E7 error and unit stuck in brine draw, water appears salty at faucets

Safety first: Unplug the softener and close the inlet valve. Relieve pressure by opening a nearby faucet.

• Clean venturi/injector: Remove the injector cover on the Lindsay control valve. Take out the injector nozzle and throat, and soak them in vinegar to remove iron and scale. Clean all small passages with a soft brush or toothpick (do not enlarge holes).
• Inspect brine line and air check: Disconnect the brine line at the valve and at the brine well. Blow through it to confirm it is clear. Check the air check valve at the bottom of the brine well for salt bridging or debris.
• Check drain line: Ensure the drain hose is not kinked, elevated too high, or submerged in standing water. High backpressure can prevent proper brine draw and trigger E7.
• Manual regeneration test: After cleaning, run a manual regeneration and observe the brine draw stage. The water level in the brine tank should drop steadily. If not, the internal brine piston may be worn and require replacement.