Although winters in San Antonio are typically mild, we are no strangers to Freezing Temperatures. Our homes and appliances aren’t necessarily made to withstand such temperatures on their own, which is why it’s up to us to ensure they’re ready for the winter. While you may already know to cover your pipes or seal any cracks, your water Softener system requires the same kind of attention and care.

What are some ways to winterize your water softener? What are you preventing by keeping up with water softener maintenance? Kinetico SA answers these questions in our blog below, so keep reading to learn more about how to keep your water softener safe this winter!

Is Winterizing My Water Softener Necessary? 

Water softener systems are a major appliance in our homes. For this reason, water softeners require maintenance just like any other major appliance, such as a refrigerator or washer. However, the most important time to care for your water softener is during the winter, when temperatures often drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. 

If you don’t winterize your water softener before freezing temperatures, your pipes may separate or crack. Not only does this require costly repairs, but this can also cause your home to flood. On top of the repairs for your pipes, you may also need to repair water damage. Taking the time to winterize your water softener system saves you time, money, and stress in the long run.

How to Winterize Your Water Softener

Drain All Water

If you don’t plan to use your water softener during the cold months, such as for a lake house or summer cabin, then you’ll need to drain all the water from it to prevent any freeze damage.

Most installers provide an instruction manual that shows you how to complete this process step-by-step. However, if you’re not feeling confident, then it might be better to leave it to the professionals. If there’s any leftover water in your system, then it can expand once the weather is cold enough and cause your pipes to burst as a result. 

Add Insulation

Most water softener systems aren’t installed outdoors but instead indoors, within a garage or storage area. But for many households, these spaces can be just as cold as the outdoors once the weather reaches freezing temperatures. Also, while your system may be indoors, the connected pipes are usually located outdoors, which means they’re exposed to the cold.

To prevent any water damage to your system and pipes, consider adding insulation such as plumbing sleeves. Most hardware stores have plumbing sleeves or other pieces of insulation you can cut yourself to cover your water softener as a whole and the pipes connected to it. You can also use zip-ties to ensure the insulation is secured tightly and won’t allow the cold to make its way inside your pipes. 

Use Alternative Heat Sources

If you want to take things a step further, you can also keep Alternative Heat Sources near your water heater, such as a small space heater. This will not only protect your softener from freezing but will also help keep a stable water temperature. Just make sure not to let the space heater get too hot. A water softener isn’t built to withstand freezing temperatures or extreme heat, so take the time to check on your heater. 

Call Kinetico SA today!

Are you interested in investing in a water softener this winter? Are you looking for help on how to winterize your water softener in your summer home? Contact Kinetico SA today! Whether you have questions about installing, inspecting, cleaning, or storing your water softener, our soft water professionals are ready to help you achieve softer, healthier water for your home today!

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