You Can't Soften Frozen Water: How To Protect Your Water Softener This Winter
Winter will be here in no time at all. If you're like most people, you're getting ready to winterize your home. If you have a water softener in your home, you should be making plans to winterize it as well. This is particularly important if your water softener is in the garage, where the temperatures can get quite cold. The last thing you want is to have your water softener freeze in the middle of winter. To make sure you don't run into the weather-related problems with your water softener this winter, here are four important steps you should take.
Insulate the Tank
If you're expecting a brutal winter, the first thing you'll need to do is insulate the tank and the hoses. Adding a layer of insulation to your water softener and the hoses will stop your water softener from freezing this winter. You can place a water heater blanket around your water softener to protect against freezing. Insulate the hoses using hose sleeves that you can purchase from the home improvement store, or by wrapping towels or newspaper around the hoses. Be sure to secure the towels or newspaper with several strips of duct tape.
Replace Damaged Hoses
While you're insulating your water softener, be sure to pay close attention to the hoses. Damaged or weakened hoses might not be able to withstand freezing temperatures. If that's the case, you could end up with a watery mess in your garage this winter. To avoid that problem, make sure you replace any weakened or damaged hoses before winter arrives. It's also a good idea to keep several spare hoses on hand during the winter. That way, you can take care of any emergency repairs quickly.
Install a Space Heater
If you normally endure frequent episodes of freezing temperatures during the winter, you need to be prepared for those times. Installing a space heater in your garage will ensure that you can keep your water softener warm during episodes of freezing temperatures. Keeping your space heater turned to the lowest setting during the winter, especially when the temperatures dip into the freezing range, will provide protection for your water softener all winter long.
Drain the Tank
If you're going to be leaving home for an extended vacation this winter, you'll need to make sure your water softener is ready for your absence. The best thing you can do is drain the tank to remove any water that might freeze while you're away. Once you return home, you can refill your water softener.
For more information on taking care of your water softener, contact companies such as Better Soft Water.