HOW TO BREAK UP SALT BRIDGE IN YOUR WATER CONDITIONER.

Sometimes, a hard crust or salt bridge forms in the brine tank. It is usually caused by high humidity or too much salt in the softener. When the salt bridges, an empty space forms between the water and the salt. Then, salt will not dissolve in the water to make brine. Without brine, the resin bed does not regenerate and you will have hard water and no salt usage.

1. A salt bridge usually doesn't go all the way to the bottom of your water softener. The salt pellets on top will probably look normal, but underneath them is a hardened crust of salt between the pellets and the water on the bottom of your softener.
2. Turn off the water to your water softener. You can turn it off at the incoming faucet or by using the bypass valve.
3. Get a broom, mop or something else with a long handle. Turn it upside down and put it inside the water softener.
4. Tap the salt bridge with the handle until you break the salt bridge. If you can't break the salt bridge, find something sharper and heavier.
5. Remove the loose salt pellets from the top with a plastic container. Chink away at the salt crust but be very careful not to puncture a hole in your softener. Stay away from the sides. Break up small chunks and remove them by scooping them up with a small plastic container.
6.  Vacuum the water in the bottom of the softener with a wet/dry vacuum. Turn the water to your softener back on. Follow the instructions in your water softener instruction manual for regenerating your softener. Do not fill brine tank more than 1/2 full of salt.