How To Know If Your Water Softener Is Working Properly in Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio

If you live near Lake Erie, you're probably familiar with the challenges of hard water, from stubborn soap scum to scale buildup on faucets. That’s why many homeowners in the area rely on water softeners to improve their water quality. But what happens when you’re asking, “How do I know if my water softener is working?”

Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. is the local leader in Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio, and we help Northeast Ohio homeowners take the guesswork out of plumbing. Let's discuss what to look for when evaluating your water softener’s performance.

Visible Signs of Water Quality in Mentor-on-the-Lake Homes

A great way to know if your water softener works stems from paying attention to the feel, look, and function of your water in everyday use. Soft water should produce noticeable changes throughout your home:

• Soap lathers easily: If your shampoo, body wash, and dish soap bubble up quickly, that's a good sign.
• Cleaner dishes and glassware: Soft water prevents spots and cloudy films.
• Smoother skin and hair: Unlike hard water, soft water won’t leave your skin itchy or your hair dull.
• Reduced scale buildup: Faucets, showerheads, and coffee makers should be free from white, chalky deposits. 

Testing Water Hardness

Mentor-on-the-Lake residents often deal with moderately hard water, which makes a water softener a smart investment. To find out if your system is functioning properly, use a water hardness test kit. You'll usually find them available at local hardware stores or online.

Test your water at a faucet that receives softened water, like the kitchen sink. If your reading is between 0 and 3 grains per gallon (gpg), you have soft water. When readings go to 7 gpg or greater, you have hard water. Of course, this can indicate a softener malfunction. 

To get a more complete picture of your local supply, compare your inside water to unsoftened water from an outdoor spigot that bypasses the softener. If your water softener is working, you should expect to see a significant difference in the readings.

Check the Salt Level and the Brine Tank

Your water softener depends on salt to operate correctly. The brine tank, typically located beside the resin tank, should have a visible salt level at least one-third full. If you notice a hard crust (called a salt bridge) forming at the top, it can block the brine from reaching the resin tank and interrupt the regeneration cycle.

Also, check the water level in the brine tank. A little water is normal, but excessive water or none at all indicates trouble with the float valve or drain line.

Refilling the tank regularly and using high-quality salt pellets helps prevent many of these common issues and helps extend the life of your water softener.

Observe the Regeneration Cycle

Regeneration cycling is how your softener refreshes itself, as it cleans the resin beads so they can continue removing minerals. Most systems regenerate every few days, typically overnight. You might hear running water or see signs on a digital display when the cycle is occurring.



If you haven’t noticed any signs of regeneration, or if salt levels aren’t dropping over time, your system may not be cycling properly. You can also trigger a manual regeneration to test whether your water softener is working as expected. Follow your unit’s manual, or reach out to your local expert plumber if you're unsure how to do this.

Understanding the Resin Tank’s Role in Your Water Softener

The resin tank is essential to your water softener’s proper function. This tank contains tiny beads that attract and trap calcium and magnesium. Those are the primary minerals that cause hard water. Over time, the resin can degrade or become saturated, especially in areas with high water hardness like Lake County.

If your water still tests hard and all other components seem fine, it may be time to have your trusted professional inspect or replace the resin media. Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. routinely inspects and services resin tanks and the other components of water softeners in Mentor-on-the-Lake to keep them running at peak performance.

When To Call Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. in Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio

Simple maintenance sometimes resolves water softener issues. However, persistent problems may require professional help. If you’re dealing with ongoing signs of plumbing problems from hard water, error codes, or unexplained drops in water pressure, contact our team at Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. today.



If you're still asking yourself, “How do I know if my water softener is working?” let our experts deliver peace of mind with honest answers and dependable service.