How to Deal With Brine Tank Rinse Water

Public filtration systems may not adequately control calcium and minerals in water.

Dealing with the excess rinse water and salt crust that builds up in the brine tank is important to make sure the entire system functions properly and at an effective rate. Brine tanks, sometimes known as salt tanks, are a mechanism within the water-softening system that contains the salt needed to neutralize the minerals and calcium in water.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach
• Replacement sat or potassium chloride solution
• Knife or ice pick

Instructions

1. Check the top of the brine tank once every week to look out for salt crust build-up. When you drain the water use an ice pick or hard knife to break the salt crust into smaller pieces for easy removal. Make sure you knife or ice pick is not too sharp so the tank won't be damaged.

2. Replenish and sanitize the brine tank. Shut off the tank and wait one week. Turn the water softener setting to "regenerate." This allows salt and water in the system to completely flush out of the tank.

3. Pour one cup of bleach for a 9-inch water softener diameter and two cups for a 12-inch water softener. Consult your brine tank owners manual to find out salt dosage information. Normal household salt products or commercial potassium chloride solutions work in a brine tank.

4. Set the softener setting to "Manual recharge." This allows the system to refill the water from your plumbing system and mixes the bleach and salt with the rinse water.

References

• Inspect-A-Pedia: Guide to Water Softener Adjustment & Maintenance
• Minnesota Rural Water Association: Maintaing Your Well and Water System