Cleanse your kinetico water softener: a step-by-step tutorial

A Kinetico water softener is a valuable investment in your home’s water quality. To ensure that your water softener continues to perform optimally, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to clean your Kinetico water softener effectively.

Understanding Your Kinetico Water Softener

Before delving into the cleaning process, it’s important to understand the components of your Kinetico water softener. The system typically consists of:

• Resin Tank: Contains the ion-exchange resin that removes hardness minerals from water.
• Brine Tank: Holds the salt used to regenerate the resin.
• Control Valve: Manages the water flow and regeneration process.

Step 1: Safety Precautions

Before starting any cleaning procedure, ensure your safety by following these precautions:

• Unplug the water softener from the power outlet.
• Turn off the water supply to the softener.
• Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from salt and water.

Step 2: Preparing the Softener for Cleaning

• Drain the water from the brine tank by opening the drain valve at the bottom.
• Disconnect the brine line from the control valve.
• Remove the salt screen from the brine tank and clean it with water and a mild detergent.

Step 3: Cleaning the Resin Tank

• Remove the cap from the top of the resin tank.
• Pour 1 cup of water softener cleaner into the tank.
• Let the cleaner soak for 30 minutes to dissolve any mineral buildup.
• Use a brush to scrub the inside of the tank and remove any loose debris.
• Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water until the water runs clear.

Step 4: Cleaning the Brine Tank

• Fill the brine tank with clean water.
• Add 1 cup of bleach per 5 gallons of water.
• Let the bleach solution sit for 30 minutes to disinfect the tank.
• Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water until the bleach smell is gone.

Step 5: Cleaning the Control Valve

• Remove the control valve from the softener.
• Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the exterior of the valve.
• Inspect the screen on the inlet side of the valve and clean it if necessary.
• Reinstall the control valve and tighten it securely.

Step 6: Reassembling the Softener

• Reattach the brine line to the control valve.
• Fill the brine tank with water and add salt according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Replace the salt screen in the brine tank.
• Plug the water softener back into the power outlet.

Step 7: Running the Regeneration Cycle

• Turn on the water supply to the softener.
• The softener will automatically start a regeneration cycle.
• Allow the regeneration cycle to complete before using the softened water.

Tips for Maintaining Your Kinetico Water Softener

• Clean your water softener every 3-6 months.
• Use only high-quality water softener salt.
• Check the salt level regularly and refill as needed.
• Inspect the system for leaks or damage periodically.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No softened water: Check if the water softener is plugged in and the water supply is turned on.
• Hard water: Clean the resin tank or replace the resin if necessary.
• Leaking: Check for loose connections or damaged seals.
• Salt bridging: Break up the salt in the brine tank and ensure the salt screen is clean.

What People Want to Know

Q: How often should I clean my Kinetico water softener?
A: It’s recommended to clean your water softener every 3-6 months.

Q: What type of salt should I use in my Kinetico water softener?
A: Use only high-quality water softener salt specifically designed for water softeners.

Q: How do I know if my water softener is working properly?
A: Test your softened water with a water hardness test kit. The result should show significantly reduced hardness levels compared to untreated water.

Q: Can I use vinegar to clean my Kinetico water softener?
A: No, vinegar is not recommended for cleaning water softeners as it can damage the resin.

Q: Where can I find replacement parts for my Kinetico water softener?
A: Contact an authorized Kinetico dealer or visit the Kinetico website.