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Home - Knowledge Base - Water Treatment System Troubleshooting Tips

Water Treatment System Troubleshooting Tips

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Article ID: KBA-4
Date: October, 2023

A Closer Look at Water Treatment System Troubleshooting

Water is the lifeblood of every home, and having a reliable water treatment system ensures a clean, safe, and uninterrupted water supply. But what happens when your system encounters problems? Whether you’re a homeowner, a water treatment professional, or a DIY enthusiast, it’s essential to know how to identify and resolve common water treatment system problems.

This guide explores the most frequent issues with water treatment systems and offers expert solutions to get your system back on track. With some troubleshooting knowledge, you can often save time and money while maintaining peace of mind.

Water treatment systems are designed to purify, filter, and condition household or commercial use water. However, like any other complex system, they may occasionally experience malfunctions. Understanding the common issues and how to troubleshoot them effectively is key to extending the lifespan of your system. Below, we’ve outlined the most typical water treatment problems and actionable fixes.

1. Low Water Pressure in the System

Symptoms

  • Weak water flow from faucets.
  • Extended duration for water-related tasks (e.g., filling a bucket).

Possible Causes

  • Clogged filters from sediment or debris.
  • Malfunctioning pumps or blockages in piping.

Solution

Start by identifying and cleaning any clogged filters within the system. Filters often gather sediment, which reduces water flow. Replace cartridges if cleaning doesn’t restore normal pressure. Next, examine the system’s pump for signs of wear or malfunction. If this isn’t the problem, check your pipes for blockages or mineral buildup. You may need a water treatment professional to descale your system efficiently.

2. Unpleasant Taste or Odors in Water

Symptoms

  • A metallic, sulphuric, or earthy taste.
  • Noticeable odours in filtered water.

Possible Causes

  • Fouled filters or outdated carbon media.
  • Bacterial growth in the system.
  • Overloaded or damaged resin in softeners.

Solution

First, inspect the filters or media in your water treatment system. Carbon filters, for instance, may lose effectiveness over time and need replacing every 6–12 months. If bacterial contamination is suspected, sanitise the system thoroughly with chlorine or engage in professional servicing. Flush or regenerate the softener system for resin issues to restore its functionality.

3. Leaking or Dripping Components

Symptoms

  • Wet spots near the system.
  • Visible water dripping from the unit’s connections or pipes.

Possible Causes

  • Loose fittings or cracked O-rings.
  • Pressure imbalance in the system.

Solution

Begin by examining all visible connections, fittings, and O-rings for damage. Tighten any loose parts carefully, avoiding overtightening, which could cause cracks. If leakage persists, inspect for worn seals and replace them as needed. Additionally, verify that the system’s water pressure falls within the manufacturer’s recommendations—anything too high can lead to excess strain on key components.

4. Water Softener Not Working Properly

Symptoms

  • Hard water symptoms return (e.g., soap scum, scale buildup).
  • Increased need for soaps and detergents.

Possible Causes

  • Insufficient salt in the brine tank.
  • The resin bed needs regeneration.
  • Clogging in valves or injectors.

Solution

If the salt in your brine tank is low, check and refill it. If the problem persists, inspect the resin bed to confirm it needs a regeneration cycle. Perform troubleshooting steps like cleaning the brine line and valves to clear blockages. Stubborn clogs may require professional maintenance to remove mineral deposits.

5. Filter System Fails to Reduce Contaminants

Symptoms

  • Persisting impurities despite filtration.
  • Cloudy or discoloured water.

Possible Causes

  • Old or degraded filters.
  • The bypass valve was inadvertently left open.

Solution

Replace filters in your system per the recommended schedule (typically every 6–12 months, depending on the model and water conditions). Ensure the bypass valve is closed, directing all water through the filtration system. If impurities persist, test your water supply to ensure the filters are compatible with specific contaminants in your area.

6. Frequent System Shutoffs

Symptoms

  • The water system stops working unexpectedly.
  • Frequent error messages or system lockouts.

Possible Causes

Electrical issues such as loose wiring.
Pressure imbalances affecting sensor accuracy.
Faulty control panels or timers.

Solution

Inspect the wiring and connection points for damage or poor contact. Tighten any loose wires and replace damaged components as necessary. Adjust system sensors to operate within specified pressure ranges. If electrical parts like the timer or control panel are unresponsive, replace them with parts recommended by the system manufacturer.

7. Excessive Noise from the System

Symptoms

  • Loud vibrations or humming during operation.
  • Knocking noises in pipes.

Possible Causes

  • Loose fittings or components.
  • Cavitation in pumps.
  • Air leaks within the system.

Solution

Ensure that all fittings and fasteners are securely in place. If noises persist, investigate the pump for cavitation caused by flow rate inconsistencies—this indicates it may be time for servicing. To address air leaks, locate the point of entry and seal it using appropriate materials or consult with a technician for thorough repair.

Keep Your System Running Smoothly

A well-maintained water treatment system ensures consistently high water quality and optimal performance. Understanding these common issues and learning the troubleshooting basics can help you address most problems quickly and effectively.

However, if the issue persists or seems beyond your expertise, it’s best to call in a qualified professional to prevent costly damage. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can dramatically extend the life of your system.

Need support or advice on keeping your water treatment system in peak condition? Reach out to Dowdens today for expert assistance.

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Featured Products

Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment offers a wide range of water treatment solutions. Our extensive selection allows us to provide customised solutions for any project, supported by our industry-trained engineers, draftsmen, project managers, salespeople, and tradespeople who can design tailored solutions for various purposes.

Our experienced team is ready to assist you in selecting the right products to meet your needs. Whether you require an immediate solution or are planning for the long term, we can help you source the products necessary for a successful installation.

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Clack 18 Round Brine Tank Series 26/33/40″

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Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment provides comprehensive services across various industries, including tailored Asset Management, a user-friendly Document Library, and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for large projects.

Our Knowledge Base aids in troubleshooting pumping and water treatment challenges, while branches in Mackay, Rockhampton, Brisbane, and Proserpine offer convenient access to workshop and field services.

Additionally, the Photo Library showcases completed projects, a skilled Solutions Engineering team for design and system servicing, and a Video Library with informative content.

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At Dowdens, we are committed to providing our customers with the resources they need to make informed decisions and achieve their goals. That’s why we maintain a comprehensive Document Library brimming with valuable insights about our latest product offerings, industry expertise, and real-world applications.

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Dowdens has a large video library that we hope will provide insights and help you better understand how our products work and can be used. You can view our entire library by clicking on the link below.

Featured Case Studies

Looking for more information, our Case Studies provide detailed insights into various projects that Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment has effectively managed and completed.

CS-89 – November 2013

400 Man Camp Potable Water Treatment Plant

CS-133 – September 2024

Calen Township Water Treatment Plant Upgrade

CS-99 – January 2020

Nebo Township Water Treatment Plant

CS-121 – Nov 2020

Truck Stop / Service Station Water and Sewage Treatment Plant with Irrigation System

CS-46 – January 2018

Water Treatment System - Ultrapure Water Production

CS-37 – June 2016

Coppabella Township Water Treatment Plant

CS-34 – February 2017

Coppabella Township Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade

CS-28 – August 2011

Dulux Group Water Treatment Installation

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