Softener uses very little or no salt (salt level never seems to drop)

Safety first: Unplug the unit and place it in bypass before removing venturi or brine components.

Steps to check:

• 1. Break salt bridges: Use a broom handle to gently break any hard crust in the salt tank so salt falls into the water.
• 2. Clean venturi/injector: Remove the venturi assembly from the control valve. Clean all nozzles, screens, and gaskets with warm water and a soft brush.
• 3. Inspect brine line and float: Ensure the brine line is not kinked or blocked. Remove the brine float assembly and verify it moves freely and the air check valve is not stuck.
• 4. Test brine draw: Start a manual regeneration and watch the brine well. The water level should drop during brine draw. If not, recheck for obstructions or valve issues.

When to call a technician: If brine still does not move after cleaning, the control valve may have internal faults requiring professional repair.