Water softeners function by directing water through a layer of resin beads. The beads eliminate hard minerals like calcium and magnesium, substituting them with sodium at the same time. this process converts hard water and makes it soft, hence the name, water softener.
However, with time and repeated usage, the resin beads get loaded with minerals. To maintain the same level of effectiveness in water softening, you need to regenerate the system. Regenerating a Kinetico water softener involves restoring the resin beads within the system that remove hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Regenerating Kinetico Water Softener
The regeneration process usually involves flushing the resin bed with a brine solution to remove the accumulated minerals and recharging the resin beads. Follow these steps to regenerate your Kinetico.
1. Check the Salt Level
Ensure that there’s enough salt in the brine tank. You’ll need this salt for the regeneration process. Refill the tank if necessary.
2. Locate the Regeneration Button or Dial
Depending on your Kinetico model, there might be a manual regeneration button or a dial that you can turn to initiate the regeneration process. You may need to take a look at the user manual to find the regeneration dial of your specific model.
3. Turn Off the Water Supply
It is important to turn off the water supply to the Kinetico water supply before starting the regeneration process. This is important to ensure that no water is used during the regeneration cycle.
4. Start the Regeneration Process
If your water softener has a manual regeneration button, press it. If there’s a dial, turn it to the “Regenerate” position. Depending on your model, you may need to use a screwdriver. Put the pointy end into the regeneration dial groove, press it downwards with a little force, and turn it clockwise to the regenerate position.
5. Wait for the Regeneration Process to Complete
If you have done everything correctly, your Kinetico water softener should now go through a regeneration cycle. However, this will regenerate the main tank only. To regenerate the alternate tank as well, you need to follow some extra steps.
Wait for about 30-45 minutes (depending on your Kinetico model) and start the regeneration process again by turning the dial. This will now regenerate the alternate tank.
6. Turn On the Water Supply
Turn the water supply back on to allow softened water to flow through your plumbing. After regeneration, inspect the area around your water softener for any leaks or unusual behavior. Ensure that the unit is functioning properly.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions and Answers)
How often should my Kinetico water softener regenerate?
Kinetico water softeners regenerate based on usage, without any timers or electronics. This guarantees that your system will only regenerate when it is required, regardless of the time of day.
Do I need to clean my Kinetico water softener?
Maintaining your Kinetico water softener is important to prevent sediment buildup and increase its lifespan, just like other salt-based water softeners. So, you need to clean your Kinetico from time to time.
How long does Kinetico softener last?
The lifespan of a Kinetico water softener is subject to the water source and daily usage, but it generally lasts for 20 or more years.
To Sum Up
To get the most out of your water softener, it is important to perform regular maintenance of the unit. This includes periodic regeneration which can keep it working effectively for years to come. However, if you are unsure of any of the steps, please refer to your user manual or consult a professional plumber, otherwise you risk damaging your plumbing, which can be very costly to repair.
