Water Treatment System Diagnostics

Purpose

Diagnostics for water treatment systems: softeners, RO, and whole-house filtration.

When to Use

• Hard water symptoms despite softener, RO not producing, water quality assessment, system leaking/errors

Water Softener Issues

Test hardness before and after softener — no change means system not functioning

Check salt level — low salt is most common cause

Check for salt bridging (hard crust above water level)

Verify regeneration schedule

Inspect resin bed — exhausted resin needs replacement

Check bypass valve position

RO Issues

Check tank pressure — 5-7 PSI when empty

Replace pre/post filters per schedule

Test production rate — slow may mean membrane failure

Check all connections for leaks

Verify drain line not clogged or kinked

Test TDS before and after — RO should reduce 90%+

Standard Water Quality Testing

Test hardness, pH, chlorine (city), iron (well) on every treatment call

Document results with photos in ServiceTitan

Use results to educate customer and recommend treatment

Show customers their test results — visual evidence drives decisions

Important Notes

• Water quality testing should be part of every applicable service call
• Softener installation: follow manufacturer specs, verify bypass valve operation
• Annual RO maintenance is a recurring revenue opportunity
• City water treatment focuses on quality; well water on contaminants and safety

Related SOPs

• Water Treatment System Installation — installation procedures
• Well Pump Diagnostics — well water specific
• Product Knowledge: Water Treatment Products — product info