Water softeners are self-cleaning. When the softening resin has absorbed as many hard water minerals as it can, the system regenerates, flushing calcium and magnesium down the drain while rejuvenating the resin bed.
How does this modern miracle work? Let’s take a closer look at how the magic happens.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
Water softeners remove hardness minerals by swapping sodium ions for calcium and magnesium ions in a process known as ion exchange. The resin bed has a negative charge and attracts minerals with a positive charge, trapping them in the resin tank — you can read more about how a water softener works here.
When the resin beads are saturated, the control valve floods the resin tank with brine solution, breaking the electrical bonds between the resin and minerals. Calcium and magnesium are swept away, and you enjoy softened water. Known as regeneration, this process occurs in five distinct steps.
What Are the Five Stages in the Softener Regeneration Process?
The five stages of regeneration are:
#1 The Brine Refill Cycle
The first stage of the regeneration process is the brine refill cycle during which water flows into the brine tank creating a salt brine solution.
With most modern water softeners, this begins 60-90 minutes before backwashing begins. With older models, the brine cycle may be the last step in the regeneration process. If your brine tank always contains water, you have a so-called “wet” brine tank system.
#2 Backwashing
Next comes a short, preliminary rinse cycle. Water is directed upwards through the resin tank and out the drain, flushing out any accumulated iron or dirt particles to improve resin efficiency.
#3 Brine Draw
Step three is the brine draw cycle during which saltwater solution flows from the brine tank into the resin tank through the brine valve. This brine rinse triggers the ion exchange process, replacing the hard water minerals in the resin bed with sodium ions.
#4 Fast Rinse Cycle
The fast rinse cycle sends mineral compounds and any remaining brine solution down the drain, restoring the resin bed.
#5 Slow Rinse Cycle
Finally, a short slow rinse restores the normal direction of water flow and settles the resin beads back into their usual position. The service cycle is now complete, and voila, you can now enjoy soft water.
Water Softener Regeneration Cycle FAQ’s
How is the Regeneration Cycle Triggered?
Water softeners have an electronic control valve that initiates regeneration in one of two ways — on an owner-set schedule or based on your water usage. Known as “metered regeneration,” the modern water softener estimates when the resin bed is saturated based on the water hardness levels programmed into the unit. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it system.
Use-based regeneration cycles are more efficient, conserving salt by regenerating the resin bed only as needed. You’ll still, however, have the option to manually regenerate the system if necessary. The manual regeneration process is as simple as pressing a button.
How Long Does the Regeneration Cycle Take?
It varies by model and flow rate, but the regeneration process takes an average of 70-100 minutes.
Is Water Available During the Regeneration Cycle?
Water is available during the regeneration cycle, but it’s untreated. So, set your water softener to regenerate overnight to avoid any inconvenience. Most come factory preset to regenerate at 2 AM, but you’re in the driver’s seat. If you’re a night owl, set it for noon.
Can I Tell When My Water Softener is Regenerating?
Regeneration cycles won’t affect water pressure, but the water softener will make noise during regeneration — it’s unavoidable. But how much you hear it depends on the model and where it’s located.
Most modern water softeners are well-insulated and relatively quiet, but you may hear valves clicking and a whooshing sound as water flows through the resin tank during backwashing and the fast rinse cycle. Think of it as a soft water symphony.
How Often Should a Water Softener System Regenerate?
A properly programmed and adequately sized water softener should regenerate every 2-3 days. Regular regeneration is vital to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria within the water softener system. But feel free to take a vacation — most models will automatically regenerate once weekly regardless of water usage.
How Much Water and Salt Should the Water Softener Regeneration Cycle Use?
The average water softener uses 6-8 pounds of salt or potassium chloride and 20-50 gallons of water each time it regenerates. The amount varies based on hardness levels and the size of your system.
Troubleshooting the Water Softener Regeneration Cycle
Regeneration is an essential part of the softening process. It usually functions like clockwork, but occasionally, something goes awry. So, let’s examine the most common problems with the water softener regeneration process. The good news is that in most cases, you won’t need a plumber.
Your Water Softener Is Not Regenerating
Adequate brine flow into the resin tank is essential for normal water softener operation. If your water softener has suddenly stopped regenerating, the brine valve may be clogged with hard minerals. It’s a two-minute fix with a soft toothbrush.
The Regeneration Process is Taking Too Long
If your water softener seems stuck in regeneration mode, a decrease in flow rate or a clogged valve may be the culprit.
Water softeners require a minimum flow rate to regenerate properly. If your city water pressure has suddenly decreased or your well is putting out less water than usual because of a drought, it could slow the flow rate into your system and lengthen the regeneration process.
If the cycle takes too long, a partially clogged Venturi valve — the valve that controls water flow into the resin tank — may also be to blame. Anything that obstructs water flow between the brine tank and the resin tank will cause cycle delays.
Your Water Softener System is Regenerating Too Often
If you have a new water softener that’s regenerating more often than it should, check the settings — the hardness level may be set too high. Metered regeneration depends on accurate input, so make sure your settings reflect your water test results.
If you didn’t test your water, it’s also possible your system isn’t the right size. An undersized water softener will constantly regenerate to keep up with usage while an oversized system will regenerate too often if the flow rate is too low.
The Regeneration Cycle Uses Too Much Salt
A clogged Venturi valve is often to blame for a salt-hungry system. If it doesn’t produce enough vacuum to pull out the recommended amount of water of out the brine tank, the water left behind dilutes the salt content in the tank, making the softener think it needs more. Clean the valve periodically with a soft toothbrush to maintain optimal performance.
Resin loss could also be a factor. Even the best water softener resin has a finite life span. If it’s been ten or more years since you’ve replaced the resin beads or you have very hard water, it might be time to replenish the resin bed. Alas, nothing lasts forever.
Further reading: Is my water softener using too much salt?
Final Thoughts
Understanding how and why your water softener regenerates is the key to its efficiency and your water quality. The water softener regeneration cycle is all that stands between you and the costly consequences of hard water. For those looking into a new system, have a look at our latest guide.