Community Forums

jstauffer · 08-08-2022, 08:22 AM

I recently purchased the standard size On The Go water softener and was wondering if people sanitize the softener after not using it for say a couple of weeks. They advertise packets of Sani-Santitizer for these units but they are fairly expensive and for the standard model you only use 1/4 of the packet. (They are packets you cut open so therefore you ether throw the rest away of find a way to store it.) I use bleach to sanitize my rv tank and water system but not sure I want to use bleach in the softener especially if it is going to be setting for a while. Maybe it would be ok. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

palehorse89 · 08-08-2022, 08:29 AM

No Bleach is not good for the resin bed. When not in use valve's are closed sealing my softner to air. If you are concerned about the water sitting in it before use, just do a one salt container regen on it.

**Camp CA** · 08-08-2022, 08:40 AM

Might be interested in reading this article on sanitizing a water softener: https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/W...alt%20tank.%20

l1v3fr33ord1 · 08-08-2022, 09:25 AM

jstauffer-

I used a water softener for two five-month seasons. I sanitized the softener once, between seasons, using the packet (and I threw the unused portion away).

Crasher · 08-08-2022, 09:52 AM

I've never sanitized our softener. However, we never drink from the onboard water. I'm satisfied that the salt regens are all that we need.

Country Road · 08-08-2022, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstauffer

I recently purchased the standard size On The Go water softener and was wondering if people sanitize the softener after not using it for say a couple of weeks. They advertise packets of Sani-Santitizer for these units but they are fairly expensive and for the standard model you only use 1/4 of the packet. (They are packets you cut open so therefore you ether throw the rest away of find a way to store it.) I use bleach to sanitize my rv tank and water system but not sure I want to use bleach in the softener especially if it is going to be setting for a while. Maybe it would be ok. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

No to sanitizing.

txcpl · 08-09-2022, 03:24 AM

Last year I contacted the manufacturer of our water softener and was told it would be okay to use a bleach solution to sanitize the water softener. I used bleach to sanitize the water softener as well as the water system. It worked fine, no problems.

jstauffer · 08-09-2022, 09:23 AM

Thanks everyone for your replies. If I am only going to go a couple weeks at a time not using the softeners and the fact that we usually do not drink the water from the tank then I think I will be ok not sanitizing them. If I do plan on storing them for a longer period then I may order some of the sani-sanitizer packages or look into using Thetfords water system treatment or something similar.
Thanks again.

Unplanned Tourist · 08-09-2022, 09:45 AM

I have the On The Go softener and have never sanitized it. The chlorine in the water will do a good enough job of sanitizing it as you use it.

BTW, growing up as a farm kid, I guess I have more immunity than city kids because we always drink the water from the fresh tank.

**TonyDi** · 08-09-2022, 09:50 AM

I’ve had the On-the-Go for 10+ years and never sanitized it.

Ray,IN · 08-09-2022, 05:07 PM

This question has never been posed until this thread. My house water softener sits for 3-5 months at a time unused when we take a long trip or spend winters in FL.
We don't get sick or notice any unusual taste or odor from our softened water, or haven't since the Culligan water softener was installed in 2004.

Folks, keep in mind all city water contains chlorine residuals that prevent bacterial growth for months.

TandW · 08-09-2022, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

This question has never been posed until this thread. My house water softener sits for 3-5 months at a time unused when we take a long trip or spend winters in FL.
We don't get sick or notice any unusual taste or odor from our softened water, or haven't since the Culligan water softener was installed in 2004.

Folks, keep in mind all city water contains chlorine residuals that prevent bacterial growth for months.

X2. And for those who get a rotten egg smell from their hot water taps, just run it off for a half hour.