First, unplug the softener or turn off its power. Wait a few minutes and plug it back in. Sometimes the control board just needs a good, old-fashioned reboot—like shaking an Etch A Sketch. If the draining stops, you’re golden. If it doesn’t, move to phase two.
Second, inspect the brine tank. Look for the float. Is it moving freely? Is there a crusty salt bridge? If you can lift the float and the water level looks normal, the problem is likely not here. But if the tank is nearly empty and water is still draining, your softener is stuck in a “fill” cycle.
Third, check for water in the brine tank after a regeneration. A properly working system will have a few inches of water left. If the tank is bone dry but the drain is still running, the injector nozzle is probably clogged. This little part pulls the brine from the tank. When it’s clogged, the softener just drains plain water, wondering where the salt went.
