Common softener problems
- Salt bridge: a hard crust forms in the brine tank and the salt underneath never dissolves. The tank looks full, but the softener can’t make brine.
- Brine tank full of water: often a clogged injector, a blocked drain line or a float problem.
- Not regenerating: a power outage reset the clock, the settings are wrong or the valve motor has failed.
- Bypass left open: after other plumbing work, the softener may simply be turned off.
- Worn resin: on older units, the beads eventually stop softening well.
Quick checks before you request a repair
Make sure the unit has power and the clock is set, the bypass valve is in the service position and there is salt in the brine tank. Gently push a broom handle into the salt to see if there is a hard crust. If those all look fine and the water is still hard, describe what you’re seeing in the quote form.