Does Water Softener Salt Damage Concrete

The acidic reaction attacks the concrete paste and aggregate weakening the structure and strength of the concrete.

Does water softener salt damage 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. Salt does however lower the freezing point of water attract moisture and increase pressure of frozen water. The answer is yes salt does indirectly damage your concrete driveways patios and sidewalks.

Salt can also increase the freeze thaw cycles if the temperature fluctuates between 15 f and 25 f. It also increases the pore size allowing additional water and chemicals into the concrete which can exacerbate freeze thaw cycle damage. Salt does not chemically react with hardened concrete. 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.

If the unit is malfunctioning and a high salt content is discharged it might leave a white residue once dry. Salt does not damage concrete but the effects of salt can. Effects of salt on concrete. Can a water softener salt damage concrete.

Salt is a mild acid and lowers the ph in the concrete. The first thing to remember is water soaks into concrete. The acid is the problem. It s important to realize this water inside the top of the concrete expands about nine percent in volume when it freezes.

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. That sounds weird so we ll explain. 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 cement is being eaten away by the salt water.

Top answer 33 of 9 votes. No to soften water you need a water softener.