Does Water Softener Salt Damage Concrete

These actually soften the water from your well by removing the hard water ions calcium magnesium and iron.

Does water softener salt damage concrete.

That sounds weird so we ll explain. It also increases the pore size allowing additional water and chemicals into the concrete which can exacerbate freeze thaw cycle damage. Salt does not damage concrete but the effects of salt can. It s important to realize this water inside the top of the concrete expands about nine percent in volume when it freezes.

The salt used in the brine tank of a water softener does not directly soften the water but is used to regenerate the resin beads in your water softener. Bumps and potholes don t just appear due to regular wear and tear salt damages concrete over time by causing corrosion to occur under the surface leading to discolored cracked and crumbling concrete. No to soften water you need a water softener. If the unit is malfunctioning and a high salt content is discharged it might leave a white residue once dry.

Water softener salt damage to concrete about a year ago our water softener case cracked and the salt water spilled on to the garage floor. The acidic reaction attacks the concrete paste and aggregate weakening the structure and strength of the concrete. Several references to this can be found by searching under salt water corrosion of concrete again the main culprit is the hydrogen sulfide gas formed in the septic tank. It can be washed away easily.

The acid is the problem. The salt is indirectly responsible only because it helps promote more freeze and thaw cycles within the top surface of the concrete. Effects of salt on concrete. The corrosion caused by salt water on concrete is not so much on the concrete as on any rebar or iron reinforcing rods in the concrete.

Salt can also increase the freeze thaw cycles if the temperature fluctuates between 15 f and 25 f. Salt does not chemically react with hardened concrete. Top answer 33 of 9 votes. The answer is yes salt does indirectly damage your concrete driveways patios and sidewalks.

Salt does however lower the freezing point of water attract moisture and increase pressure of frozen water. Salt is a mild acid and lowers the ph in the concrete.