1. Scale is back. If spotting on glassware or crust on the kettle returns after months of clean results, the resin may be exhausted or the regeneration cycle has stopped running properly.
2. Salt isn’t being used. A brine tank that stays full for months means the softener isn’t regenerating. Check the timer or controller before assuming the tank is fine.
3. A salt bridge has formed. A hard crust across the top of the salt looks like a full tank but leaves the brine underneath starved. Breaking it up is a five-minute fix.
4. Pressure has dropped. Sediment loading in the media bed or a clogged pre-filter will show up as weak flow at every tap in the house.
5. Water feels or tastes off. A sudden salty taste usually points to a stuck valve sending brine into the service line — worth a call the same day.
Most of these are inexpensive repairs when caught early. We service systems we didn’t install, including salt delivery for homeowners who’d rather not haul bags.