Some people say their softener lasted 25 years. Others complain theirs died at year five. The difference is not bad luck—it’s water chemistry. If you have low hardness and no iron, your softener lives a cushy life.
If you own a home with well water, expect a shorter lifespan. Well water often has manganese, iron, and bacteria that attack resin beads. You might need a whole-house filtration system to keep your softener happy.
Bottom line: test your water every year. Knowledge is power, and it saves you from premature equipment funerals.
