If your water softener is full of water, it’s a sign that something isn’t working properly. Normally, your brine tank should have only a few inches of water at the bottom, not be full. When the tank overfills, your system can’t draw out the salt brine it needs to regenerate, leaving you with hard water instead of soft water.
Click on each link for a detailed explanation of each step!
Step 3: Check the Drain Line Flow Control
Step 4: Make Sure Your Brine Line Flow Control Isn't Clogged
Step 5: Make Sure There isn't a Salt Clog in the Bottom of the Tank
Step 6: Check Your Safety Float
Most Common Causes of a Water Softener Full of Water
Is your water softener full of water? Here's what to do. Need help with the repair? Contact WaterSmart for the best and most immediate help.
Water Softener Full of Water - Is This a Problem?
Yes.
When the brine tank is full of water, it usually means the softener isn’t completing regeneration properly. Without that process, minerals like calcium and magnesium stay in your water — causing scale buildup, soap scum, and cloudy dishes.
A properly working system keeps the salt level higher than the water level to create the right brine concentration. If the water covers or submerges the salt entirely, your softener can’t do its job effectively.
Step 1: Check Your Brine Line
Make sure that the brine line is properly attached to your brine tank to the float. The float will shut off the flow of water once it has reached a certain height.
If it’s loose or disconnected, water will continue to flow in and overfill the tank.
Source: Water eStore
Step 2: Check the Brine Drain
Inspect the brine drain hose to make sure it’s not kinked, blocked, or frozen.
A clogged drain line prevents the system from removing brine during regeneration, causing water buildup.
Source: Water eStore
Step 3: Check the Drain Line Flow Control
This small component controls how much water passes through the system.
If it becomes clogged with debris or mineral buildup, it can stop the softener from draining properly. Remove it and clean off any deposits.
Source: Water eStore
Step 4: Make Sure Your Brine Line Flow Control Isn't Clogged
This tiny opening can easily become blocked by salt or sediment.
If it’s clogged, the system can’t pull brine out of the tank. Clean it gently with a toothpick or soak it in warm water.
Source: Water eStore
Step 5: Make Sure There isn't a Salt Clog in the Bottom of the Tank
Salt “bridges” or “mush” at the bottom of the tank can trap water and prevent brine flow.
Use a broom handle or similar tool to gently break up hardened salt, or follow a salt bridge removal video.
Step 6: Check Your Safety Float
The safety float prevents flooding by shutting off the water if the tank fills too high. If it’s stuck or dirty, it may fail to close properly.
To clean it:
Remove the float carefully (when not regenerating)
Run it under hot water
Move it up and down to ensure free motion
Step 7: Check Your Injector
The injector creates the suction needed to pull brine into the softener.
If it’s clogged, water won’t drain properly.
Remove the injector and clean it by soaking it in CLR or gently clearing it with a toothpick (never metal). Replace if needed.
Source: Water eStore
Most Common Causes of a Water Softener Full of Water
1. Blocked Drain Line or Flow Control
Why it happens: The drain line carries excess water and brine out of your softener during regeneration. Over time, mineral deposits, sediment, or kinks in the hose can block the flow.
Signs: Water stays in the tank after regeneration, slow drainage, or occasional overflow.
Fix: Check the hose for kinks or clogs, straighten it, and clean the flow control device. A small brush or warm water can remove buildup.
2. Salt Bridge or Salt Clog
Why it happens: Salt can compact or form a “bridge” above the water in the tank, especially if high humidity, cheap salt pellets, or infrequent refills are involved. The bridge creates a hollow area underneath, trapping water and preventing proper brine draw.
Signs: Hard water persists even after regeneration, salt looks hardened on the bottom, or unusual water levels in the tank.
Fix: Carefully break up the bridge with a broom handle or wooden stick. Avoid using metal tools that could damage the tank. Clean any residual salt sludge at the bottom.
3. Stuck Safety Float
Why it happens: The safety float is designed to stop water from entering the tank when it reaches a certain height. If debris, calcium deposits, or corrosion get stuck in the float mechanism, it can fail.
Signs: Brine tank keeps filling even when salt level is sufficient; water may overflow.
Fix: Remove and clean the float. Run it under hot water, gently move it up and down, and ensure the small internal ball moves freely. Only do this when the softener is not regenerating.
4. Disconnected or Loose Brine Line
Why it happens: If the brine line becomes disconnected from the float or control assembly, water flows freely into the tank, ignoring the normal shutoff system.
Signs: Brine tank continually fills, salt may be fully submerged, and regeneration is ineffective.
Fix: Reattach the brine line securely to the float and check for cracks or wear. Replace any damaged tubing.
5. Clogged Injector
Why it happens: The injector creates suction to pull brine from the tank during regeneration. Mineral deposits, sediment, or salt particles can block the tiny injector hole.
Signs: Water level stays high, softener does not draw brine, salty water may taste in faucets.
Fix: Remove the injector and soak it in CLR or another descaling solution. Clean gently with a toothpick or soft brush — never use metal that could enlarge the opening. Replace if damaged or worn.
6. Control Valve Malfunction
Why it happens: The control valve regulates all aspects of the softening cycle, including brine draw, water intake, and regeneration timing. Mechanical failure or worn components can prevent proper operation.
Signs: Water remains in the brine tank despite checking all other components, irregular regeneration cycles, or system error codes.
Fix: This usually requires professional servicing. A technician can inspect, repair, or replace the valve to restore proper function.
Other Related Questions
Should there be water in your water softener?
Yes, but only a few inches at the bottom of the brine tank. If it’s more than that, there’s likely a blockage or system issue.
Can you overfill a water softener with salt?
Yes. Overfilling can cause clogs and prevent proper regeneration. Keep the tank about half to three-quarters full, refilling when it drops to one-quarter.
Can a water softener make water taste salty?
It can, but it shouldn’t. A salty taste usually means too much brine is being left in the tank due to a clogged drain line or injector.
How long should a water softener last?
Most systems last 10–15 years with proper maintenance and timely repairs.
Need Help? Call the Experts at WaterSmart
If your softener isn’t working or your tank keeps filling with water, WaterSmart’s certified technicians can diagnose and repair the problem quickly — even if you didn’t buy your system from us.
📞 Call 519-886-7331 or visit WaterSmartSystems.com to book service today.
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