Water Softener: Why is my softened water salty?
A clogged drain hose, faulty water softener rotor valve or leaking rotor valve seals can cause salty output water from the water softener.
A clogged drain hose can prevent brine water from being flushed from the resin filter during regeneration, causing salty water. Clear the drain hose if it's clogged.
A bad rotor valve won't direct water through the softener properly and can cause salty output water. Use the diagnostic test in the owner's manual to check the operation of the rotor. Replace the rotor valve if it won't move when the valve motor runs.
If the drain line is clear and the rotor valve moves properly in the diagnostic test, then leaking seals in the rotor valve are likely causing salty output water. Examine the rotor valve seals and replace any damaged seals.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR WATER SOFTENER PROBLEM
Replace the water softener rotor valve
The rotor valve directs water through the water softener to complete functions such as softening water and flushing the resin filter. A defective valve leaks water or locks up and doesn't move. Replace the rotor valve if it leaks or it's damaged.
Water softener rotor valve
Replace the water softener rotor valve seal
The rotor valve seal on the bottom of the rotor valve prevents water from leaking out of the valve and allows water to flow through the proper opening at the bottom of the rotor valve.
Water softener rotor valve seal
Symptoms for water softeners
Choose a symptom to see related water softener repairs.
Main causes: faulty brine valve assembly, bad rotor valve…
Main causes: clogged drain hose, faulty rotor valve, leaky rotor valve seals…
Main causes: salt bridge inside the salt tank, bad timer, valve motor failure, faulty rotor valve, clogged venturi…
Main causes: loose water line connections, cracked water-carrying components, bad rotor valve seals…
Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power transformer, faulty timer…
Main causes: empty salt tank, salt bridge, depleted resin, clogged or damaged venturi, broken rotor position switch, fai…
Main causes: broken resin tank screen, bad resin tank seals, cracked upper distributor in resin tank…
Main causes: broken water flow meter, faulty timer, water flow to softener is bypassed…
Repair guides for water softeners
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your water softener.
How to replace a water softener venturi
The venturi valve in your water softener draws brine water from the salt tank to the resin tank for regeneration. Follow…
How to replace a water softener rotor position switch
The rotor position switch detects the position of the valve rotor. If the rotor position switch fails, follow these step…
How to replace a water softener timer
The timer is the control board you use to program the water softener. If the timer isn’t accepting commands when you pus…
Articles and videos for water softeners
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your water softener.
Learn some of the most common symbols found in a wiring diagram and what they mean.…
Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…
Keeping a water softener clean inside and out improves operation and appearance.…