Softeners don’t die slowly. They die suddenly. One day your water is soft, the next you feel slimy soap scum. It’s like a light bulb that pops.
Why? The resin beads can shatter from overuse. Or a seal in the valve can crack. Either way, it’s a silent failure. No smoke, no noise. Just hard water sadness.
You can test for this. Rub your hands with soap. If they feel slippery but don’t lather, your softener is dead. RIP, old friend.
What About the Brine Tank?
That big white bucket? It lasts decades. It’s just plastic. It only dies if you kick it or a bear attacks it.
But the salt bridge inside? That’s a different story. Check it every month. Smash the crust with a broom. It’s oddly satisfying.
If you ignore it, the softener starves. And then it dies early. Don’t be that person.
