Water remains hard even though the Fleck water softener appears to run and regenerate normally.

Safety first: No electrical work is required. If opening plumbing, close the bypass and depressurize the system.

• Test hardness: Use a hardness test kit on raw water and softened water. If hardness is similar, the resin is not exchanging properly.
• Check programming: Verify hardness, capacity, and salt dose settings in the Fleck control. Correct any obvious misprogramming (e.g., hardness set too low).
• Inspect salt level: Ensure the brine tank has adequate salt and that a salt bridge is not present (see separate salt bridge fault).
• Clean resin (if iron fouled): Run a resin cleaner (iron remover) through the system following the cleaner manufacturer’s instructions.
• Replace resin: If the system is older (10–15+ years) or resin is severely fouled, remove the control head, siphon out old resin, and install new high-capacity softening resin sized for the tank. Re-bed with proper gravel underbed if required.