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Service Olympians3 Reasons You Should Turn Off Your Water Softener When On Vacation
Forgetting to turn off your water softener can make life extra hard
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Turning off your water softener while on vacation prevents damage from regeneration cycles running without water, especially if you have a timed system.
Water softener repair costs range from $161 to $975, with extensive damage reaching $2,500, so protecting your system before traveling saves money.
You should turn off your water softener when traveling for more than two weeks or during winter to prevent freezing and potential burst pipes.
Hiring a local water specialist professional provides reliable support for turning off and draining your system before vacation, keeping your equipment safe while you're away.
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Hard water can make life difficult, but a water softener eases some of the pain. It can brighten your clothes, cut down on cleaning, and help you save money. But that’s while it’s being used. When your travels take you away from home, should you keep your water softener running even if you’re not there to experience the benefits? Here are three conditions to consider for turning off your water softener when on vacation.
What is a Water Softener?
A water softener is a water filtration system that removes hard water minerals—calcium and magnesium—and replaces them with sodium. Water hardness is measured by the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water, so if your water is high in these minerals, it’s classified as hard water.
How Does Water Softener Work?
In the water filtration system, sodium-saturated resin beads sit at the bottom of a tank. A water softener works once hard water enters the unit. The calcium and magnesium minerals attach themselves to the resin beads, and the sodium from the beads enters the water, successfully replacing the minerals and making the water “soft.”
And while hard water is invisible to the eye as water streams out of your faucets and shower heads, you may notice its effects elsewhere. It leaves behind a filmy residue even after washing your hands with soap and water. Your glassware likely looks cloudy instead of clear. Hard water has the potential to dry out your skin and hair.
Unchecked hard water causes more problems than dry skin and unclean dishes. Mineral buildup can damage your pipes. Hard water can increase your water bill by forcing your plumbing system to work harder. Water softener works wonders on your home when actively using water, but what about when you’re not home? If you’re going on a week-long trip or have planned a month-long extended stay, there are a few conditions where you might consider turning off your water softener system.
If You Have a Timed Water Softener
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As water passes through the filtration system, the resin beads used for filtration eventually become saturated with minerals. At this point, you’ll think you’re getting “soft” water, but it’ll actually be a little rough around the edges. The regeneration process restores the sodium to the resin beads so the system works properly. Water softeners either use a metered system or a timed system for regeneration.
A metered system regenerates based on water usage. It calculates how much water has passed through and automatically triggers regeneration after a set amount. A timed system regenerates according to a set schedule, but it poses a few problems. If the scheduled intervals are too close together, this can cause too much sodium in your water. If the intervals are too long, hard water could enter your pipes before the next scheduled regeneration.
While you’re away, you don’t have to worry about turning off your unit with a metered water softener. If you’re not using water, your system won’t regenerate. With a timed system, your water softener will regenerate if it’s scheduled to.
A system regeneration without water can lead to water softener problems and potentially damage your unit. The cost to repair a water softener typically costs between $161 and $975, but depending on the type of system and the extent of the damage, it could cost as much as $2,500. So if you’re headed out of town, it’s better to be safe—and turn off your water softener—than sorry.
If You’re Traveling For a Long Time
How long are your travels? If it’s less than two weeks, you can leave your water softener as is. If you’ll be gone for longer, consider turning the system off. Water softeners are meant to run. They’re not meant to be idle.
For extended travels, it’s recommended to turn off your water. Doing so can prevent leaks and water damage while you’re gone. Shutting off your water cuts off the supply to your water softener, and like we said—a running water softener without running water can damage your unit. On average, water softeners last between 10-15 years, but regular care and maintenance can add a few extra years to their life.
If It’s Winter
During the winter, some homeowners escape the cold and travel to warmer temperatures. Common steps when traveling include turning off the lights, powering down the HVAC, and setting your alarm system. If you’re saying goodbye to freezing temperatures, you’ll also need to focus on water treatment equipment like your water softener.
Without proper insulation, your water softener can freeze. And if your pipes are weak, you’ll be coming home to burst pipes, water damage, and possible electrical issues. Instead, turn off your water softener. Go the extra mile, and drain the tank while you’re at it. This will keep the tank from freezing while you’re gone.
Turning off and draining your water softener is a DIY-friendly project, but if you don’t have the time—especially in the days leading up to your vacation—schedule an appointment with a local water softener specialist.
Water softener services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
5.0★ avg. • 6 total reviews
- Mike Z.
As usual with ECO, tech Jordan was outstanding, very professional, very knowledgeable, and very thorough with repairs made to tankless water heaters. Very highly recommend ECO!!!
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians - Michael S.
Did a great job replacing the ice maker and water regulator on my refrigerator. He was quick and thorough, very friendly and professional. If I needed a heart transplant I'd want him to do it!!!
- Maria C.
We had a gutter blockage that was causing water to sheet down the side of the house and ultimately it started to come in at a window (need mortar people next). Called around 7:30am, and he responded by 8am. He was able to come out the same morning and do a look over and clean out. He also...
- Brad S.
Scott checked our large crawl space for mold and water infiltration and recommended a viable solution. The crew was efficient and they cleaned up well after the job. The job was expensive but I am confident that I won't have to deal with the problem again. Highly recommend.
AdvantaClean of Dublin - Ann S.
They were the most through inspecting the water system in my house. Even going the extra mile to get the water professionally tested for contamination.
Hague Water Conditioning, Inc. - Diane C.
It went very well. The drain is absorbing all the access water. I had other estimates a year earlier and Hughes was right on. I will use them, again.
Hughes Construction Co - Service Olympians
- Mike B.
The Paul Davis team was very professional and went the extra mile to take care of my water damage. The work was very high quality and done in a timely manner. I would highly recommend their services.
Paul Davis Restoration - Gene S.
Honesty is hard to find in business today. GBR met me today at a 3 story building regarding my being told that I needed to tuckpoint the brick because of water leaks. The owners took the time to evaluate the situation and advised me that I did not need their service at all. They pointed me...
GBR Masonry Inc - Stewart W.
They unclogged the drain and sent me a bill for more than 4 times what I paid before. I called the Water Works to ask why the bill was so high and that they should have gotten my authorization before assuming they could make expensive decisions like that on my behalf and for their benefit....
The Waterworks
The homeowners guide to water softener services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Water softeners remove minerals from hard water in your home and make your water more pleasant to use. Learn more about how they work here.
The last thing you want when you return from a trip is a flooded home. Here are four primary reasons to shut your water off when you’re on vacation.
There are many water softener benefits, including better water flow, lower energy and maintenance costs, cleaner dishes, and healthier skin and hair.
Water softeners rid your home of hard minerals and, well, soften your water. Even better, the regeneration process is an automatic cycle that works when you’re least likely to use it.
You want your appliances to last as long as possible, but if you live in an area with hard water, you might consider improving their longevity with a water softener.