A water softener that never lowers its salt level may be in bypass, not regenerating, have a salt bridge, a brine-system problem, or simply see very little water demand. The first step is confirming whether regeneration is actually occurring and whether the water remains hard.
Check that the unit is not in bypass
Check valve positions against the manufacturer's diagram. If household water is bypassing the resin tank, the unit may appear powered while using no salt because it is not actually treating the home's water.
Confirm that regeneration is being scheduled
Check time, hardness setting, flow meter, and regeneration history if the control displays them. A power interruption or incorrect programming can leave the unit without regeneration even when the salt tank is full.
Check for a salt bridge before adding more salt
A hard crust can hold up a layer of salt while an empty space forms underneath away from the water. Follow the manufacturer procedure for checking and breaking it without damaging the tank, float, or brine tubing.
If brine is not moving, the brine system needs diagnosis
A blocked injector, kinked line, stuck float, or control-valve fault can prevent brine from being made or drawn. Clean only serviceable components identified by the manual and arrange service if the cycle does not move water as specified.
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense — Cation Exchange Water Softeners — How cation-exchange water softeners work, regenerate, use salt and water, and can be maintained efficiently.