Salt bridges in brine tank causing intermittent hard water

Safety: Wear gloves and eye protection when working in the brine tank.

• 1. Check for bridge: Gently tap the side of the brine tank with a rubber mallet. If it sounds hollow near the top but solid lower down, a salt bridge is likely.
• 2. Break the bridge: Use a broom handle or plastic rod to carefully push down through the salt until you feel the solid mass break and drop. Do not use sharp metal tools that can puncture the tank.
• 3. Remove salt mush: Scoop out any mushy, sludge-like salt at the bottom and discard. Rinse the tank if heavily fouled.
• 4. Refill properly: Refill with high-purity solar or pellet salt, keeping the level no more than 2/3 full to reduce bridging.

Prevention: Keep the brine tank lid closed and avoid storing the unit in very damp locations.