Farris Enterprises Inc. Blog

Question:  Why isn’t my softener drawing brine?

Answer:  Assuming your softener is regenerating and going through all the cycles but still not pulling the brine solution up from the brink tank, here are the most common causes:

1. Drain line flow control (DLFC) is plugged.  Check the drain line and the retainer fitting on the back of the control valve.
2. Injector or injector screen may be plugged.  Check and clean if necessary.
3. Line pressure too low.  Feed pressure must be at least 20 PSI.
4. Internal control leak.  Check condition of seals/spacers, piston and replace if necessary

Question:  Help, my brine tank is overflowing!

Answer:  Again assuming your softener if able to regenerate and move through all the cycles on it’s own but still overflow the brine tank, below are a few things to check:

1. Plugged DLFC.  Check that drain line and drain fitting/retainer on back of control valve for debris
2. Plugged injector system.  Clean the injector and screen.
3. Damaged or blocked brine valve.  Inspect the brine valve and replace if necessary.
4. Foreign material in brine line flow control (BLFC).  Take apart the BLFC and look for debris and clean.

Question:  Why isn’t my water soft?

Answer:  If you’re not getting soft water out of your water softener here are the first things to check for:

1. Make sure the bypass valve is set to service and not bypassing the softener.
2. Make sure there is salt in the brine tank and the control valve is getting constant electricity
3. Inspect and clean BLFC to ensure sufficient water flow to brine tank
4. Inspect distributor tube and baskets and replace if necessary
5. Check seals and spacers and piston assembly for damage or wear.  Replace as necessary.
6. Check viewing window on timer motor to ensure the motor hasn’t burnt out

More softener troubleshooting questions and answers here!