With winter in full swing, some migrate south, while southern residents head north for the summer. Knowing how to handle a water softener during extended periods of non-use is crucial. Improper care can harm the resin and reduce the equipment's effectiveness and lifespan. For shorter absences (under a month), leaving the softener in a clean, regenerated state is preferable to leaving it with hardness. Here's what to do before leaving: initiate a forced regeneration. Once complete, unplug, remove the battery, and bypass the softener.

For longer durations away (over a month), it's advisable to "pickle" the resin in a brine solution. This helps prevent the growth of harmful elements like bacteria, algae, and mold, while maintaining chemical stability.

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To "pickle" the softener in a brine solution, initiate a regeneration. After completion, allow three hours for the brine to form a proper solution. Following this, trigger another regeneration. When the softener enters brine draw, wait approximately 15-20 minutes, observing the brine being drawn from the tank. Once all the brine solution is drawn, switch the unit to Bypass, cycle the controller to set it to Service, and then unplug the unit.

This process prevents "salt-bridging" and maintains the resin in a regenerated state, ensuring it's primed for action upon the homeowner's return.

When back, put the unit back into service by closing the bypass, inserting the battery, and plugging in the unit. Trigger a regeneration before any water usage to prevent salty water from entering the system. Don't forget to reset the time on the control valve!