Water Softener - Particles or Resin Beads in Water Supply

If you find there are particles that look like grit, sand, small beads, or just "dirty" water in your water supply, and you believe it is caused by the water softener, please review the following information prior to scheduling service.

Diagnosing an Issue With Particles or Resin Beads in the Water Supply From a Water Softener

Gold or Sandy Particles/Resin Beads in Water

The nature of Ion Exchange Media (resin beads) is that the particles range in size. Smaller particles come to the top of the resin bed because they are lighter. When the water softener is plumbed correctly, the water flows down through the resin bed and then out to the home.

If a water softener is plumbed in backwards, water would end up flowing up through the resin bed instead of down like it should. When plumbed incorrectly, it can then carry some small fine particles sitting in the top of the resin bed with it. While the upper distributor still catches the majority of the resin particles, some of the very small particles can make it through with the water flowing the wrong way through the system.

White or Gray Particles or Chalky Water

Your pipes or the water heater may need to be purged. When the softener is installed, the installer may not have flushed or purged the water heater or your pipes by running water at a tap. The water softener installation could cause build-up of calcium and magnesium in the plumbing to dislodge.

Additional Support

Should you require repair service for your Water Softener, please contact service at 1-800-952-5039 for the nearest authorized SmartWater Servicer in your area.