Signs it may be time to replace
- Scale and spots are back even though the brine tank has salt.
- The unit is many years old and parts are hard to find.
- Leaks or cracks in the resin tank, brine tank or valve body.
- Salt use has jumped or the unit regenerates far more than it used to.
- Your household has changed, and the old unit was sized for fewer people.
Repair or replace?
Some problems, such as a stuck valve, a salt bridge or a clogged injector, are worth repairing. Others, like worn-out resin on an older unit or a cracked tank, often aren’t. A good installer will tell you which side of that line your softener is on. If you’re unsure, start with a repair visit and ask for both options in writing.