Aargh Water Softener - Options on regeneration

[Edwin Pawlowski]

If it does not need regeneration, it is wise. If it does need to be done, it is stupid to not do it.

You must determine the hardness of the water in grains, then the capacity of the softener in grains and set it accordingly. It may be possible to set the hight of the salt shelf in the brine tank to use less salt but I'm not familir with your model. The manual should give information on doing that.

Newer controls can determine just how much regeneration is needed and adjust accordingly. I don't know if it is possible to retrofit yours to do that.

[SQLit]

Agreed,

My old softener did as you described until I took the time to put it into MANUAL regeneration. I had a led screen that indicated how many thousands of gallons were left. Because of my city water and settings a complete recharge usually netted 12 showing. Since it was in the garage and next to the washer/dryer. I would check it every load of clothes. When it showed 1-2 I would hold down the recharge button and walk away. Good to go for another

2-3 weeks. Slowed the salt diet down to a couple of bags a year.

[SJF]

Older softeners permit you to skip recharging on specified days. The newer softeners have a water meter that let you recharge whenever you have used a specified number of gallons. In either case you must know the hardness of your water and do some simple computation. To determine the hardness of your water, call your water company or use a simple hardness test kit.

Whichever way is appropriate, you need to read the manual and follow its instructions as others have suggested. If you don't have a copy, you can view it online at

It appears that your softener has metering to respond to water use but is set up for extremely hard water. If you have a severe leak or used softened water for irrigation (implies improper installation) you could also have excessive salt use. --- SJF

[1_Patriotic_Guy]

Please advise,

I have a GE profile model PNSF31Z01 water softener. I had it installed in

1999. It regenerates daily and uses several 40 pound bags of salt a month. Is there any way I can get it to regenerate less often? Is this wise? I don't want to ruin the water softener, but would rather not have to refill it so often. The users manual allows me to set the time of day I regenerate, but says nothing about adjusting for every so many days. If I push the manual valve to bypass the water softener, it will skip the regeneration cycle. How long can I leave it in bypass without damaging the water softener? Any other info on water softeners that is important to know? I bought the water softener because all the water using appliances (20 yr old house) were rusting through and the shower heads were getting clogged up from minerals. Appliances and laundry and showers are much nicer and cleaner after installing the water softener, no more rust or corrosion issues. Is there technology on the market that accomplishes this without consuming a product (e.g. I buy about 120 to 160 lbs of salt a month. Even though I don'tuse much water my softener still regenerates daily)?

Thanks in advance, Andy

[Travis Jordan]

Did you check the GE web site and your owner's manual?

[David Martel]

Andy,

You need to get your unconditioned water tested. Once that is done look in your owner's manual for advice on regeneration. Using the hardness of the water, the capacity of the softener, and the amount of water you use you can calculate how often you should regenerate. Regenerating once a day for a home is likely to be much to often, even once a week may be too much.

Dave M.

[1_Patriotic_Guy]

Thank you! -- I found the manual on-line!

[1_Patriotic_Guy]

Thank you everyone - I found the diagnostic mode and have the softener back in operation.