If you live in San Antonio, you’ve probably seen it: chalky white buildup on faucets, cloudy glassware, and shower pressure that slowly drops over time. That’s because San Antonio Water System (SAWS) water is typically hard—about 15 to 20 grains per gallon (gpg), which can lead to mineral scale on fixtures and inside appliances.

So while most people do a home reset in March, February is a smart time to “spring clean” your plumbing—before warmer weather ramps up water use and before scale turns into clogged aerators, inefficient appliances, and pricey repairs.

Below is a simple, homeowner-friendly descaling checklist designed for San Antonio homes.

Hard water minerals (mainly calcium and magnesium) don’t usually create a health issue, but they can build up on surfaces and inside equipment, causing:

• Reduced shower flow and uneven spray
• Stubborn spots on sinks, faucets, and dishes
• Slower-filling washing machines and noisy appliances
• Shorter lifespan for water-using appliances

SAWS notes hard water isn’t a health hazard, but the hardness level in the region is high enough to make scale a common household problem.

Time: 10–20 minutes per faucet
Signs you need this: uneven stream, spray sideways, reduced pressure

Steps

1. Unscrew the aerator (tip of the faucet).
2. Rinse out debris.
3. Soak the aerator in white vinegar for 30–60 minutes.
4. Scrub gently with an old toothbrush.
5. Reinstall and run water for 30 seconds.

Pro tip (San Antonio homes): If multiple faucets have low pressure, do all aerators first—it’s often the fastest fix.

Time: 30 minutes active + 1–8 hours soak
Vinegar soaking is a common, effective way to loosen mineral deposits in showerheads.

Easy method (no removal)

1. Fill a zip-top bag with white vinegar.
2. Slip it over the showerhead so the nozzles are submerged.
3. Secure with a rubber band.
4. Soak 1–4 hours (up to overnight for heavy buildup).
5. Remove, scrub gently, then run hot water for a minute to flush.

Finish warning: Some finishes (certain brass/gold or specialty coatings) can be sensitive—use shorter soaks and avoid abrasive scrubbing.

Time: 10–30 minutes per area
Works well on: chrome, stainless, porcelain (test first)

Steps

• Spray a vinegar-and-water mix (50/50), or apply vinegar on a cloth.
• Let sit 10–15 minutes.
• Wipe, rinse, dry.

Avoid: vinegar on natural stone (like marble/travertine), which can etch—use a stone-safe cleaner instead.

Time: 5 minutes active
Signs: cloudy film on glassware, white residue, funky smell

Simple habit that helps: keep dishwasher salt/rinse aid topped off if your model uses it, and run a periodic cleaning cycle per your machine’s instructions.

If you’re already seeing residue, a dishwasher cleaning/descaling product or manufacturer-recommended cleaner can help remove mineral buildup and restore performance (follow the label and your dishwasher manual).

Time: 5 minutes active
Signs: stiff towels, dingy whites, detergent not dissolving well

Basic refresh

• Run a hot “clean washer” cycle (or hottest cycle) using a machine cleaner that’s compatible with your washer.

Wipe gasket/seals (front-loaders) and clean the detergent tray.

If you have hard water, scale can collect in water heaters over time—especially when maintenance is delayed. A periodic flush (per manufacturer guidance) can help with efficiency and noise.

If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, this is a great “call a pro” item.

• Weekend 1: kitchen faucet aerators + main showerhead
• Weekend 2: bathroom faucets + secondary showers
• Weekend 3: dishwasher clean cycle + wipe fixtures
• Weekend 4: washer clean cycle + water heater check/flush (if due)

Descaling is a great reset—but if you’re in San Antonio / Bexar County (Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, Helotes, Alamo Ranch, Live Oak, Converse, Schertz, and nearby), the long-term fix is addressing water hardness at the source.

Is San Antonio water considered hard?

Yes—SAWS says typical hardness in their system ranges from 15 to 20 gpg, which is generally considered hard and commonly causes scale.

How often should I descale showerheads in San Antonio?

If you’re noticing reduced flow, mineral crust, or uneven spray, monthly to every couple months is common in hard-water areas.

Descaling helps—but why do deposits keep coming back?

Because hardness minerals are still in the water. Cleaning removes existing scale, but a properly sized water softener helps prevent the buildup from forming as quickly.

A new year is the perfect time to reset habits, routines—and your home’s essential systems. While many homeowners focus on HVAC tune-ups or plumbing inspections, one critical system is often overlooked: your water softener.

January is actually one of the best months of the year to service your water softener, especially for Texas homeowners dealing with hard water year-round. Here’s why starting the year with a professional water softener service can save you money, protect your home, and improve your water quality all year long.

Your water softener works every single day, quietly removing minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause hard water. Over time, this constant workload can lead to:

• Reduced efficiency
• Excess salt usage
• Scale buildup in plumbing
• Shortened system lifespan

Without regular maintenance, even the best system can underperform—often without obvious warning signs.

Cold snaps, freezes, and fluctuating winter temperatures can stress your water softener, especially if it’s installed in a garage or outdoors.

A January service check can:

• Detect freeze-related cracks or leaks
• Identify valve or control head issues caused by temperature changes
• Ensure insulation and protection are still effective

Catching these problems early prevents costly repairs later in the year.

Many water softeners drift out of optimal settings over time. During a January service, a technician can:

• Recalibrate regeneration cycles
• Adjust salt dosage to match household usage
• Clean resin beds for better mineral removal

This ensures your system runs efficiently from January through December—using less salt, less water, and less energy.

An unserviced water softener often:

• Uses more salt than necessary
• Regenerates too frequently
• Struggles with salt bridging or mushing

January maintenance helps optimize salt consumption, which can:

• Lower your monthly operating costs
• Reduce unnecessary salt purchases

Extend the life of internal components

Hard water scale doesn’t just show up on faucets—it silently builds inside:

• Water heaters
• Dishwashers and washing machines
• Pipes and fixtures

Servicing your water softener in January helps prevent scale accumulation before peak water usage months begin, protecting expensive appliances and avoiding premature failures.

Soft water provides noticeable benefits you’ll feel right away:

• Softer skin during dry winter months
• Cleaner hair with less residue
• Spot-free dishes and glassware
• Reduced soap and detergent usage

Starting the year with properly softened water improves comfort and cleanliness across your entire home.

A typical January service visit includes:

• System inspection and leak check
• Resin tank evaluation and cleaning
• Salt system inspection (bridging/mushing check)
• Control valve and settings calibration
• Performance testing and efficiency optimization

This proactive approach helps avoid emergency repairs later in the year.

For most Texas homes, annual servicing is ideal—making January the perfect recurring reminder. Homes with higher water usage or severe hard water may benefit from more frequent checkups.

Your water softener protects your plumbing, appliances, and daily comfort. Giving it attention in January sets your home up for a full year of reliable performance and high-quality water.

If you’re starting the new year with goals to save money, protect your home, and improve everyday living, servicing your water softener is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Ready to start the year with better water?

Schedule your professional water softener service today and enjoy peace of mind all year long.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Softener Service

❓ Why is January the best time to service a water softener?

January is ideal because it allows homeowners to catch winter-related issues early, optimize system settings for the year ahead, and prevent inefficiencies caused by cold weather, salt buildup, or improper regeneration cycles.

❓ How often should a water softener be serviced?

Most water softeners should be professionally serviced once a year. Homes with heavy water usage or very hard water may benefit from more frequent inspections.

❓ What happens if I don’t service my water softener?

Without regular service, a water softener may use excessive salt, regenerate too often, allow hard water minerals to pass through, or suffer premature component failure—leading to higher costs and potential plumbing damage.

❓ Can winter weather damage a water softener?

Yes. Cold snaps and freezing temperatures can crack fittings, damage valves, or affect electronic control heads—especially for systems installed in garages or outdoors. A January inspection helps detect these issues early.

❓ Does servicing a water softener improve water quality?

Absolutely. Proper servicing restores optimal mineral removal, resulting in softer water, better soap performance, cleaner dishes, and improved skin and hair comfort.

❓ What does a professional water softener service include?

A typical service includes:

• System inspection and leak check
• Resin tank evaluation
• Salt system inspection
• Control valve calibration
• Performance and efficiency testing

❓ Will servicing my water softener help save money?

Yes. A properly tuned water softener uses less salt, regenerates more efficiently, reduces scale buildup, and extends appliance lifespan—lowering both monthly and long-term costs.

❓ Is January a good time to schedule service in Texas?

Yes. January is one of the best months in Texas because water usage is typically lower, making it easier to service and recalibrate systems before peak demand seasons.

While Texas is known for its heat, sudden winter cold fronts and overnight freezes are becoming more common—especially in Central and South Texas. During these cold snaps, many homeowners don’t realize their water softener may be at risk.

If your system is exposed to cold temperatures, freezing conditions can cause costly damage. Here’s what Texas homeowners need to know to protect their water softener during winter.

Water softeners hold water inside tanks, control valves, and connections. When temperatures drop below freezing, that water can expand and cause:

• ❌ Cracked resin tanks
• ❌ Broken control valves
• ❌ Damaged fittings or pipes
• ❌ Leaks that appear once temperatures rise

Even a few hours below freezing can be enough to cause problems—especially for systems installed in garages, sheds, or outdoors.

Many Texas homes have water softeners installed:

• Outside the home
• In side yards
• In unheated sheds
• In garages without insulation

While this works well most of the year, outdoor units are the most vulnerable during freezes. Once a softener freezes, repairs are often not possible—and full replacement may be required.

If temperatures drop below 32°F, your system is at risk—especially if:

• It’s installed outdoors
• It’s near an exterior wall
• The pipes are exposed
• There is little or no insulation

Texas cold snaps often come quickly and overnight, which means damage can occur before homeowners even realize the temperature dropped.

✅ 1. Insulate the System

• Use insulation blankets designed for plumbing
• Wrap exposed pipes, valves, and connections
• Avoid covering vents or electrical components

✅ 2. Protect Exposed Pipes

Freezing pipes are one of the most common points of failure. Pipe insulation is inexpensive and extremely effective.

✅ 3. Use a Weather-Resistant Softener Cover

For outdoor systems, a weather-rated cover can help reduce exposure to freezing air and moisture.

✅ 4. Keep Garage Units Above Freezing

If your system is in the garage:

• Keep the garage closed during cold nights
• Consider adding insulation or a safe heat source nearby

✅ 5. For Extreme Cold Events, Ask About Temporary Shutdown

In rare cases, temporarily shutting down and draining the system may be recommended—but only if done correctly. Always consult a professional first.

After a freeze, watch for:

• Loss of soft water
• Error messages on the control head
• Visible cracks
• Leaking once temperatures rise
• Unusual noises during regeneration

If you notice any of these, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage.

In many cases, freeze damage is not covered by manufacturer warranties, especially if the unit was installed outdoors without proper protection. This makes preventative care especially important for Texas homeowners.

Cold weather damage often happens suddenly—and repairs can be expensive. A quick inspection and proper insulation can help protect your investment and keep your water softener running efficiently all winter long.

Need help winter-proofing your system?

Simple Water Softeners can inspect your installation, recommend insulation options, and make sure your water softener is protected before the next cold snap hits.

FAQs

Can cold weather damage a water softener?

Yes. Freezing temperatures can crack tanks, damage control valves, and break pipes. Even short Texas cold snaps can cause serious damage if the system is exposed.

Are outdoor water softeners at risk during Texas winters?

Yes. Outdoor and unheated installations are the most vulnerable during freezes and require proper insulation or weather protection.

What temperature can cause a water softener to freeze?

Water softeners are at risk when temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C), especially if pipes and components are exposed.

How can I protect my water softener during a cold snap?

Insulate exposed pipes, use a weather-resistant cover, and keep garage-installed units above freezing during cold nights.

Does a water softener warranty cover freeze damage?

In most cases, freeze damage is not covered by manufacturer warranties, making winter preparation especially important.

The holidays are a time for family, fun, and a whole lot of cooking, cleaning, and laundry. But while you’re preparing the guest rooms and stocking up on groceries, there’s one thing in your home that also needs a little attention before the crowd arrives — your water softener.

In San Antonio, we experience some of the hardest water in the country, loaded with calcium and magnesium that can leave spots on dishes, clog appliances, and make showers less enjoyable. Add holiday visitors to the mix and your water softener will be working overtime. Here’s how to make sure it’s ready to handle the extra demand.

More people in the home = more:

• Showers & baths
  
• Laundry loads
  
• Dishwasher cycles
  
• Cooking and drinking water usage

Your softener will be regenerating more frequently, and if it isn’t in top condition, it may struggle to keep up — leading to hard water sneaking back into your house.

Salt is what allows your water softener to remove hardness minerals from the water. Before guests arrive:

• Make sure salt is filled at least halfway in the brine tank
• Break up any salt bridges (salt hardened into a solid chunk)
• Choose high-quality salt pellets for the best performance

✅ Pro Tip: Keep an extra bag of salt on hand during the holidays!

A dirty brine tank can affect softening efficiency. If you notice:

• Brown sludge
• Strong odors
• Excess buildup on the walls

…it may be time for a cleaning. A professional service ensures everything is flushed and sanitized properly.

The resin beads inside your unit are the powerhouse — they bind the hardness minerals to soften the water. Over time:

• Resin can break down
• Efficiency declines
• Water may start feeling “hard” again

Professional maintenance helps restore resin performance and may include a resin bed recharge if necessary.

If you have a whole-home filter or Reverse Osmosis (RO) drinking system:

• Replace filters every 6–12 months
• RO membrane every 2–3 years
• Check for reduced water pressure or bad taste

Clean, filtered water = better coffee, better ice, and better tasting holiday meals!

Scheduling a quick inspection can help identify early issues such as:

• Sudden hard water stains
• Soap not lathering well
• Itchy or dry skin after showers
• Strange noises coming from the unit
• Higher salt usage than normal

If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to call for service before holiday plans are in full swing.

Keeping your water softener in good condition ensures:

✅ More comfortable showers for guests
✅ Cleaner dishes and silverware for holiday dinners
✅ Longer-lasting home appliances
✅ Lower risk of breakdowns during the busiest season

Whether you’re hosting a full house or just preparing for a few gatherings, a well-maintained water softener keeps your home running smoothly — and lets you focus on what really matters this season.

Simple Water Softeners is here to help you enjoy better water all year long.
Schedule your pre-holiday checkup today — and give your guests (and your home) the gift of soft, clean water!

San Antonio is known for having very hard water, which can leave spots on dishes, shorten appliance life, and irritate skin. Yet many homeowners still hesitate to install or service a water softener because of common misconceptions.

At Simple Water Softeners, we hear these myths all the time — and this fall is the perfect time to set the record straight. Whether you’re considering a new system or maintaining your current one, here’s the truth about the most frequent water softener myths in Texas.

The Truth:
Softened water isn’t salty — it’s simply softer because the system swaps hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) with tiny amounts of sodium or potassium. This doesn’t make the water taste salty or unhealthy. In fact, the sodium added is minimal — usually less than what’s in a slice of bread.

💡 For those watching sodium intake: We can set up your system to use potassium chloride instead, which softens water without adding sodium.

The Truth:
Modern water softeners are highly efficient and use minimal water during their regeneration cycles. Today’s systems are designed to regenerate only when necessary, saving both water and salt.

By reducing scale buildup in appliances and plumbing, a softener can actually reduce overall water and energy waste, since your water heater and dishwasher don’t have to work as hard.

The Truth:
Hard water — not soft water — is what damages pipes and appliances. Minerals in San Antonio’s hard water cause scale buildup, which leads to clogged pipes, low water pressure, and costly breakdowns in water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. Soft water prevents this damage and helps appliances last longer.

The Truth:
Even treated city water in San Antonio is extremely hard, with high levels of calcium and magnesium. That’s why homeowners often see spots on dishes, dry skin, and scale buildup despite using municipal water. A water softener is the best defense against these issues.

The Truth:
A well-installed softener requires minimal maintenance — mainly adding salt or potassium and occasional cleaning. The savings from reduced soap use, longer appliance lifespan, and lower energy bills often offset the cost of maintenance and installation over time.

The Truth:
That silky feeling is actually your skin’s natural oils — hard water leaves a film of soap scum, making skin feel dry and tight. Soft water rinses clean, leaving skin and hair healthier without the residue.

Cooler months mean more time indoors, more showers, and more holiday guests using water. Fall is ideal for:

• Checking your current softener’s performance
  
• Upgrading an old, inefficient system
  
• Testing your water quality before winter
  

Being proactive now saves you from holiday plumbing headaches and higher utility bills.

 Let Simple Water Softeners help you get the facts and choose the right system for your San Antonio home. We make water softening simple, efficient, and tailored to your family’s needs.

📞 Call (210) 960-2555 or contact us online to schedule a consultation or water quality test today.

Q1: Does softened water taste salty?
No — the amount of sodium added is minimal and not enough to change the taste for most people.

Q2: Will a water softener increase my water bill?
No. Modern systems are efficient and use minimal water during regeneration.

Q3: Is soft water safe for kids and pets?
Yes. Soft water is safe to drink and bathe in for the whole family, including pets.

Q4: How often should I add salt to my water softener?
Typically every 4–6 weeks, depending on your water hardness and household size.

Q5: Do I need a water softener if I live in San Antonio?
Yes — San Antonio water is very hard and can damage plumbing, appliances, and skin over time.

As the fall season begins, many San Antonio families turn their focus to home maintenance—preparing for cooler months, upcoming holidays, and the busy routines that follow summer. While you may be checking your HVAC system or cleaning out gutters, there’s one hidden issue that can quietly damage your home and increase your bills: hard water.

At Simple Water Softeners, we see firsthand how untreated hard water shortens the lifespan of household appliances. Here’s how hard water affects your home and what you can do this fall to keep everything running smoothly.

San Antonio is known for having very hard water, full of calcium and magnesium minerals. Over time, these minerals build up inside appliances, creating scale deposits that affect performance.

• Dishwashers: Hard water leaves cloudy spots on glasses, reduces detergent effectiveness, and clogs spray arms.
• Washing Machines: Mineral buildup causes wear on internal parts and makes clothes feel stiff or scratchy after washing.
  
• Water Heaters: Scale collects on heating elements, making them work harder and use more energy. This leads to higher utility bills and a shorter lifespan.

As you prepare for the fall season, here are a few steps to keep your appliances safe from hard water damage:

1. Flush Your Water Heater
   – Removing built-up sediment helps improve efficiency and extend its life.
2. Clean Dishwashers and Washing Machines
   – Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a specialized cleaner to break down mineral deposits.
3. Inspect Appliances for Warning Signs
   – Look for reduced water flow, cloudy dishes, or higher energy bills—all indicators of hard water damage.
4. Install or Maintain a Water Softener
   – The most effective long-term solution. Soft water prevents scale buildup, helps detergents work better, and extends the lifespan of your appliances.

Fall is the season of preparation. By addressing hard water issues now, you can:

• Protect your appliances before the holiday season.
• Avoid unexpected repairs during colder months.
• Lower your energy bills as your home’s water systems run more efficiently.

Hard water is more than just a nuisance—it’s a hidden cost that affects your appliances, energy bills, and daily comfort. This fall, make appliance protection part of your home maintenance checklist.

At Simple Water Softeners, we provide customized solutions to keep your water soft, your appliances protected, and your family comfortable year-round.

👉 Call us today to schedule a consultation and discover how a water softener can protect your home this fall and beyond.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if hard water is damaging my appliances?
Signs include cloudy glassware, stiff laundry, soap scum buildup, reduced water pressure, and higher-than-usual energy bills from water heaters.

2. Why does San Antonio have such hard water?
San Antonio’s water supply comes from the Edwards Aquifer, which is naturally high in calcium and magnesium minerals, making the water particularly hard.

3. Can I prevent scale buildup without a water softener?
Regular cleaning and flushing of appliances can reduce buildup, but only a water softener provides a long-term solution by removing minerals before they enter your home.

4. How often should I service my water softener?
Most water softeners should be checked once a year. Regularly refilling salt and ensuring the system is regenerating properly will keep it working efficiently.

5. What are the benefits of installing a water softener beyond protecting appliances?
Soft water also improves soap lather, keeps skin and hair softer, reduces cleaning time, and prevents scale on faucets, showers, and pipes.

Here in San Antonio, hard water is a fact of life—and many homeowners are exploring ways to improve the water quality in their homes. Two of the most common solutions are water softeners and reverse osmosis (RO) systems. But what exactly is the difference? And is one better than the other?

At Simple Water Softeners, we get this question all the time. The truth is: these systems serve different purposes—and they work even better together.

💧 What a Water Softener Does (and Doesn’t Do)

A water softener targets the hard minerals—mainly calcium and magnesium—that are so common in San Antonio’s water supply. These minerals are what cause:

• Scale buildup in pipes and appliances
• Spots on dishes and glassware
• Dry skin and brittle hair
• Wasted soap and detergent
• Higher energy bills from inefficient water heaters

A softener protects your home’s plumbing and appliances and improves your everyday water experience. However, it doesn’t filter out contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, or heavy metals.

💧 What a Reverse Osmosis System Does

A reverse osmosis (RO) system is installed under your kitchen sink and focuses on purifying your drinking water. It filters out:

• Chlorine and chloramines
• Fluoride
• Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic
• Nitrates and pesticides
• Micro-contaminants and some bacteria

RO gives you clean, great-tasting water ideal for drinking, cooking, baby formula, and even coffee. But—it doesn’t soften water or protect appliances.

💡 Why You May Want Both in Your Home

In many San Antonio homes, the best solution is to install both a water softener and a reverse osmosis system. Here’s why:

Together, they provide:

• Soft water for your entire home—better for showers, laundry, and appliances
• Purified water where it matters most—at your kitchen sink for drinking and cooking

Plus, installing a water softener extends the life of your RO filters, making your system more efficient and cost-effective over time.

🛠️ Not Sure Where to Start? Let’s Talk.

If you’re unsure whether to start with a water softener or an RO system, the answer usually depends on your household’s priorities. But in San Antonio, where the water is notoriously hard, a water softener is typically the first and most essential step.

At Simple Water Softeners, we offer:

• Free in-home water testing
• Tailored solutions based on your home’s needs
• Professional installation and ongoing support
• Affordable pricing with no unnecessary upselling

✅ Ready to Improve Your Water?

Let’s simplify your water—and your life. Call us at (210) 960-2555

Better water starts with Simple. Trusted by families across San Antonio.