Appliance maintenance

Water softener maintenance hub

Water softener maintenance guides for salt checks, cleaning, water conditions, and service records. Start with the instructions for your treatment system.

Start with this safe checklist

  1. Confirm the system type and water-treatment instructions.
  2. Document salt, cleaning, and testing activities.
  3. Use local water-testing guidance for questions about water quality.

Use your model manuals and local requirements as the final authority. If a task involves fuel, energized equipment, refrigerant, concealed damage, a steep roof, or a permit, arrange qualified local help.

Guides in this collection

A corroded water heater anode rod pulled partway out of the tank, showing exposed steel core wire where the magnesium coating has worn away.appliance

When to Replace the Anode Rod in Your Water Heater

Check the anode rod at year 3, then yearly—replace it when less than 1/2 inch of core wire is exposed. Inspection steps, rod types, and 2026 costs.

Aug 27, 202610 min read
Open brine tank of a water softener showing pellet salt level partway up the tank next to the control head and bypass valve.systems

Water Softener Maintenance: Salt, Resin & Cleaning

Salt-based water softener maintenance: refill salt before the tank runs empty, prevent salt bridging, and know when resin needs replacing.

Aug 27, 202610 min read