Locate the drain hose at the back of the tank. Usually, it’s a small black tube connected to your plumbing. Attach a longer garden hose to it and run it to a floor drain or outside—not into your lawn unless you want dead grass.
How to Clean a Water Softener (Resin Tank & Brine Tank)
Let the water flow out until the tank is mostly empty. You’ll see brownish or reddish water if iron is the problem. If it looks like weak coffee, congratulations—you’ve neglected this too long. We all have.
Step two: the vinegar soak
Now, pour your vinegar directly into the brine well (that big tube where the salt goes). For a standard 10-inch tank, use about two gallons. If your tank is bigger, add a third gallon. You want the resin beads completely submerged.
Let it sit for 6 to 8 hours. Yes, that long. I know you’re busy. Go binge something on Netflix, mow the lawn, or finally sort that junk drawer. The acid needs time to loosen the mineral scale. Don’t rush it.
