Why Is My Water Softener Constantly Draining? 8 Common Culprits

If you’ve noticed your water softener is requiring more salt than usual, it may be a drainage issue. But why is the water softener constantly draining in the first place? There are several parts of a water softener that work together to remove minerals from hard water, which means there can be many different reasons behind a water softener that won’t stop draining. Here are some common culprits.

1. A Valve Is Stuck

One of the most common reasons why a water softener is constantly draining is because a valve got stuck, which prevents the draining cycle from ending. The brine tank’s float valve may get clogged with salt, causing it to stick, or the control valve may be faulty, preventing the regeneration cycle from finishing up.

Check the valves and try twisting them to see if they’re stuck. This may be all you need to do to fix the draining issue. If there’s a clog, you may be able to use needle-nose pliers to remove any particles clogging the float valve. If a little elbow grease doesn’t fix a stuck valve, a local water softener specialist or plumber can help twist open, unclog, or replace a faulty valve.

2. The Control Panel Is Programmed Incorrectly

If the control panel’s settings aren’t programmed properly, they can keep the water softener in a constant regeneration cycle. 

Make sure the water softener is plugged in, then check that the water softener settings on the control panel are programmed to your preferences. If not, follow the water softener manual to reset the control panel. Then, manually perform a regeneration cycle to finish resetting the system.

3. A Seal Is Faulty

Water softeners include many different seals to prevent water from leaking at all of the different connections inside and out of the unit, but even the best seals can wear out with time. A worn-out seal can cause a leak, which can bypass or overwhelm the piston. The piston helps control the water flow, but a leak can prevent it from doing its job.

A pro will need to come in and replace any faulty seals to stop the draining cycle from running constantly.

4. The Motor Is Worn Out 

Water softeners have motors to help control the valves, but if a motor wears out, it can prevent the valves from closing and ending the draining cycle. Replacing an old motor requires working with both plumbing and wiring as well as finding a motor that’s compatible with your water softener model. This repair is best left to the pros.

5. The Water Softener Was Unplugged

Maybe you were trying to inspect the water softener for the source of the running drain, or you were just trying to shut it off before heading out on vacation. Unplugging a water softener only stops it from performing a regeneration cycle, but if you unplug it while it’s in the middle of a draining cycle, it can actually get stuck.

If this happens, turn the bypass valve at the top of the water softener from “service” to “bypass,” which stops water from flowing through the water softener. Then, you’ll need a water softener specialist to come in and fix the issue.

6. A Salt Bridge Formed in the Brine Tank

Water softener leaks and draining problems can be traced back to salt bridges inside the brine tank. The brine tank, one of the most important parts of a water softener, is filled with salt and water to form a brine that regenerates sodium ions in the water softener. But the salt can clump and lead to a clogged water softener. These salt clogs are known as salt bridges.

Salt bridges are easy to fix yourself. Grab a broom, then open up the brine lid. Carefully use the broom handle to nudge the salt bridge until it breaks apart. Avoid using too much force, even if it doesn’t collapse with gentle pressure. Otherwise, you could puncture the brine tank. You can use hot water to dissolve particularly stubborn salt bridges or call in a pro for guidance.

7. There Are Electrical Issues With the Circuit Switch

If the circuit switch isn’t functioning properly, it can prevent the draining cycle from shutting off. A power disruption or a worn-out circuit switch can cause the system to get stuck in the regeneration cycle, which is why your water softener is constantly draining.

Resetting the control panel may help fix a circuit switch disrupted by a power outage, but if the circuit switch is worn out, it’s time to have an expert come in to replace it.

8. The Water Softener Is Too Small

Your household may have too high of a water demand for your water softener to handle without needing to run and drain constantly. If you or a pro have inspected for leaks or worn-out parts and still can’t figure out why the water softener is constantly draining, it may be that it’s just too small to handle the amount of water you’re using.

If that’s the case, you’ll need to hire a pro to help you find the right size water softener for your household’s needs. A home with three or four people will need a water softener rated for 32,000 grain capacity (GR), but a pro can help you determine the best option.

What to Do If Your Water Softener Constantly Drains

While there are a few minor water softener repairs you can confidently take on yourself, like breaking up a salt bridge or unclogging a float valve, the next step after discovering a constantly draining water softener is to call in the pros. Expect to spend $160 to $975 on the cost of water softener repairs.

There are many different reasons a water softener can get stuck in a draining cycle, and this can create a lot of wastewater. Rather than trying to decipher the issue yourself, call the pros to find the problem quickly and get your unit back up and running.