Hey there! Have you noticed a funky odor or taste from your water? This may be a result of something in your softener media or water supply. Stick with us through these steps below to give your resin bed a cleanse and remove your unwanted issue.
Step 1 - Bypass the Softener
You'll bypass the water softener by pushing the handle in on the back. This will stop water from coming in or out of the softener while you work:
Step 2 - Check for Odor or Taste
Go to a softened cold water faucet (like the bathroom sink) and run the water for a few minutes. Check again for odor or taste. Is the odor still present?
- YES - The water softener isn’t the source of the problem. You may want to have your water tested for contaminants. Keep in mind a common sulfur (rotten egg) odor is caused by gas in your water supply. If you want to reduce that smell, it would required additional filtration beyond a water softener.
- NO - Continue to step 3.
Step 3 - Cleansing Time
Here, you'll want to run a cleanser through the softener. This will reduce contaminant, iron, and scale buildup. Purchasing and use instructions can be found in our Water Softener Cleanser article.
Step 4 - Sanitize the Resin Bed
If, after using a cleanser, you continue to notice an odor in your water, we recommend sanitizing the resin bed. Please follow the instructions in our Running an Extended Sanitizing Cycle article.
The next step is optional. If you choose not to do it, your troubleshooting ends here. Make sure to pull the system OUT of bypass to put it back in service.
Step 5 - Optional Extended Backwash
Running an extended backwash may help to clear up the system. Note: this process has a low risk that the bottom distributor (inside the resin tank) may fail - especially with older units - which would then let resin beads escape into the plumbing.
1. You can begin by holding the Recharge button down until you hear the motor starts to turn (within 5-10 seconds), and then let go.
2. When the motor stops, the tank will start filling. We are going to skip this by tapping the Recharge button one time.
3. Then when the motor stops again, the tank will start the next process called "Brining." Press the Recharge button one more time to advance to the "Backwash" cycle.
4. In backwash, you’ll hear a large flow of water through the system and out your drain hose.
5. Once you hear that water flow begin, you'll need to unplug your unit from the outlet for 20 minutes.
6. After the 20 minutes is up, plug your unit back in and let the softener automatically finish the recharge (about 10-15 minutes).
7. After the recharge is complete, you'll want to run a few cold water faucets for a few minutes and check to see if the odor / taste has lessened. If it remains, go ahead and Contact Us for additional support.
8. When done troubleshooting this issue, make sure to pull the system OUT of bypass.
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