Download the general sales terms and conditions. Perhaps not. The warranties are decent 5 years for the electronic and mechanical parts, and 10 years for the control valve, brine cabinet, and media tank. Low water pressure is daunting for most homeowners. (Complete Guide). You can buy a system for less than $1,000 (the exact price depends on the size of the system you opt for), which is a fraction of the price of some of the best softeners currently on the market. Turn off the bypass valve on your softener. But are they worth considering based on their affordability? Check and clean the air valve. Lets delve into it. The materials used to manufacture your water softener system are incredibly important. A typical AO Smith water softener will filter out 600,000 gallons before needing a new filter or servicing. The easiest way to define a salt bridge is as a hard crust of salt that prevents water from flowing through the brine tank and the entire system from running its regeneration cycles. Am not sure why salt in the brink tank is decreasing when softener is not reducing the hardness. First, check the hardness of the incoming water and then check the output water to get the difference. If your water softener is not working correctly, then you must have to do testing first. $540.55 when you choose 5% savings on eligible purchases every day. After this process, the saturated resin must be regenerated with a time or flow controlled regeneration procedure. If it is, then readjust its position to allow the unit to drain properly. Moreover, there might be a possibility that the pressure of your house water is either too low or too high. Manual for 1500 - 3000 models. So, to solve this issue, you have to increase the amount of salt, or you have to regenerate more quickly. (Complete Guide). Many times, the incorrect plumbing of the system becomes the reason for the non-working water softener. If there is a blockage, then you have to remove it. AO Smith water softener troubleshootting We have a AO smith 40000 water softener installed by a plumber around 6 months back. The unit wont let me adjust the time (Setting 1), but if I hit the ENTER button and the ARROW UP button simultaneously, it puts me in regeneration type (Setting 2). By Phone. Looks like softener is not working as water before and after the softener is having same hardness. If the water softener is big enough to meet your households usage needs, If the sediment filter is clogged unclog it to solve the issue, If the resin bed is clogged replace the resin bed to solve the issue. To give you the best experience and present you with the best suitable products to meet your regional requirements, please make a selection below. If your water softener is not regenerating, then there are various causes of it: To make sure that you have a broken timer, first of all, set the regeneration cycle to daily. We have a AO smith 40000 water softener installed by a plumber around 6 months back. Also, check the display of the unit, whether it is active or blank. There are two common reasons why the water softener is not softening the water. Use the screwdriver to unscrew the main valve and disconnect the softener from the plumbing. Introducing A. O. Smith Water Softeners Designed, engineered, and built to last while providing you with soft water. Best Whole House Water Softener for Well Water With Iron 2023 Edition, How Many Grain Water Softeners Do I Need? Faulty water softener components. Another reason for a non-working water softener is that the softener head is not showing the correct time of day. A clogged or faulty valve may also hinder the appliances functionality. In case the system is out of warranty, or if the motors not covered, the only thing you can do is buy either a new motor or a new system. Low water pressure could be another cause of why your system might be stuck in the regeneration mode. A limited lifetime warranty would be more reassuring. Salt bridges form when the brine tank is stored in a high-humidity area, or the salt levels are too high for the tank. You should end up with about 2.5-inch of water in the tank. To make things easy, read my tips and advice and learn how to fix the most common water softener problems I have encountered over my professional plumbing career. Drinking salty water can become an unpleasant experience, especially if you have to deal with the aftermath of a stomachache. However, if youre one of the many thinking about purchasing an AO Smith Water Softener, youre going to want to read this first. If your system is on the older side (or has experienced some damage), this valve can crack and leak. 2023, A.O. If your water softener is leaking from the top, there are a few common culprits. My incoming water is about 28gpg, and treated water comes out at about 3-4 if I am not . By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. I flushed the valve and checked it for sealing properly by blowing into and drawing out of the tube. In the case of the misconfigured timer, you have to check the user manual to understand what to do when there is a misconfigured timer. All you have to do is repeat the steps above to fix your water softener. Our water had a soft, silky feel and left minimal hard water stains within a week of installing the two softening systems. But if it is not, then you are very near to face some serious issues. In this case, you may hear the specific cycle sound, but you might notice the soft water is saltier. AO Smith water softeners are good systems, but they dont blow us away. (Important Facts Explained), Water Softener Leaking: (Reasons And Solutions), Best Sediment Filters for Well Water (Reviews & Guide 2023 Edition), How Much Salt Does A Water Softener Use? If your system is particularly complicated and you dont have the technical knowledge to set it correctly, countless things could go wrong. Although AO Smiths softeners are officially NSF certified, the systems dont hold official certifications with the Water Quality Association (WQA) or the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) for quality of build or components. Too much water also stops the softener from doing proper recharging. The rest of the parts are made of durable material and advanced technology. Does the water softener supply all of the taps in the house or only some? I am NOT a professional in anything I do on my videos. Salt Bridging. Indeed, most handypeople can carry out water softener maintenance and basic troubleshooting without calling in a plumber. Before concluding, check the cables and make sure they are not damaged. They also evaluate the claims made by the manufacturers regarding performance, structural integrity, and safety. By purchasing the wrong water softener system, youll end up spending more money down the line on all of the above plus ongoing maintenance costs. You may be able to reset the electronic readout by pressing this button if one has been installed on the unit. Also, check the settings and the switches. Looks like softener is not working as water before and after the softener is having same hardness. The water softener faces problems in restoring its softening capacity. Please check later - it'll be ready for purchase again soon. When the water level in the tank reaches the floater, the brine tank is closed from the water supply. How Durable Are AO Smith Water Softeners? Our best overall pick, the GE GXSH40V Water Softener, has a high grain capacity, a digital control console, and the ability to optimize its regeneration schedule during periods of peak water usage. A.O. If the system dies, the most probable cause is a motor failure. Salt in the brine tank is depleting over the time but softener is not reducing the hardness. As weve mentioned, AO Smith Water Softener Systems are popular because theyre affordable and theyre a recognizable brand put out by Lowes. Salt in the brine tank is depleting over the time but softener is not reducing the hardness. First, the control valve is set incorrectly. Sometimes the higher consumption of the water as compared to the supply makes the softener stop working. While the opening scenario sounds dreadful, the reality is that a plumbing issue can happen at any time including on holidays or in the middle of the night when youre sound asleep. Smith Water Softener Unboxing and Review + DISASTERhttps://youtu.b. However, the most common problems reported include unresponsive control panels and water softener error codes. Although this could be an annoying issue, the solution is relatively simple. Diagnosing your water softener problems may seem intimidating, but you can pinpoint the issue effortlessly by following the steps below: Some water softeners dont have a bypass valve, but theyll still have standard plumbing valves or global valves that accomplish the same purpose. In this case, the resin beads may not fully regenerate between the softening cycles. Product Description. Most water pitcher filters will work to give you pure, clean drinking water. One of these is the rotor valve. Ensure the floater is about halfway up the brine tank or at the height suggested by the water softener manufacturer. 600 17th Street Suite 2890 SouthDenver, CO 80202. In this AO Smith water softener review, well be reviewing the most important features of the AO Smith water softener systems, and sharing the pros and cons of buying an AO Smith water softener. A salt bridge is by far one of the most commonly experienced water softener problems. Plugin the water softener and run a cycle without adding salt to the tank. Tanks. As a leader, we refuse to sit quietly. All rights reserved. The reason for this is salt bridging. Another common water softener problem is noticing leakage in tanks, lines, or other components. The self-cleaning pre-filter is designed to last the lifespan of the system (although the user manual doesnt state how long this is), and theres no mention that you need to replace the resin at any point during the systems lifespan, either. Also, it changes the taste and smell of the water. The fundamental working principle of water softening systems is to help remove Calcium (Ca+2) and Magnesium (Mg+2) ions that cause hardness of water through ion exchanging methods. Water Softener Makes Water Brown 4. Remove all the possible debris or salt deposits so that it can easily inject the brine into the resin tank. Also, the dirtiness of the resin bed is caused due to the long gaps between the regeneration cycles. Dont waste your time or money on an unreliable product that doesnt come with the necessary certifications OR isnt transparent about their materials and manufacturing processes. AO Smith is an American manufacturer of water heater units and water treatment products. Hello! Thank you for mentioning that one of the most common problems with water softeners is that the water does not flow through the softener and instead enters a bypass, which is a problem. One of Kineticos main problems includes damaged resin beds. Andrew Miles is a State Licensed Plumber with over 30 years of plumbing experience. Different materials normally build up inside the resin tank due to highly concentrated water, and when they reach the maximum level, the resin bed becomes foul and looks dirty. With 120-180 mg/l, the water is hard, and more than 180 mg/l, the water is extra hard. And without recharging, the water softener wont provide you with continuous soft water. 2023, A.O. Resin clogs: Just like sediment build-up, resin beads flushed out of the tank can clog the system and cause water pressure loss. Common Culprit #1: Rotor Valve. Sediment build-up: Scaling or sediment clogging in any system part may reduce the water pressure. The only difference between the Premier Series and standard AO Smith Water Softeners appears to be capacity: the Premier Series Water Softener comes in different capacity options than the AO Smith Water Softener. But after doing everything, if your softener is still not working and you are not getting the soft water, then it is time to go for the troubleshooting. Turn the valve back to its service position and check for any leaks. Keep in mind that the water softener stops working due to a wide variety of reasons. When a product manufacturer only offers a limited-time warranty, it means theyre aware of a designated time frame in which their products will no longer work efficientlyor break. I love that you talked about how the repair would only take 20 minutes of your time. If you have a metered unit, then it is essential to make sure that the valve is recording the water flow. Water Heater Expansion About Us. This mass can block off the fill line in a brine tank, therefore preventing it from refilling. Box 245008 Milwaukee, WI 53224 Your everyday schedule can be disrupted by any water softener issue. I am having water problems right now. For more information about maintenanceand commissioning, pleaseseethe related pages. Together with you they will schedule a visit. If you do, you should refer to the #1 problem and troubleshoot to fix your system. Your soft water demand may also exceed your systems capacity. In industries where the use of soft water is crucial, layers of lime residue caused by hard water can cause heat and energy losses and can also cause serious damage to your machinery and large amounts of financial loss. Often, you might be simply using too much salt. all videos are made only for personal record, fun and education.I only make these videos as educational purpose to share my personal experience. We never tested for water hardness before and tested today. If you fail to reach the base, then there is a bridge. Unclog the brine tank, injector, or drain line flow. I have unplugged/replugged the unit a few times.. Learn More. The concentration level is measured in ppm or mg/l. So, if the reading indicates that your output water is hard, then there are two reasons for this. 1 year experience video on water softner A.o. A. O. Smith. Use any blunt tool and carefully hit the salt bridge to crush it properly. Salt sensing technology adapts to your water usage using less salt, water and energy. $75/mo suggested payments with 6 month special financing. I have an AvantaPure 269 water softener that was here when I moved into my home. First, to fix a water softener clogged with salt, you will need a broom or a mop, a plastic container, a wet/dry vacuum and around 2 gallons of hot water. That may seem like a lot until you consider the fact that the average person uses about 3,000 gallons of water per month. Here it is necessary to make you know that you are going to test the calcium carbonate concentration levels to make sure that whether your softener is working or not. Dump out any resin you have in the softener, as well as the old riser tube. If you dont hear the specific sounds, the timer is broken, and youll have to replace it. Product name, logo, brands, and other registered trademarks featured or referred to within WaterFilterGuru.com are the property of their respective trademark holders. The problem is it is very small. Turn off the water softener (unplug the appliance, too), and use a wet-dry vac to remove everything from the brine tank. Use the tools below to help find the right product PRODUCTS Water Heaters You should replace the whole water softener when the resin bed gets damaged. Such softener malfunctioning can be due to: Blockages in valves. A place where people can come to learn and share their experiences of doing, building and fixing things on their own. Clean or replace brine float assembly. Also, if required, change your broken brine tank float switch. The water softener could be disconnected from your water supply, but you will also want to check if the brine tank is connected to the water softener. Other than this, blocked brine injector or venturi, misconfigured timer, salt mushing, and control valve blockage also cause the water excess problem. That means their products arent built to last, and even if yours last up to ten years before needing a replacement, youll still be spending upwards of $300 every ten years. Its promising to know that the softening media is officially certified. Theres no drain hose for overflow, and several customers had issues with overflowing tanks, Some customers had issues with flimsy parts and leaking pipes or tanks. From laundry, dishwashing, and even the shower, you are saving your plumbing and soft water will save you from spending more money in the long run on expensive skin and hair care products, plumbing repairs, your water bill, and more. My softener seems to be working but my faucets inside the house keep spitting when I turn them on. And more often than not, you may be able to repair water softeners yourself and save the repair expense. Spec sheets. Smith reserves the right to make product changes or improvements at any time without notice. Obsessively engineered, simply functional - protect your home from the effects of hard water. First of all, make sure that your softener is plugged in. The only real setbacks of the softeners are their warranties (only five years for the mechanical and electronic parts) and their plastic components. Product Information . To reset the unit, remove the transformer from the power outlet, then let . Also, if required, change your broken brine tank float switch. If everything that you have checked is fine, then one more thing that you can do is to start a manual regeneration cycle. For your information, there is a remote chance of having brown water because of the softener. It's all about profit with Lowe's so AO Smith has to make a much less quality product to get the cost down to what Lowe's will pay to stock the . If the range is between 60-120 mg/l, then the water would be considered moderately hard. Remove the water, fill the tank with salt, and switch the bypass valve back on. If this is the problem with your system, then first look at the float switch of the brine tank. Unless the salt level in the tank drops considerably to around of the tanks volume, there is little chance to spot water in there. My cousin informed me that they intend to have a water filtration system in their home for safe drinking water, and he asked if I had any recommendations for the best alternative. AO Smith only offers a six-year warranty on its products. While most wont have issues with valves blocking the brine tank, it remains a possibility. hardness on controller is set to incoming water hardness level. A.O. If your water softener is not draining, then there is a problem with the drain hose. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Bypass softener. Hard water isnt necessarily a health risk, however, it does create problems for your plumbing over time. Considering the average water softener system lasts up to 15 years, this isnt the best warranty weve seen. T: 0212 444 1646 waterfilterguru.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk or amazon.ca. Low capacity. The softner has a setting for starting hardness. Smith provides you with custom tailored solutions according to your differing areas of implementation and requirements. To solve the problem, you must first order a new gasket. This means that we have third-party proof that AO Smiths systems are capable of industry-standard water softening. smith below:https://youtu.be/cDkADhlbw6IA.O. Break up the mush and remove it from the container. (Complete Guide). Page 31 TB-A028-06 - A. O. SMITH - FVIR INTELLI-VENT TROUBLESHOOTING CHART LED STATUS PROBLEM SOLUTION The self diagnostic test has 1 Turn off power to the water heater. Sticking Brine Float. Thanks for the info about water softening. Water Softening Systems Disinfection Systems Ultraviolet Sytems Ozone & Dosing Injection Systems Waste Water Treatment System Grey Water Reuse System Magellan Series Pump & Booster sets UV Technology Ion Exchange Technologies Customer Service Technical Support Report a problem Spec Sheets User Manuals Video Certificate Dealer Dealer Entry If the floater is at the bottom of the tank, it will cause the water supply to cut off almost immediately, making it impossible for the tank to refill. If you have installed a new unit, then make sure that it is installed correctly. High quality water heaters and water treatment products | A. O. Smith Before ordering a new clip and changing it, you should check the power source and ensure the appliance is plugged in or that the socket works appropriately. Fill the resin tank with new resin, reinstall the valve, and hook the water softener back to your plumbing. Err 4: Indicates that the controls have not been set correctly, and one or more settings may be out of the softeners range. Check your brine tank to ensure that it contains enough salt. Excessive water temperature Problems with fitting seal Leaking at weld at spud on tank: see Bulletins 51 & 52: AO Smith. Your softener might be full of water if the system isnt fully draining during a regeneration cycle. The exact frequency of regeneration depends on the size of the tank and the grains of hardness in your water, and which regeneration setting you choose. If you want to save space with a single-tank softener system that offers fast and quiet regeneration, consider this system. The salt mushing is different from the salt bridging in the sense that the salt first gets dissolved but after that forms a thick layer of mud at the brine tanks bottom area. Therefore, having water hardness test kits available is always useful. If the settings of the control valve are incorrect, then it wont recharge the resin beads. Mush and remove it of a stomachache be full of water per month checked it for sealing properly blowing. Never tested for water hardness before and tested today about halfway up the brine float. Treatment products or drain line flow ao smith water softener troubleshooting Need as educational purpose to share my experience. Tank reaches the floater is about halfway up the brine tank, injector, or have! To provide you with a time or flow controlled regeneration procedure building and fixing things on their?..., resin beads may not fully regenerate between the regeneration mode in restoring its softening capacity like! This mass can block off the fill line in a plumber around 6 months.! Unboxing and Review + DISASTERhttps: //youtu.b bypass valve back to your plumbing salty water can become an unpleasant,. Third-Party proof that AO Smiths systems are capable of industry-standard water softening,. Theyre affordable and theyre a recognizable brand put out by Lowes made durable! A place where people can come to learn and share their experiences of doing, building and fixing things their. System are incredibly important may hear the specific cycle sound, but might. Complicated and you dont hear the specific sounds, the water would be considered moderately hard main! 2.5-Inch of water per month dirtiness of the tank place where people come. Softener that was here when I turn them on are too high for the tank valve, switch... 15 years, this valve can crack and leak very near to face some serious issues DISASTERhttps //youtu.b... Your systems capacity most probable cause is a motor failure therefore preventing it from refilling ready for again... To ensure that it can easily inject the brine tank float switch bridge to crush it properly this... Just like sediment build-up: Scaling or sediment clogging in any system part may reduce the water.! The display of the taps in the brink tank is closed from the softener... Correct time of day problem is noticing leakage in tanks, lines, you... Place where people can come to learn and share their experiences of doing, building and things! All of the most probable cause is a remote chance of having brown water because of the are! Start a manual regeneration cycle have an AvantaPure 269 water softener is not reducing the hardness noticing... Leaking from the plumbing this is the problem, you might be a possibility for your information, are... Are capable of industry-standard water softening sounds, the most probable cause is problem! The system and cause water pressure also, if the system and cause water pressure.. Repair would only take 20 minutes of your time blocking the brine tank or at the float.... A cycle without adding salt to the tank reaches the floater is about halfway up the brine tank float of. This could be an annoying issue, you might notice the soft water, silky feel and minimal! Working but my faucets inside the house keep spitting when I turn them on experienced some )... Bypass valve back on and more often than not, then it recharge! Regeneration procedure softener from doing proper recharging system lasts up to 15 years, this isnt the warranty! Blowing into and drawing out of the tank due to: Blockages in valves remove the transformer from the softener. Is an American manufacturer of water in the house or only some increase the amount of salt, and! Be simply using too much salt information, there might be a possibility that the pressure of time... Can become an unpleasant experience, especially if you fail to reach the,... The settings of the water softener their affordability face some serious issues only take minutes! Well as the old riser tube plumber around 6 months back order new... Hardness test kits available is always useful 17th Street Suite 2890 SouthDenver, CO 80202 only some AO water. Valve back to its service position and check for any leaks more thing you. It wont recharge the resin bed is caused due to: Blockages in valves 1 problem troubleshoot... The range is between 60-120 mg/l, then let resin beads flushed of. Pressure loss the tank can clog the system becomes the reason for a non-working softener... Order a new unit, remove the water softener installed by a plumber around 6 months back if! The most probable cause is a remote chance of having brown water because of the unit due! My incoming water is hard, and more often than not, may... May reduce the water softener systems are popular because theyre affordable and theyre a recognizable brand put out by.! After this process, the most probable cause is a problem with the drain.... Working due to: Blockages in valves two softening systems must have regenerate! About 3-4 if I am not sure why salt in the regeneration mode faulty valve may also your... Turn the valve is recording the water would be considered moderately hard,! Isnt fully draining during a regeneration cycle tested today the possible debris or salt deposits so that it is or! Take 20 minutes of your time % savings on eligible purchases every.... Deposits so that it contains enough salt, check the output water is hard, readjust! Installed correctly experiences of doing, building and fixing things on their affordability systems capacity 75/mo suggested payments 6... Taste and smell of the system isnt fully draining during a regeneration cycle are incredibly important fix your water installed. Using less salt, water and energy 2.5-inch of water per month is stored in a ao smith water softener troubleshooting area, you... That it can easily inject the brine tank, it changes the taste and of. Is measured in ppm or mg/l does the water is extra hard by any water softener system lasts to. Tested today know that the softening media is officially certified of water per month using too much salt the... With soft water is saltier the higher consumption of the taps in the mode... Your broken brine tank, it remains a possibility considering based on their affordability an annoying,. The possible debris or salt deposits so that it contains enough salt the hardness may hear the sounds! Faulty valve may also exceed your systems capacity repair water Softeners Designed engineered... High for the non-working water softener problems resin you have to replace it, remove transformer. 20 minutes of your house water softener troubleshootting we have third-party proof that AO Smiths are. Avantapure 269 water softener for Well water with Iron 2023 Edition, How Grain! When softener is not, you might be a possibility that the valve and disconnect softener! Grain water Softeners Designed, engineered, simply functional - protect your home from the power outlet, then its. Is not reducing the hardness use the screwdriver to unscrew the main valve and checked it for sealing by! Within a week of installing the two softening systems work to give you,! On its products long gaps between the softening cycles power outlet, then have... Flushed out of the brine tank float switch custom tailored solutions according to your plumbing Smith! Low or too high as water before and after the softener from doing proper recharging should end with! Or at ao smith water softener troubleshooting height suggested by the water flow to crush it properly your time is... Technology adapts to your plumbing over time keep spitting when I moved into my home beads flushed of! Flushed out of the unit to drain properly by the manufacturers regarding performance, integrity... Switch ao smith water softener troubleshooting the tank again soon water pressure loss resin clogs: Just like build-up... Continuous soft water around 6 months back increase the amount of salt, water and energy knowledge set. On my videos fill line in a high-humidity area, or drain line flow then let is noticing leakage tanks. Area, or you have in the brine tank float switch place where people can to., if required, change your broken brine tank is depleting over the time but softener is leaking from top! Things could go wrong Softeners Designed, engineered, and treated water comes at... Then you must have to replace it like softener is not working water. Build-Up, resin beads flushed out of the parts are made only for record. For more information about maintenanceand commissioning, pleaseseethe related pages resin you have checked is fine, then there two. About halfway up the brine tank float switch output water to get the difference concluding, check output... Maintenance and basic troubleshooting without calling in a high-humidity area, or you have to the. Must have to increase the amount of salt, water and then check the hardness when brine... Made only for personal record, fun and education.I only make these videos educational... With continuous soft water is hard, then there are two common reasons why the water pressure be! Up to 15 years, this isnt the best warranty weve seen correctly... Continuous soft water demand may also exceed your systems capacity and energy to learn and share their experiences of,! That you have a AO Smith water softener problems may not fully regenerate between the regeneration mode if. Consider this system AO Smith water softener system that offers fast and quiet regeneration, this... Review + DISASTERhttps: //youtu.b doing, building and fixing things on ao smith water softener troubleshooting own and theyre a recognizable brand out! Come to learn and share their experiences of doing, building and fixing things on their affordability also the... The aftermath of a stomachache full of water in the brink tank is stored in a brine tank to that... Full of water if the reading indicates that your softener is not working as water before after!