How to Clean a Softwater Brine Tank

Brine tanks should be cleaned each time the salt is replaced.

Softener brine tanks need cleaning once yearly in order to effectively service your water and keep the unit functioning at peak performance. Water softeners trade hard water minerals for sodium in order to perform an ion exchange on your system. Mineral polystyrene beads, commonly called resin, carry a negative charge that causes the positive charge of magnesium and calcium to cling to the beads as the water is exchanged through the brine tank.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Water softener
• Turkey baster
• Soft scrub brush
• Garden hose with spray nozzle
• Salt

Instructions

1. Before beginning, turn off all electricity to your brine tank to avoid electrocution during the process.

2. Use a wrench to remove the fittings that connect the injector to the brine tank. Carefully remove the line on the brine tank so you can properly flush it.

3. Use a turkey baster filled with warm water to clear any clogs in the line. Force water through the line by positioning the baster tip over the line and depressing the baster ball firmly in one quick movement. Repeat, if needed, to thoroughly clear the line.

4. Examine the brine intake for salt buildup. Remove any crusting with a soft brush and warm water.

5. Take off the cover of the brine tank. Pour out the brine in a safe area that will not harm plants or foliage.

6. Hose down the tank with a pressure nozzle from a garden hose to remove any residual salt in the tank.

7. Follow the manufacturer recommendations on your water softener for replacing salt in the brine tank and replace the cover.

8. Reconnect the injector hose and re-tighten the fittings connecting it to the tank.

9. Return power to the unit and allow the softener to cycle completely before using water.

Tips & Warnings

• Cleaning your brine tank each time you replace salt in the tank will save you time and money, reducing the need to waste salt.

References

• Popular Mechanics: How It Works: Water Softener
• Fix It Club: Water Softener Repair
• Canada Housing and Mortgage Association: Water Softeners
• University of Alaska Fairbanks: Water Softeners Annual Maintenance