How to Replace a Resin Water Filter

Resin is used in water softeners to remove the calcium and magnesium ions that cause hard water. As the hard water moves through the resin, it clings to the ions and allows the rest of the water to flow out, leaving soft water instead of hard. If your water softener hasn't been working well lately, you may need to change the resin. Resin in water softeners needs to be changed every 20 to 25 years.

Things You'll Need

• Garbage can
• Hose
• Duct tape

Instructions

1. Turn off the water and the plumbing in your house. Unscrew the top of the water softener and turn the tank on its side over the garbage can.

2. Place the hose into the tank and turn it on. Rinse out the resin inside of the tank and pour it in the garbage. If any gravel falls out of the tank, save it for later.

3. Turn the tank upright and duct tape the product tube -- the tube that allows the soft water to flow out. Place the gravel back into the water tank so it covers the screen at the bottom.

4. Fill the tank with new resin until it is about half full. Remove the tape from the product tube and replace the top of the water softener.

5. Turn on the plumbing and the water. Turn the water softener to manual regeneration mode and test the water from a sink in your house to be sure it is soft.

References

• All Water Purification: Water Softener Resin
• APS Water: Replacing Resin in a Water Softener