Hydrochloric Acid for Cleaning Water Softener Resin

Resin Bed

• A water softener's resin bed sits inside the ion exchange tank. The resin bed is where the water softener actually softens water because metals, minerals and other materials that contribute to water hardness are bound to the resin bed as the water passes through the ion exchange tank. The more the resin bed is used in this capacity, the more it becomes saturated with iron, manganese, silt, organics and other materials that can compromise its effectiveness in eliminating water hardness. The resin bed needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid that problem.

Hydrochloric Acid

• Hydrochloric acid is usually considered the most effective material to clean a water softener's resin bed. The acid dissolves mineral buildup on the resin bed and restores the resin bed to like-new effectiveness. The reason hydrochloric acid is so effective in this regard is because it is highly corrosive, which, of course, means that hydrochloric acid also can damage metal valves, the tank interior, plastic components and other parts of the water softener system. More importantly, hydrochloric acid is harmful to humans either through direct contact or inhalation of its fumes.

Usage Tips

• Always hire a professional to clean a water softener's resin bed with hydrochloric acid. Unless you are highly experienced both in handling hazardous materials and in water softener maintenance, the risks to yourself, other people, animals and to the other parts of your water softener system are too great to do the job yourself. The cleaning procedure must be performed in a well-ventilated area because inhalation of hydrochloric acid fumes is harmful to anyone standing close enough to breathe the fumes.

Alternatives

• While less effective in some ways, several materials are used instead of hydrochloric acid to clean water softener resin beds, and those materials sidestep the many safety concerns of hydrochloric acid. Sodium hydrosulfite, citric acid and phosphoric acid cleaners are alternative materials for cleaning a water softener's resin bed. Consulting the manufacturer of your water softener will help you determine which cleaner is most suitable for the size and condition of your water softener.