If you want to protect your appliances and combat harsh water, you need to improve the water quality by using a water softener. However, any appliance can experience wear and tear with time, and this can indeed be an annoying issue. So, here are the standard water softener problems you might encounter and how to fix them.

Clogged Components
Your issue is primarily caused by clogged components when using a water softener. Clogs can develop in the valve injector or brine line, and this generally occurs due to mineral deposition or debris accumulation. The easy way to identify a clogged component is to check for symptoms like reduced water softness or visible deposits of chalky substances.

• How to Fix:
You have to remove the injector and clear the obstruction, which can be done using a needle-nose plier and a pin. Next, you must check the brine line for blockage and clean the line carefully. However, if the clog remains, you must leave the task to professionals who ensure water softener repair without damaging the system.

Salt Bridges and Salt Mushing
Often, you might find that the salt in the water softener is not dissolving properly. This is because salt bridges form in the brine tank with time. The common reason behind this issue is salt recrystallization, which is quite evident at the bottom of the tank, resulting in salt musing. Thus, sludges are formed that interface with the regeneration.

• How to Fix:
To fix the issue, you have to use a broom handle or any similar tool to break down the salt bridges. Next, drain and clean the brine tank to deal with the salt mushing. Finally, refill with high-quality salt to prevent the recurrence. You must also monitor the humidity level and use pure salt around the tank to avoid such issues in the future. Water softener reviews can also update you with the information you are looking for.

Resin Bed Issues
You can also face problems due to the formation of a resin bed, which occurs as the water softener catches hold of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Thus, the resin starts to regrade with time, and when it is exposed to high levels of chlorine, it affects the water softening quality.

• How to Fix:
If you want to fix the issue, try to adjust the system so that it regenerates more frequently. However, this is a temporary solution. If you want a permanent result, then replace the resin. This will help restore the appliance's performance and also enhance its longevity.

Motor Failures
If the entire system has stopped functioning, there might be a fault in the motor responsible for moving the valve between the softening and regeneration modes.

• How to Fix:
To fix the issue, you must double-check the cables and settings. You must also diagnose whether there is a motor failure and contact a professional for a quick replacement.

Final Words
You might also face water softener issues due to the brine tank overflowing or the valve malfunctioning. To prevent such an incident, you have to maintain the salt level in the brain tank and clean the brine tank at least once a year. You must also make it a priority to use high-quality salt and seek help from professionals in case you need to replace damaged parts.