In many parts of the United States, a water softener isn't a luxury--it's a necessity. Water supplies (city and well) often include minerals and salts that not only taste bad, but also can damage pipes, plumbing fixtures, and other devices. If your home has a water softener you know that they are virtually trouble free. Here's how to fix their few quirks.

How Does It Work?

Components of a typical water softener system.

A water softener is an appliance designed to remove minerals from water by means of an ion-exchange process. As water flows through a bed of sodium impregnated resin beads, mineral ions are drawn from the water to the beads. The sodium ions are added to the water. The water softener unit recharges the beads with brine or a potassium chloride solution. Some water softeners have separate tanks for the sodium resin and the brine while others have the resin tank inside the brine tank.

Full-home water softeners typically are installed right where the main water line enters the house. For economy, some systems bypass faucets and fixtures that don't need soft water, such as toilets and exterior water systems. Depending on what system you have and who owns it (you or a leasing company), your water softening system may be maintained by a service company. All you need to do to get soft water is turn on the tap--and pay the bill.

Fix-It Tip

Do you really need a water softener? Not sure? Call your county or state health department to find out how and where to have a water sample tested.

What Can Go Wrong?

Most water softeners generally require little maintenance aside from periodic salt refill. If you have a water softener service, responsibility for the equipment is with the supplier. If you own the equipment, however, there are a few things you can do to maintain and repair it. The motor can break down, the water may not be softened, and the brine may not flow.