i have a water softener in my home that is twelve years old...in this time we have never cleaned the tank as that was never explained to us when the unit was purchased...now i've read great deal online about possible bacterial, or chemical contamination as well as very high salt levels from improperly functioning tanks...this may be unrelated but my daughter and i are ill very often and i am now considering removal of this tank...many people i am told use vinegar to soften their water by pouring it down drains...this seems like an easier, healthier and more cost efficient way of doing things...also, when i called my water softening company lately to see if they could send out a tech because i seem to be going thru tons of salt in a very short period they mentioned they may need to use a chemical to clean out the tank...this concerns me greatly as residual chemicals can filter through the system as i see it...if anyone has ANY words of wisdom i would be SOOOOOOOOO grateful!!!!