Why Does My Aerator Not Fill Upon My House Water Softener System?

Aerator Function

• As part of aerator function, water flow and pressure are often lessened. Aerator distributors use this as a positive benefit, since more water is saved. But if a water softener is installed to run for a certain length of time or soften water for a certain plumbing system, the introduction of an aerator, or potentially aerators already in the lines, can drop water flow from its standard settings. The result is less water to the softener, which may struggle to fill up its own tanks and meet its quota.

Tank Sizes and Service Flows

• Both full house aerators used to clean water and water softeners have tanks that they store water in. Typically, these tanks come with service flows, which causes water to flow into the house when it is being used. If an aerator is installed upline from a softener, water will be flowing from one tank to another tank. But service flow is not designed to fill a tank, and this might lead to water fill problems when both systems are used concurrently.

Blockages

• Because aerators use screens to allow water to flow while still adding air, there is a chance that the air filters or screens can become clogged over time with dirt and debris. The clog leads to a drop in water pressure and the water softener settings may not be designed to deal with this unexpected change. Less water makes it through the aerator, which means less water fills the softener tanks. This is especially true if the water softener does not have automatic tank sensors.

Scale

• Water softeners are used to stop scale from forming, but they are often installed in houses where scale has already been an issue. As a result, the aerator may already be partially clogged with layers of scale. This can act like a clog in the aerator filters, reducing water flow to the water softener. To prevent this from happening, all scale-damaged parts should be replaced and the water softener should be installed where water first enters the house.