Once you understand exactly what the hardness level is, you will want to set the softener in accordance with the level. For instance, if your hardness is running at a 25, you would set it to 25 on the unit. Most of the time this is done by turning a dial or programming an electric head unit.

How do I know what water softener setting to use?

Use the following formula to calculate the proper size: Multiply the number of people in your family times 70 (gallons of water used per day, national average). Multiply the answer by your water hardness in grains per gallon (to convert mg/l or ppm to grains, divide by 17.1).

What hardness level should a water softener be set at?

If your water’s hardness is greater than 7 grains per gallon or 120 mg/L, then you might need a water softener to ensure your appliances run well and to improve the taste, smell, or look of your water.

What do the settings on a water softener mean?

A water softener can only provide a steady, sufficient flow of softened water if it has the proper settings. Water softeners have four basic settings — regeneration cycle frequency, regeneration cycle time, regeneration cycle length and salt dose.

How do I adjust my water softener?

How to Set Water Softener Controls

1. Press the buttons marked ‘hour’ and ‘minutes’ on your water softener to set the current time.
2. Determine what time your household doesn’t use any water.
3. Set the time on the regeneration dials, that indicate the time you want the water softener to run.

Is the higher the number the softer the water?

What does the higher and lower numbers setting mean? The water hardness setting is determined by the hardness of your water supply. The higher the setting means harder the water supply. If your water supply hardness is 15 gpm (grains per gallon) then you set the hardness level to 15.

What happens if I set my water softener too high?

Soft water provided by a utility does not need additional softening and may cause corrosion issues for your home. Make sure the softener is set to the hardness of your water supply. If the hardness is set too high, the softener will cost more to operate and waste water, costing you extra money.

What are the stages of water softener regeneration?

To regenerate a softener that has reached capacity, you must conduct four steps: backwash, brine draw, slow rinse, and fast rinse.

How do I adjust my water softener to use less salt?

Another method for adjusting the salt dose or the amount of salt used during a water conditioner backwash/regeneration cycle [on some water softener models] involves adjusting the float level inside the brine tank. Explanation of this feature has moved to WATER SOFTENER BRINE TANK FLOAT LEVEL ADJUSTMENT.

What should the salt level be in a water softener?

The level of water softener salt in a brine tank should be at least one quarter full, no more than 4-6 inches below the top of the tank, and a few inches above the water level. Before adding any new salt to a tank, loosen any encrusted salt stuck to the sides of the tank.