Your water softening system should be disinfected after installation. The softener should also be disinfected periodically throughout the life of the softener, or as indicated by a plumbing professional according to local water conditions. The salt tank should be cleaned at least biennially, depending on the grade of salt you’re using (Higher grades of salt require less cleaning as it is purer). Cleaning the salt tank every two years ensures your softener will avoid problems associated with salt “mushing” or “gumming.” Simply remove the salt and clean out the salt tank and the float assembly with water. Some salt may become encrusted on the bottom of the tank–this is normal salt crystallization, but it should be removed to ensure proper regeneration. Do not use chemicals in the tank unless the chemicals are approved water softener treatment chemicals–any resident chemicals potentially enter the water supply.