Harvey water softener not using any salt; salt level never drops and water remains hard

Safety: Wear gloves when handling salt and avoid lifting heavy salt bags incorrectly. Isolate power before opening internal covers.

• Check for salt bridge: Open the cabinet and push a broom handle or plastic rod straight down into the salt. If you feel a hard crust with a hollow space underneath, break up the bridge carefully until loose salt falls into the water.
• Inspect brine well: Locate the brine well tube inside the cabinet. Remove the cap and ensure the float assembly moves freely and is not buried in salt sludge. Rinse with warm water if necessary.
• Clean venturi: Remove and clean the venturi injector in the Harvey control valve as described for E03.
• Check brine line: Ensure the small brine tube is not kinked or blocked. Disconnect and flush it if needed.
• Run a manual regeneration: After clearing obstructions, start a manual regeneration and confirm that the brine level drops during the brine draw stage.

If salt still is not being used and water remains hard, the internal brine piston or seals may need replacement by a professional.