If your water softener seems to be clogged and full of water, you may notice reduced water flow, low water pressure or a brine tank that doesn’t drain properly. Clogs can occur in several parts of your system — and if left unresolved, they can interrupt the water softening process and lead to the recurrence of hard water problems.
These can be common causes of clogging:
- Clogs in the injector, drain line, or brine line, which prevent brine from being drawn or flushed
- Salt bridging or mushing in the brine tank, which interferes with salt dissolving and brine creation
If your water softener seems clogged, here are some signs to watch for:
- Low water pressure or restricted flow in your home
- Excess standing water in the brine tank that doesn’t drain after regeneration
- Hard water symptoms, such as spots on dishes or scale on fixtures
But how do you fix it?
Fixing a Clogged Water Softener
Water softeners are designed for minimal user maintenance. However, this convenience means many homeowners are less familiar with how the system functions. When problems do arise, it’s always best to call your local water expert for help. Before contacting a professional, it’s worth checking for straightforward issues that may be easy to resolve.
Here’s how to get started:
#1: Know What You’re Looking At
Begin by looking inside your water softener brine tank, which also may be referred to as a salt tank. The brine tank will be the larger of the two, and will be the only tank with a removable lid.
If everything is functioning as it should, the brine tank fills with water and stops between a fourth to halfway up at most. Because the salt level is usually higher than this, you shouldn’t be able to see the water at all. If water is visible, it may indicate a malfunction requiring closer inspection.
To check for a problem, you can begin a manual regeneration. Within a few minutes, the water level in the brine tank should start to decrease. If the water level remains high, it can be indicative of a larger problem requiring the service of a water expert.
Schedule your free water test.
#2: Check for Simple Problems
In some cases, the explanation for your water softening problems could be simple. Check for these issues before spending time on more complicated evaluations:
- Water pressure: Every water softener has pressure requirements. If your home’s water pressure is too low, it may not be strong enough to complete the regeneration process.
- Brine line: This line connects the brine tank and the resin tank. If the brine line isn’t properly attached, it can interfere with the system’s ability to draw brine from the brine tank.
- Salt bridging: Salt bridging occurs when salt is unable to dissolve. This happens when pellet salt sitting at the bottom turns to a mushy texture, or when solar salt clumps together into one large crystal. Both interfere with the system’s ability to make brine because the water cannot properly dissolve the salt when it is not in its intended form.
Salt bridging is one of the most frequent causes of a clogged tank. Signs of a salt bridge include excess water in the brine tank that doesn’t drain after regenerations, or a hard layer of dry salt on top with water or empty space underneath. To check, gently tap the salt surface with a broom handle — if it feels hollow, a bridge has likely formed. To fix it, carefully break up the salt bridge and remove any mushy buildup before adding fresh salt.
#3: Check for Additional System Issues
If none of the above issues are responsible for excess water in your brine tank, you may need to call an expert. Here are a few examples of other potential issues:
- Drain line issues: Damage or blockage to your drain line can sometimes cause the water level to rise. This may require repair or replacement.
- Injector malfunction: If your water softener’s injector is clogged, this can interfere with your system’s ability to use salt. In most cases, this requires expert support.
- Electronic problems: Sometimes, your water softener’s circuit board or other electronics can malfunction. A simple check is to confirm that your system is displaying the correct time or day. If the problem is more complex, it’s likely best handled by a trained water treatment professional.
#4: Get Help
If you found a significant issue or couldn’t find an explanation at all, your best bet is to call your water treatment provider. Water treatment professionals can accurately diagnose the problem and solve it without risking damage to your system — all while helping you reclaim a reliable supply of softened water.
Understanding Your Water Softener
Most water softeners follow a simple but effective process. It all begins when your water supply is drawn into the resin tank, where tiny resin beads attract and trap hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium. The result is soft water that doesn’t cause issues such as dry skin and hair, stiff laundry or spotty dishes.
Over time, the resin beads can lose their effectiveness because they’re essentially “coated” in hardness minerals. To address this, your water softener regenerates — a process that uses a brine solution to rinse and refresh the beads. There are a variety of moving parts responsible for this, including the water softener brine tank, safety float, brine line and more. Generally, you only need to worry about ensuring the correct salt level; however, it’s helpful to have a working understanding of the other components so you can communicate issues to your water treatment expert.
Note that softeners regenerate at different intervals depending on the system and design. Some start the process after a certain period of time or after a certain amount of water has flowed through the system; others have built-in smart features that decide when to regenerate for maximum efficiency. You’ll also have the option to start manual regeneration, which can be helpful if you need to check for issues.
When a water softener is working properly, you won’t notice reduced water pressure, clogs or any problems caused by hard water. However, if something goes wrong, the first sign is that these issues slowly start to return — and that’s because your system isn’t doing its job and your water supply isn’t being fully softened.
Water Softener FAQs: Time for Something New?
If you notice standing water in your brine tank and an increase in hard water problems, there are a few possibilities to consider before you start shopping for a new softener.
Consider The Problem
If your water softener has operated reliably until now and the only concern is standing water in the brine tank, you’re likely dealing with a problem that’s easily fixed — even if that means a call to your local water expert. Your softener may still last for years to come.
Check Your Softener’s Lifespan
Speaking of softener longevity, it’s helpful to know how long your system is intended to last. This can vary based on everything from your water hardness levels to the system’s overall design, but most manufacturers provide some expected lifespan range so you can get a general idea. This is also a good opportunity to review the system’s warranties and guarantees to understand potential coverage.
Look for Other Issues
If your water softener is full of water, it’s not necessarily a sign that it’s beyond repair. However, if the system has other performance or reliability issues on top of that, it may be time to consider a replacement or upgrade.
Consider The Future
Your water softener may be performing well today, but changing household needs can impact its long-term suitability. Increased water usage or a growing household may require a higher-capacity system. Newer models also offer advanced technology, including app-based controls, low salt and maintenance alerts, water usage tracking and remote bypass capabilities.
Water Softening Done Right
If your water softener isn’t performing as expected, or if you’re planning for future needs, the right support makes all the difference. A local Culligan expert can evaluate your system, test your water and recommend the best path forward — whether it’s a simple repair or a smart upgrade.
Get started with a free, in-home water test and consultation. Discover what’s in your water and how to keep your home protected with a system that fits your household, budget and long-term goals.
Ready to get started? Schedule your free, in-home water test and consultation today.
