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How to Repair a Water Softener | This Old House

Renewing an old water softener with This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)
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Richard and a local expert helped a pair of Florida homeowners repair a broken water softener. A plastic basket inside one of the tanks had ruptured, allowing "resin beads" to clog water pipes and fixtures inside the house. To fix the problem, they cleaned the inside of the tank and installed a new "control head" and resin beads.
Shopping List for How to Repair a Water Softener:
- control head, the electronic brains of the water softener
- manifold tube, carries water through water softener tank
- resin beads, used to attract calcium and other mineral deposits
- gravel, for filtering water at bottom of water-softener tank
- brine-solution tank, used to hold blocks of sodium
- electrical tape, used to temporarily seal manifold tube during rebuilding process
- PVC pipe and assorted fittings, primer and cement, used to make new plumbing connections
Tools for How to Repair a Water Softener:
- pliers and wrenches, for tightening threaded fittings
- PVC cutter, used to cut plastic pipe
Technical support was provided by Culligan Water Conditioning, Inc [www.culligan.com/]
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Repair a Water Softener | This Old House
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Пікірлер: 146

  • @garbagecollector2281
    @garbagecollector22818 жыл бұрын

    Thank you guys for walking through this process. I don't think anyone else here on KZread ever walked their viewers through these steps and explained the process in such great details. You got yourself a subscriber. Keep it up!

  • @jerrywhite4497
    @jerrywhite44975 жыл бұрын

    So these professionals glued the PVC manifold back together without unions to allow disconnect and recharging in the future of the system. BRILLIANT....job well done!

  • @tommytmt

    @tommytmt

    4 жыл бұрын

    Jerry White - Job security dude.

  • @MrWolfSnack

    @MrWolfSnack

    4 жыл бұрын

    It is also installed outside in case you did not notice. A big no no.

  • @tommytmt

    @tommytmt

    4 жыл бұрын

    MrWolfSnack - Yep, and much of the unit is plastic which is known for not doing well in sunlight.

  • @jerrywhite4497

    @jerrywhite4497

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@tommytmt Most pool contractors no to paint PVC pipe for pumps and filters to block the UV rays of the Sun.

  • @tommytmt

    @tommytmt

    4 жыл бұрын

    Jerry White - Well did he? Because it didn’t look like it.

  • @carrichard
    @carrichard9 жыл бұрын

    Over many years I have learned so many things. Both for my own remodeling, and to help others with their remodeling jobs. If for nothing more than to get the verbiage correct. Its very helpfull to be able to name the items being used. And to have a understanding as to how they work, or operate in your home! The Experts on these serieses, are extremely helpful in how there take the time to both show and talk we the viewers through the processes! This is extremely important to have a correct remodeling job, but to understand how it all happens! Thanks to everyone involved with THIS OLD HOUSE!!

  • @aresp2707

    @aresp2707

    5 жыл бұрын

    Richard Schreiber Yes Sir, spoken like a true gentleman and scholar, or at the least... Someone that knows what the heck they are talking about. Lol

  • @juncho1977
    @juncho19775 жыл бұрын

    Awesome vid! Very concise, easy to understand explanation of how a water softener system works.

  • @peterjanis2455
    @peterjanis24553 жыл бұрын

    "Eww! Is this good for you?" ... no response lol

  • @watchmenpropertyinspection3469

    @watchmenpropertyinspection3469

    3 жыл бұрын

    yea that guy musta got in an argument with the wife right before arriving...he did not seem happy

  • @jeepsblackpowderandlights4305
    @jeepsblackpowderandlights4305 Жыл бұрын

    Never seen a water softner put outside before

  • @damiandriscoll2562

    @damiandriscoll2562

    3 ай бұрын

    I was thinking the same thing , no wonder it f'd up

  • @TNtoolman
    @TNtoolman9 жыл бұрын

    So how far did Richard have to travel to meet with these people and tell therm... "Call an expert!"???

  • @sprinkhole58

    @sprinkhole58

    4 жыл бұрын

    Far enough to make a VIDEO... you know, his job.

  • @yojuanjose1

    @yojuanjose1

    2 жыл бұрын

    Lol

  • @chrishelms9728
    @chrishelms97288 жыл бұрын

    Great Video!!! Thank you, exactly what I was hoping for.

  • @youarehere1251
    @youarehere12514 жыл бұрын

    They should build a shed and put the softener inside.

  • @prestonshort1637
    @prestonshort16374 жыл бұрын

    Before going through that process, I would recommend purchasing a bottle of Res Care Resin Cleaner and a pack of Sani-System Water Softener Sanitizer. You can pour both down the brine well and the regenerate the water softener. This could bring back the resin to life and also sanitize water softener.

  • @tonewheel

    @tonewheel

    4 жыл бұрын

    The strainer at the bottom of the dip tube was cracked. Your solution would not have remedied the problem.

  • @gary4738

    @gary4738

    3 жыл бұрын

    Where can you purchase Resin Cleaner and Water Softener Sanitizer??

  • @blkhawk661

    @blkhawk661

    2 жыл бұрын

    Iron out also work supposedly

  • @peterpearson3914
    @peterpearson39144 жыл бұрын

    "Get the resin beads changed often" what the heck?? I thought that was the point of the brine tank. The salt recharges the beads.

  • @David.lovesU

    @David.lovesU

    4 жыл бұрын

    That's what I thought... I heard the resin beads last up to 20 yrs

  • @MrWolfSnack

    @MrWolfSnack

    4 жыл бұрын

    Unless the tank fails and contaminates them, then no they do not need to be changed. I find water softener systems on the curb every so many years and I refurbish them back to new and sell them. They cost a fortune through a company so a lot of people look for used ones and then have the company hook up the used one (or hook it up themselves) so they only pay labor fee.

  • @SkiPlayLiveTV

    @SkiPlayLiveTV

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@MrWolfSnack Do you know what would cause my controller to say 0 gallons remaining even after a regen cycle? iIt's been stuck on 0 for the past three days even though I know that the system has run at least twice. Once was on manual. One company told me that the beads are bad and I have to replace my tank. I opened the panel on the controller and reset yet it is still at 0.

  • @tonewheel

    @tonewheel

    4 жыл бұрын

    Peter Pearson Chlorine found in municipal water supplies can reduce the life of the resin. You should always install a whole house carbon tank ahead of the softener to take out disinfectant chlorine.

  • @somebb

    @somebb

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MrWolfSnack What if the tank doesn't fail but the system sits unused for a decade, can I still use it?

  • @RicardoJunqueira
    @RicardoJunqueira9 жыл бұрын

    Woah! The technician is using an Acqualung wrist watch!

  • @RobertLeBlancPhoto
    @RobertLeBlancPhoto7 жыл бұрын

    Interesting how the doctor brags about his job, says how easy plumbing must be, and then disappears when it comes time to actually work. ;)

  • @shazaidi

    @shazaidi

    6 жыл бұрын

    This is how many Physicians are. They make a huge deal of their job because educationally wise they are "high" up there. Then they realize in life and at least in the United States it helps to be a "well rounded person" and in fact in many cases those that are not doctors/engineers still can live pretty good lives. I have an engineering background and went to college (BS and MS). But at the same time I'm a very hands on person, I've repacked water softener media.

  • @kevinyoung8651

    @kevinyoung8651

    5 жыл бұрын

    So, I'm supposed to want a plumber to come to the hospital and put a stent in my heart?

  • @zack9912000

    @zack9912000

    5 жыл бұрын

    You run into a lot of arrogant people like him that look down at physical labor jobs. Simple don’t be an arrogant ass because if the doctors were so much smarter then the rest of people they would need HVAC techs to fix and repair their heating and cooling or plumbers to fix their piping.

  • @cavscout888

    @cavscout888

    4 жыл бұрын

    Lots of jealous clods in here. Lol

  • @David.lovesU

    @David.lovesU

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@shazaidi how often do you replace the ion exchange resins beads?

  • @rubengonzalez8399
    @rubengonzalez83992 жыл бұрын

    I am on well water and just had a professional install a media filter before the softener, he also installed a chlorinator at the well pump. I read in the comments that chlorine is hard on the plastic parts. What is the purpose of the chlorinator and is it necessary. Or is this just job security?

  • @spencepalms

    @spencepalms

    Жыл бұрын

    To kill any organics. Bacteria, virus, fungus.

  • @MichaelP-pv7ts
    @MichaelP-pv7ts11 ай бұрын

    My Rainsoft is 34 years old and I've never replaced resin beads. It still softens the water, but the control valve now leaks. I inquired about getting it fixed, but everyone says I would need a new system because of age of system. Watching this makes me wonder if valve and resin could be replaced only and not get a new system. Any thoughts?

  • @somebb
    @somebb Жыл бұрын

    I have the same system at my home that hasn't been used in 10 years, it still looks new. Should I replace the resin? Do I need to clean the system someone how?

  • @levisirizarry4406
    @levisirizarry44062 жыл бұрын

    Anybody know the name of the gravel they add first??? Thank u for the video!!!

  • @RicardoJunqueira
    @RicardoJunqueira9 жыл бұрын

    And oh, I wish we had this kinda product here in Brazil.

  • @BEEFERONII
    @BEEFERONII5 жыл бұрын

    should have used SS flex lines. makes servicing the filter much easier.

  • @thedavesofourlives1

    @thedavesofourlives1

    3 жыл бұрын

    SS? why not gold plated. MONSTER BRAND WATER LINES

  • @RichardJohnson-xj5pg
    @RichardJohnson-xj5pg2 жыл бұрын

    How does the unit discharge? does it use gravity or is there a motor that pushes the discharge out to the drain?

  • @aspenwatersolutions1793
    @aspenwatersolutions17935 жыл бұрын

    Interesting that they replaced the Rainsoft valve with a different brand.

  • @cavscout888

    @cavscout888

    4 жыл бұрын

    Probably a takeover scam. Lol

  • @tttony9426
    @tttony94262 жыл бұрын

    wait a minute the first guy says the rain water flows thru the aquafir and collects calcium but the second guy says the clorine in the water eats up the plastic parts,So which is it ,well water from the aquafir or city water with chlorine,???????

  • @BigDH28
    @BigDH289 жыл бұрын

    What a job! Pain in the ass! I would hate hard water!

  • @turbobuick86
    @turbobuick865 ай бұрын

    Rain Soft has a lifetime warranty... "supposedly".

  • @Justin-cn9hq
    @Justin-cn9hq2 жыл бұрын

    I have never seen a water softener installed outside - exposed to the elements.

  • @TheLivedeath

    @TheLivedeath

    2 жыл бұрын

    Its mostly fine but definitely should to be in shade

  • @kjulus1912

    @kjulus1912

    2 жыл бұрын

    My softener is outside in the sun

  • @dh-in8qr
    @dh-in8qr3 жыл бұрын

    Is this fix cheaper than buying a new water softener given labor etc.?

  • @donaldyip5242
    @donaldyip52427 жыл бұрын

    my area charges about $250 to do this maintenance... but from the looks of it, it looks straightforward enough to do this on our own. am I missing anything, or should a specialist be hired to do this work?

  • @Samlol23_drrich

    @Samlol23_drrich

    6 жыл бұрын

    Donald Yip piece of cake. I did it last year. Just gotta buy the funnel and the resin. About 150 in parts.

  • @iansethdawnrobby

    @iansethdawnrobby

    6 жыл бұрын

    It looks straight forward...I'm not sure where a person can purchase resin beads, if you plumb it wrong...if your settings are wrong after you plug the system back in..yes you need power to the unit. If you do it wrong, even a little it could cost way more than $250

  • @zack9912000

    @zack9912000

    5 жыл бұрын

    Donald Yip yea easy till you screw it up and then panic because it all stops working or is broken. Then you have to call an actual expert in that field to unfuck the mess a homeowner screwed up. See it daily with when homeowners screw up their furnaces and AC. “I seen it on KZread and it’s too easy....”

  • @CH67guy1

    @CH67guy1

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Samlol23_drrich I made my own funnel from an empty laundry detergent jug. Perfect fit.

  • @David-y8m8z
    @David-y8m8z Жыл бұрын

    I think the tank is sitting a couple inches into the ground? Otherwise it might tip over time

  • @davidbusse2574
    @davidbusse25744 жыл бұрын

    this is the only video I've seen where a gravel bed is added. Is this an optional thing? Best practice? How much gravel do I add? If you don't add it what happens?

  • @javaTL

    @javaTL

    4 жыл бұрын

    Typically advised for people with iron in their water IIRC

  • @frankg1905
    @frankg19055 жыл бұрын

    Rain soft - yesterday's technology at tomorrow's prices

  • @tonewheel

    @tonewheel

    4 жыл бұрын

    Actually world class products. RainSoft is owned by Pentair, and manufactured in Chicago. Culligan products are manufactured exclusively in China.

  • @GoatzombieBubba
    @GoatzombieBubba6 жыл бұрын

    Why is 1080p the only option?

  • @sunilshewram916
    @sunilshewram9163 жыл бұрын

    How often do you need to replace the resin beads?

  • @jasonreviews

    @jasonreviews

    2 жыл бұрын

    every 5 years

  • @bigtxbullion

    @bigtxbullion

    2 жыл бұрын

    Depends on owners manual. Mine says 10 to 15 years. Ours has been in place for 14 and we still have very soft water. Probably going to replace in the next 12 months just cause

  • @thihal123
    @thihal1233 жыл бұрын

    So glad I don’t live in an area that needs this

  • @pennyl5600
    @pennyl56002 жыл бұрын

    We have a water softener and our plumbing pipes are getting clogged from the regeneration process causing our kitchen drain to clog should this be happening? Gunk is coming up the drain looks like what is shown here in this video. Any help would be appreciated.

  • @Jimmerca

    @Jimmerca

    Жыл бұрын

    Your water softener isn’t the cause of your drains plugging up it’s what’s going down the drains that’s causing your problem

  • @ryanroberts1104
    @ryanroberts11044 жыл бұрын

    "How to repair a water softener" Step only: call an expert. How has this show stayed on the air for 40 years?

  • @jeremyd6775

    @jeremyd6775

    4 жыл бұрын

    DIY shows shouldn’t shy away from letting you know when you’re in over your head

  • @ryanroberts1104

    @ryanroberts1104

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@jeremyd6775 They shouldn't tell you that you are in "over your head" on something as INCREDIBLY simple as a water softener....it's not like they're installing a new breaker panel...if you can't do a water softener you should not be watching this show.

  • @Foothillpump

    @Foothillpump

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@ryanroberts1104 Ya, because telling a potential customer to go ahead disassemble the head and replace the o-rings would go so well. Customers add salt and call when it doesn't work.

  • @thedavesofourlives1

    @thedavesofourlives1

    3 жыл бұрын

    a $30 dip tube and strainer would have done the job.

  • @chris76-01

    @chris76-01

    3 жыл бұрын

    PBS 😆

  • @jamesryan3194
    @jamesryan31949 жыл бұрын

    you never use block salt, u dont have enough contact time with salt and water around it, amd that 5600 fleck they r using is a generic head, use hague products, or aqua systems both made in the USA all the way every part

  • @larrybud

    @larrybud

    7 жыл бұрын

    I wouldn't use block just because pellets are more available, but they're regenerating every 3 days, plenty of time to saturate the solution.

  • @cavscout888

    @cavscout888

    4 жыл бұрын

    No idea on block vs granules, but all parts US made sounds great and like a big headache saver.

  • @iovanniLR
    @iovanniLR4 жыл бұрын

    Hi! I have a question after I do the maintenance what should I do with the old salt?

  • @jh1612

    @jh1612

    4 жыл бұрын

    The salt will dissolve away. You won't need to get rid of it, it will disappear on its own.

  • @ernieforney4051
    @ernieforney4051 Жыл бұрын

    If I wanted to hear "Call in an expert", I would just buy a new softener.

  • @MrJohndeere3720
    @MrJohndeere37209 жыл бұрын

    y is the Water Softener outside? i have 1 & its in the basement.

  • @Chuck59ish

    @Chuck59ish

    9 жыл бұрын

    They don't have a basement, just a crawl space.

  • @MrJohndeere3720

    @MrJohndeere3720

    9 жыл бұрын

    Charles Damery o ok i did not no that. thanks for telling me. :)

  • @iansethdawnrobby

    @iansethdawnrobby

    6 жыл бұрын

    I install many softeners with crawl spaces. We put them in a closet or other space. Plumb the system through the floor. I'm guessing they don't wanna get dirty lol

  • @donttrackmebro6164

    @donttrackmebro6164

    5 жыл бұрын

    Must not freeze there?

  • @tonewheel

    @tonewheel

    4 жыл бұрын

    A very common practice in the south, especially Florida.

  • @spencepalms
    @spencepalms Жыл бұрын

    Backwashing once a day? Lol

  • @CH67guy1
    @CH67guy13 жыл бұрын

    I did my own with new resin I bought off of eBay for $92. This new resin should last about 10 years. Replace the control head? Not necessary. Annual service? Definitely not necessary. Just keep the brine tank filled with salt.

  • @danherrig2014

    @danherrig2014

    Жыл бұрын

    Good luck with your junk online resin.

  • @Chuck59ish
    @Chuck59ish9 жыл бұрын

    Definitely not in New England.

  • @onenikkione

    @onenikkione

    5 жыл бұрын

    it was in New England, it's just warmer now that Global Warming

  • @thedavesofourlives1
    @thedavesofourlives13 жыл бұрын

    Bogus, replace the fitter basket for $30, do a clean/regen and you've repaired it. 10 year old head? i know people with 40 year old units still working great with regular maintenance. Video should be titled "how to replace a water softener"

  • @johnsushi2007

    @johnsushi2007

    2 жыл бұрын

    I mean the resin could still be shot, chlorine does a number on it.

  • @daves3819
    @daves38192 жыл бұрын

    You don't need to replace the control head after just 19 years. Anyone telling you that you do is cheating you out of your hard earned money!! Mine has been working for more than 40 years in an environment many times more corrosive than this!

  • @TinnonFamilyFarm
    @TinnonFamilyFarm9 жыл бұрын

    Is the that a fleck head unit?

  • @jeffsteiner4660

    @jeffsteiner4660

    9 жыл бұрын

    Jtinnon yes, that is a Fleck 5600 timeclock

  • @andrewdavis6207
    @andrewdavis62077 жыл бұрын

    Has anyone had iron bacteria contaminate the tank? If so would cleaning the system and replacing the bedding be sufficient enough to get the system back to functioning? Just bought the house and its an expensive system. Don't have money to spend on a new system.

  • @mnwatertreatment

    @mnwatertreatment

    6 жыл бұрын

    Andrew Davis it could help temporarily but will likely come back. Shock / chlorinate your well first then rebed the softener.

  • @iansethdawnrobby

    @iansethdawnrobby

    6 жыл бұрын

    Andre Davis If it is really bad, you might have to add an iron clear system to it. It oxidizes the iron with one tank, clears it out with another, all before going to the softening system. It could be a few $$ but the best way I've seen to continually keep iron out.

  • @Psychlist1972
    @Psychlist19729 жыл бұрын

    Looks like roe

  • @AiBilly
    @AiBilly6 жыл бұрын

    Whats the point of this shot 2:31 to 2:37 ?

  • @cali-kawa2864

    @cali-kawa2864

    5 жыл бұрын

    Bruce David . Sometimes people’s comments just crack me up.

  • @LLYoutube565
    @LLYoutube5652 жыл бұрын

    Lord the acting in these is C grade jesus.... What . Should . We . Do

  • @tthoy7338
    @tthoy73388 жыл бұрын

    Get rid of the RainSoft unit and get a maintenance free Avanta Pure Water Treatment System.

  • @jhomrich89

    @jhomrich89

    7 жыл бұрын

    the fix on this softener cost less then a new unit of either brand

  • @851995STARGATE

    @851995STARGATE

    6 жыл бұрын

    Jon Homrich what? The yearly rebuild will add up

  • @mnwatertreatment

    @mnwatertreatment

    6 жыл бұрын

    Maintenance free eh?

  • @21boxhead

    @21boxhead

    6 жыл бұрын

    TOO EXPENSIVE

  • @tonewheel

    @tonewheel

    4 жыл бұрын

    Maintenance free? That statement alone tells me never buy your system.

  • @ForbiddTV
    @ForbiddTV Жыл бұрын

    Wow, an outdoor water softener with uninsulated outdoor plumbing. That would be destroyed in 99% of the US.

  • @GoatzombieBubba
    @GoatzombieBubba6 жыл бұрын

    They need a filter or reverse osmosis to take the chlorine out of the water.

  • @iansethdawnrobby

    @iansethdawnrobby

    6 жыл бұрын

    barf245 reverse osmosis filters usually clog and are no good after chlorine goes through it. A pre-filter that filters chlorine would do.

  • @21boxhead

    @21boxhead

    6 жыл бұрын

    ONLY CARBON TAKES CHLORINE OUT

  • @JG-pw5cr
    @JG-pw5cr9 жыл бұрын

    The husband dissapeared ;)

  • @samh3029

    @samh3029

    4 жыл бұрын

    He's a surgeon. He told you he was. He's busy.

  • @MrChapoprado
    @MrChapoprado7 жыл бұрын

    c

  • @dannooo548
    @dannooo5486 жыл бұрын

    Lol is that cpvc?

  • @iansethdawnrobby

    @iansethdawnrobby

    6 жыл бұрын

    Dan Nichols Yup. Keep that out in the sun for a while lol

  • @ManFromTheBroadMeadow
    @ManFromTheBroadMeadow4 жыл бұрын

    Poor manners, didnt hear one please or thank you.

  • @samh3029

    @samh3029

    4 жыл бұрын

    The Entitled Class

  • @thihal123

    @thihal123

    3 жыл бұрын

    They could have edited that out

  • @theedrstrangelove
    @theedrstrangelove2 жыл бұрын

    Most homes with water softeners don't need them.

  • @eugeneportnoy900
    @eugeneportnoy9004 жыл бұрын

    It's good video, but who can do by himself. On this video two high level pro fix this. What we can learning from this video nothing.

  • @hdwoodshop
    @hdwoodshop4 жыл бұрын

    Ew. Puts pipe on floor. Then into clean tank.