DIY replacing resin in water softener?

Question

Is this a DIY type of job?  The plumbers and water softener people say it's a job that must be left to the professionals.  Too many parts and pieces and opportunities to completely screw up your system (which will cost a fortune to repair).  The internet searches suggest it can be a DIY job, though a PITA.  

Recent events suggest the resin in my water softener may be "gelled."  I lost all water pressure in the house and had to bypass the softener in order to have water.

I'm afraid to even unhook the thing and look inside and what does gelled resin look like anyway?  It's going to cost me a pretty penny to get professionals out here, and thought I'd do it myself if I can.

Is this a DIY type of job?  

My water softener is a Clack model.

Anonym · Accepted Answer

Gelled means the little beads have melted and turned to gel. If you are able to purchase the resin and know how much to put in. Then take the top off the softener and pour out the old resin, flush it out and install the new stuff.

? · Answer

The number one reason to replace your resins is because they have been damaged by years of exposure to chlorinated "city" water. After about 10 years ( can be much sooner, or a bit later ) the resins break down and become so fragmented they start to restrict the water pressure through the resin tank. This is generally how you "know" you need new resins. On some systems the fragments ( "Fines" ) will start coming into the house and clogging faucet screens. If resin fragments have been getting into your house, then you will also need to replace the Bottom Distributor. Where I work we change them every 5 years but that's too soon. The chlorine in your water supply is what degrades them.

DIY replacing resin in water softener?

2 Antworten