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Keeping your water soft and your appliances running smoothly doesn’t have to mean complicated upkeep or heavy lifting. If you’ve dealt with traditional water softeners before, you know the drill — lugging salt bags, cleaning brine tanks, and constant monitoring. It’s a hassle most homeowners could do without.

That’s where NuvoH2O comes in. With our salt-free water softeners, maintenance is refreshingly simple. No salt bags, no brine tanks, and no service calls. Just clean, conditioned water with a quick cartridge swap every few months. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or someone who prefers to avoid home maintenance projects, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s everything you need to know about maintaining your NuvoH2O water softener and keeping it running like a champ.

How to Tell When Your Water Softener Needs Maintenance

NuvoH2O systems are designed for low-maintenance living. But like any appliance, they need a little attention now and then. Thankfully, the signs that it’s time for maintenance are easy to spot.

Soap Isn’t Lathering as Well

Hard water makes it harder for soap to bubble up, leaving you with that never-quite-clean feeling. If your soap isn’t sudsing, your cartridge might be due for a replacement.

Scale Buildup Returns

One of the perks of NuvoH2O’s salt-free system is preventing scale buildup. But if you’re spotting chalky residue on your faucets or showerheads, it’s a clear sign that your cartridge is running low.

Water Spots on Dishes

When soft water isn’t doing its job, your glassware will let you know. If you notice spots or streaks on your dishes, it’s time to check your system.

It’s Been Six Months

Most NuvoH2O cartridges last about six months. Depending on your water hardness and household size, you might stretch it a little longer or need to swap it sooner. Keeping track is easy, especially with our Auto-Ship Membership, which delivers a new cartridge right when you need it.

Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide for Your NuvoH2O Water Softener

Maintaining a NuvoH2O system is about as simple as it gets. With just a few tools and about 20 minutes, your system will be back up and running. The best part? No heavy salt bags, no complicated procedures. 

Before you start, gather what you need:

• Replacement Kit (includes a new filter and a citrus cartridge)
• NuvoH2O Wrench (comes with your system)
• 5-gallon Bucket (to catch any water)
• A Couple of Towels or Rags (for any small spills)

Follow these simple steps:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply and Activate the Bypass

First, shut off the water supply to your Manor Duo. Then, switch on the bypass valve. This allows the rest of your house to keep using water while you work on the system.

2. Release the Pressure

You’ll notice a small black button on each cartridge housing — these are the air bleeder valves. Press both buttons to release any built-up pressure. You might hear a little gurgling and see some water come out. That’s normal and helps prevent a messy situation when you unscrew the housings.

3. Remove and Replace the Filter Cartridge

• Place your 5-gallon bucket beneath the filter housing to catch any water.
• Use the NuvoH2O wrench to loosen the filter housing carefully.
• Remove the old filter cartridge and give the housing a quick rinse.
• Insert the new filter cartridge, ensuring it’s seated correctly.
• Screw the housing back on and hand-tighten it before giving it a final twist with the wrench.

4. Handle the Citrus Cartridge with Care

The citrus cartridge contains citric acid, which can damage sensitive surfaces like hardwood floors or marble countertops. If you’re concerned, move this part of the process outdoors or to a sink with durable, sealed surfaces.

• Loosen the citrus cartridge housing with the NuvoH2O wrench.
• Carefully pour any remaining citric acid into the sink or a safe drainage spot.
• Dispose of the old cartridge.
• Install the new one, making sure it’s aligned properly.
• Reattach the housing and secure it with the wrench.

5. Refill and Bleed the Air

• Turn the water supply back on slowly.
• Keep the air bleeder valves open while water begins to fill the cartridges.
• Listen closely. When water, not air, comes out of the bleeder valves, close them. This ensures both cartridges are properly filled.

6. Let the Citrus Cartridge Settle

After reinstallation, leave the bypass on for one hour. This allows the citric acid to harden slightly, preventing it from rushing into your plumbing system all at once.

7. Good to Go!

Once that hour is up, turn the bypass off, and your water softener is ready to get back to work. Enjoy clean, conditioned water — no fuss, no stress.

With NuvoH2O’s simple design and cartridge system, maintaining your water softener is refreshingly easy. There are no service calls, no expensive repairs, just reliable soft water with minimal effort.

DIY vs. Professional Maintenance

Most water softeners demand a fair amount of upkeep. Traditional systems need salt refills, brine tank cleaning, and occasional repairs. It’s no wonder some homeowners hire professionals to manage it all. 

But with NuvoH2O, there’s no need for any of that.

Here’s why DIY maintenance is the smarter choice with NuvoH2O:

• No Technical Know-How Needed: Swapping out a cartridge doesn’t require any plumbing experience. If you can twist off a lid, you can replace a cartridge.
• Save Money: Service calls for traditional water softeners can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. With NuvoH2O, you skip those expenses.
• No Tools Required: Besides the provided wrench, you won’t need any special tools. No pipe cutters, no complicated installations — just a simple cartridge change.
• Faster Than a Call to a Pro: Scheduling a professional appointment can take days. With NuvoH2O, you’ll have the job done before your coffee’s brewed.

When Should You Call a Pro?

While most NuvoH2O maintenance is DIY-friendly, there are times when a professional might come in handy. If you notice persistent leaks, unusual noises, or a drop in water pressure that isn’t fixed by a cartridge replacement, give us a call!

Cost, Time, and Benefits of NuvoH2O Maintenance

Choosing a NuvoH2O system means simplifying your life — and your budget. Unlike traditional systems that come with hidden maintenance costs, NuvoH2O keeps things straightforward.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Cost: A replacement cartridge is the only expense you’ll need to consider. With no salt, no brine tank maintenance, and no service fees, you’ll save hundreds over the years. Plus, with the Auto-Ship Membership, you get a hassle-free discount and automatic deliveries.
• Time: No more driving to the store for salt or spending hours troubleshooting a complex system.
• Long-Term Benefits: With NuvoH2O, you’ll protect your appliances from scale buildup, keep your pipes free from clogs, and enjoy softer skin and cleaner dishes. Over time, this means fewer repairs and replacements — a win for your wallet..

Enjoy Clean, Healthy Water Without the Hassle

With NuvoH2O, maintaining your water softener is about as stress-free as it gets. No salt bags, no messy tanks, and no surprise service fees — just clean, soft water for your whole home.

Ready to make water softener maintenance the easiest part of your to-do list? Check out NuvoH2O’s salt-free water softeners and see the difference for yourself.