Softener does not draw brine from the brine tank during regeneration; water level never drops
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Bypass and depressurize the system before removing the injector or opening the brine line. Wear eye protection.
Step-by-step checks:
- 1. Clean injector: Remove the Marlo injector nozzle and throat from the valve. Soak in vinegar or a mild acid cleaner to dissolve scale. Use a soft brush or toothpick to clear small orifices.
- 2. Inspect drain line: Ensure the drain line is not kinked, elevated too high, or blocked. A restricted drain prevents proper vacuum for brine draw.
- 3. Check brine line and fittings: Tighten all brine line connections. Replace cracked tubing. Air leaks will break the vacuum needed to draw brine.
- 4. Test air check valve: Verify that the air check at the bottom of the brine well moves freely and is not stuck closed.
When to replace parts: Replace the Marlo injector kit if it is damaged or cannot be fully cleaned. Replace the air check valve or brine line tubing if they leak or stick.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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