS of HEAVY HEAVY scrubbing on ones hands and knees IF we can get it turned over to do it, any other way to do this????
It says on the side in big Red Letters R&S

Reply:

Antoinette

Most water treatment companies will be happy to send a trained service technician to inspect, clean, and also instruct you in the use of your water conditioner. They hope to sell you salt, service, etc.

In the More Reading links just above, see

WATER SOFTENER CLEANING & SANITIZING

for those instructions.

Question: tips for starting up a water softener that has been left off

(Jan 4, 2015) michel said:
sa fait plus de 3 ans qu il n as pas ete en marche,dois je faire quelque chose de précs avant de le redémarrer

Reply:

Michel

OUI. Vous voudrez pour nettoyer et désinfecter l'adoucisseur d'eau avant de le retourner à l'opération. Les détails sont à

WATER SOFTENER CLEANING & SANITIZING

For our English speaking readers he wrote" its been more than 3 years that there have not been n on, should I do something in particular before restarting"
We replied:
YES. You will want to clean and sanitize the water softener before returning it to operation. Details are at inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Softener_Cleaning.php

Question: water softener control keeps gooing in circles

(Apr 10, 2015) Barbara said:
The control on my softner that tells me what stage of softning it is in keeps going in circles. Does not give time for any one thing to complete.

Reply:

Sounds like a failed control module. Try turning off power and waiting 5 minutes then turning it back on. Try a manual regen.

Question: where to find manuals for a Western Water Products water softener

(July 6, 2015) Guy said:

I don't see mention of the main dial settings on my unit which you illustrate at the top (inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Conditioner_ID_023_BB_DFss.jpg) showing "inserv". There are several settings like backwash reg, brine wash and a couple of others I think.

What do each of them do, when should I use them and what is the regular setting that the unit should be on. Mine is a Western Water Product again similar to the picture but does anyone know where to get a manual online? Thanks for the help on the settings.

Reply:

Guy,

I can see why you're asking, Western Water Products is a bear to find and contact, and offers no online manuals and a website that barely works.

But contact them directly.

Western Water Products, who makes your water softener, will be glad to give you an instruction manual for your model, most likely at no charge.
Contact
Western Water Products
6060 Enterprise Drive
Diamond Springs, CA 95619
USA
Phone: 800-828-2005
Fax: 530-626-7178
[their website is nearly a secret but is at http://www.recycle-water.com/ ]

Or if you bought a unit from the WY company they have a similar name:
Western Water Conditioning, Inc.
1310 N Garner Lake Rd
PO Box 2470
Gillette, WY 82717-2470
Phone: 1-307-682-5583
Toll Free in Wyoming 800-445-3100
Fax: 1-307-682-6290
Email: ross@westernwater.net

...

Continue reading  at WATER SOFTENER ADJUSTMENT & CONTROLS - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see WATER SOFTENER CONTROL SETTING FAQs-2 - more-recent questions and answers about the settings and controls on a water softener

Or see these

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• WATER SOFTENER RESIN REPLACEMENT

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