Secondwind has been replacing a lot of water treatment systems lately. This photo shows some of the many currently found in our “graveyard.”

When you turn on your faucet, bathe your child, water your lawn, or flush your toilet, you want to know your water is safe and clean. So you’ve decided to invest in a water treatment system for your home. But how long will your water treatment system last? Below are five key determining factors and tips on extending the life of your water treatment system.

1. The quality of water being treated.  

Extremely high iron or extremely high hardness can be tough on your system and its media or resin.  In addition, the more contaminants you’re removing, the more frequently your system will need to backwash or regenerate, creating greater wear and tear.  

2. How well you maintain your system.

When it comes to extending the life of your water treatment system, a little maintenance goes a long way.

• Make sure your softener has salt and your cartridges are changed as recommended by your system’s manufacturer.
• Contact your water treatment specialist if you notice any performance issues (like low water pressure or water quality problems). Doing so will keep your maintenance costs to a minimum and extend the life of your system. If you ignore a problem, it can grow to a point where your key components or entire system fail.  

Note:  water treatment systems that sit stagnant for a long time or run without regenerants will not last as long.

3.  Type of materials used in your system.

Certain types of “problem” water can be very hard on the materials used to make your system. For example, water with a very low pH is corrosive to metals, while heavily-chlorinated water can deteriorate o-rings or gaskets.  Your system will last longer if it is designed with fewer metal components and gaskets and o-rings made with the appropriate material for your particular water problem.

4. Quality of your water treatment system.  

Some water systems are designed with quality in mind. These systems will last from 15 to 25 years.  Others, which are designed with low upfront cost in mind, will last from 5 to 15 years.

5. Quality of your system’s design configuration.

To minimize wear and tear on your water treatment system, its design configuration must be appropriate for:

1. your type of water quality problem
2. the size of your home
3. your water usage

If your system is undersized or not appropriate for your type of problem water, it will have to work harder, reducing its overall lifespan. If your system is oversized, your water may sit stagnant for too long, causing a failure of resins or filter media.

Home Water Treatment Systems in NH

If you have questions about your water treatment system, or are looking to purchase a new system for your home, contact the certified water specialists at Secondwind Water Systems. With our commitment to exceptional customer service, technical expertise, and intimate knowledge of the region’s water quality issues, you can count on Secondwind to ensure you have safe, clean water for years to come.