Water remains hard even though the GE water softener appears to run regenerations normally.

Safety first: Place the softener in bypass before opening plumbing. Depressurize the system.

• Step 1 – Verify settings: Confirm the programmed hardness matches your actual water hardness (test with a hardness test kit). Adjust settings per the GE manual.
• Step 2 – Check regeneration frequency: Ensure the unit is regenerating often enough for your usage. Increase regeneration frequency if necessary.
• Step 3 – Iron cleaning: If you have iron in your water, run a resin cleaner (GE-approved resin bed cleaner) through the system according to product directions.
• Step 4 – Inspect resin: If performance is still poor, disconnect the softener, remove the valve head, and inspect the resin tank. Resin that is mushy, clumped, or significantly reduced in volume should be replaced.
• Step 5 – Replace resin: Siphon or vacuum out old resin and gravel. Refill with the correct quantity of GE-compatible cation exchange resin and underbedding. Reinstall the valve head with new O-rings if needed.

Note: Resin typically lasts 10–15 years under normal conditions but can fail sooner with high chlorine or iron.