Water Softener Causing Corrosion in Garage???
 

Recently moved and have a 2 car attached garage. Around the opposite side of the house, there's a lower level single garage as well. We are on well-water and the previous owner had a nice Culligan system installed to soften and filter the water. That system is located in the lower single garage. There are two tanks on timers and a large salt tub that is covered. No leaks, all works fine.

Here's my question. When that garage remains closed for a while, there is a subtle chlorine smell in the air. Looking around, I notice that many of the exposed metal bits throughout that garage (pipe-hangers, concrete form tabs, nail heads, etc) are corroded. Some significantly.

I have been parking the bike in there and after a few days, notice a film/splotches on the chrome that wipes off easily (salt???). I'd like to use that garage to park my motorcycle and perhaps even the 911. Did a quick Google search but couldn't find anything related.

Any thoughts/ideas? Would you park your prized possessions in there? I could certainly use the garage space.

Water softener discharges brine(salt water) which is corrosive.

Where is it discharging? My guess is under the slab........

It's pumped out to the septic tank.

No specific experience with it, but I think your suspicions are on track. Enclosed, damp space with salt in the air. My parents live near the ocean during the winter, and I'm amazed how how quickly the metal on my dads bikes corrodes.

There should be an air gap between the discharge line and the drain (prevents sewage from backing into your water!). You could be getting salt mist from this drain. Also, salt is not good for your septic system.

Your small garage doesn't sound like a good place for your treasures to live as is.
The smell of chlorine could be as bad as the salt in the air. Have you called the Culligan man to see what they say about the off gassing from their equipment?
I'm wondering if you can build and seal around the unit and then access it from outside the space letting it vent to the outside.

Our pool guy set up the storage for the chemies outside of the equipment space for this reason, to avoid the corrosive exposure to the equipment.

Good observation on seeing the resident corrosion in the garage, don't let it happen to your goodies.

Cheers Richard