Water softener brine tank lifespan

[i6pwr]

We had a Culligan Gold system installed about 20 years ago, still seems to function but curious about the brine tank and if they actually just wear out or go bad after so many years/gallons.

Based on what we paid for it back then, I'm afraid to see what a new system costs from them...their site doesn't include cost unless you get a consultation. That being said, I'm open to suggestions for a family of 4 living on a well with a hardness of about 15.

 

[walterjay]

Brine tanks seldom go bad.

 

[doitmyself]

walterjay is spot on. The resin beads go bad in 10 to 20 years +/- depending on water conditions. You can "cleanse" the resin with products like Iron Out, but at some point the resin just quits exchanging hardness ions. The valve parts can wear or break also. 20 years is excellent life for a water softener.

I educated myself about softeners at The Terry Love plumbing forum. This link is an excellent starting point: https://www.aquatell.ca/pages/ultimate-water-softener-guide

 

[Cujet]

Keep in mind there are 'discount' or custom water softener companies that will sell you a very high quality replacement product at a fraction of the cost of a top-tier brand like Culligan. Brine tanks like the old-school round ones (my fav) are $160+

 

[Pablo]

Keep in mind there are 'discount' or custom water softener companies that will sell you a very high quality replacement product at a fraction of the cost of a top-tier brand like Culligan. Brine tanks like the old-school round ones (my fav) are $160+

Yes this

Every medium town has one or two reputable water companies and a couple that charge you up the Mississippi

My water softener was less than my air injection sulfide oxidizer system