Modern water softeners are chatty—they flash error codes like a moody teenager. Check the display or the owner’s manual (which you probably stuffed in a drawer three years ago). Common codes include Err for electrical issues or Clog for a blocked injector.
If you see a code, try unplugging the unit for 60 seconds. This is the tech version of “turn it off and back on again.” It resets the control board and clears ghost errors. It works more often than you’d think. Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park had a similar moment of calm repair—except you won’t face a velociraptor.
For persistent errors, look at the tiny plastic screen mesh filter inside the brine line. It’s about the size of a dime and often gets clogged with grit. Rinse it under warm water with an old toothbrush. That single action saves more service calls than any tool in a plumber’s van.
How to Fix a Water Softener - YouTube
