What does softener resin look like?

Users who are viewing this thread

SteveW

DIY Senior Member
Messages
1,282
Reaction score
22
Points
38
Location
Omaha, NE
My Kenmore softener hasn't been working well (no soft water) for a few weeks. I have cleaned the venturi and that helped a while but again not softening well and appears due to a "salt rock" which I want to dissolve.

I was trying to get some hot water from the water heater drain, to put into the softener as Sears recommends to dissolve the salt rock, and noticed several cups of "stuff" coming out with the water. I am assuming it's hard water deposits but want your opinons to make sure it's not failed softener resin.

The "stuff" is mostly white, with a few black spots, mostly kind of a powder with some larger granules, and very irregular. I am trying to dissolve it in LimeAway to confirm that it is calcium/magnesium.

I am assuming that water softener resin:
1. is yellow? (not sure why I think that)
2. is pretty regular in size, and round, like small BBs
3. wouldn't be found on the BOTTOM of a WH tank? (i.e. would float?)

Pls let me know if I'm on the right track.

Thanks
Steve
 

LLigetfa

DIYer, not in the trades
Messages
7,493
Reaction score
574
Points
113
Location
NW Ontario, Canada
You can google images. It can be from yellow to amber to brown. No, it doesn't float. Sizes vary.
ion-exchange-resins-spares.22133541_std.jpg
 

SteveW

DIY Senior Member
Messages
1,282
Reaction score
22
Points
38
Location
Omaha, NE
Thanks!
Good thought - hadn't considered a quick search.

Those look like clear beads, so what I am draining off is very different and must be hard water deposits. Amazing to me how much of that stuff accumulates, esp with a softener which had been working until recently.
 

LLigetfa

DIYer, not in the trades
Messages
7,493
Reaction score
574
Points
113
Location
NW Ontario, Canada
It reminds me of fish roe. I've heard though that deteriorated resin is more like mud. I doubt you would find it on the bottom of a HWT and not notice it clogging up the aerators via the cold water lines.

Is your water treated with chlorine to suspect deteriorated resin? Does it have a high iron content? I would suspect iron fouling as the culprit if the softener is under performing.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,599
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
If it is NOT drawing from the brine tank, whether because of a bad venturi or rock salt "bridge", the softener WILL not function properly. I might consider a new softener rather than spend money making repairs.
 

SteveW

DIY Senior Member
Messages
1,282
Reaction score
22
Points
38
Location
Omaha, NE
HJ, you're a mindreader!

I just bought a new one and just got done installing it. I figure 15 years on my old $300 Kenmore was pretty good return on investment.

I know Kenmore/GE softeners don't have a good reputation on this board, but I understand them and know how to clean the venturi, replace the rotor and seals when needed, etc. so I still buy 'em.
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks