Water Softener Fact Sheet

Can the water softener discharge damage my septic system?

The answer is….Maybe!

As water flows through layers of rock underground, it picks up loose particles and dissolved minerals including calcium and magnesium. Water with substantial amounts of these minerals is referred to as “hard water.” Water softeners use salt as an ion exchanger to remove the calcium and magnesium from the water thereby making it “softer”. Part of this process involves periodically flushing or backwashing the softener to remove the accumulated minerals.

Since many homeowners rely on private household sewage treatment systems, there is concern that the brine discharge may harm the bacteria responsible for breaking down the wastewater and the extra amount of water could flood out the leaching system. Scientists are studying this issue but most think the brine is sufficiently diluted with other plumbing wastes that it does not adversely affect the septic system.

While a water conditioner can discharge between 50 – 100 gallons of water at one time, this is no more than what is normally discharged from a washing machine. Assessing the size of the soil absorption area is critical before adding a water softener. Problems such as ponding or surfacing sewage or complete failure can occur when the soil absorption area is too small and the soil is overwhelmed by the waste loads. We recommend consulting with a sanitarian at the Health Department to help evaluate the condition of the septic system before connecting a water softener.

Problems have also occurred when a water softener has malfunctioned sending hundreds of gallons of water to the septic system ultimately ruining it. But this can also be said of any plumbing fixture that is not maintained. Can the water softener discharge damage my septic system? It can if it is not maintained or if your septic system is too small. For more tips on reducing the impact of the water softener on a septic system, please refer to the reverse side or contact the Hocking County Health Department at 740-385-3030.

Reducing Water Softener Effects on the Septic System

• Don't use a water softener if it is not necessary. Test your water for hardness.
• Install a water softener whose backwash/regeneration cycle is based on need, not on a timer. A water softener operated by a time clock regenerates the mineral tank on a regular schedule, regardless of how much water has been used. A softening unit that is regulated by a flow detection meter measures the amount of water that has been used and regenerates the water softener accordingly.
• Practice water conservation so the water softener does not have to work as often.
• Be sure the water softener backwash frequency and salt dose are set properly for the hardness of your water and water volume usage. Adjust the backwash frequency and salt dose to the lowest level absolutely necessary.
• Watch for malfunctioning equipment: if you hear water running continuously in your drain you should track down the source to a leaky toilet tank, faucet, or malfunctioning water softener, etc.
• Use salt alternatives: potassium chloride may be an acceptable alternative to normal salt or sodium chloride for problem areas.
• Use a separate drywell or floor drain to receive water softener backwash.
• Make sure the discharge line is properly air-gapped to prevent cross- contamination.
• Connect to municipal water supply (if available) so that your water will arrive already properly conditioned and therefore not require softening.
• If connecting the softener discharge to the septic system, contact the Health

Department to determine if the soil absorption area is large enough to handle the additional wastewater.