No Water in Brine Tank? Why & How to Solve

The use of a water softener is mainly to remove the hard minerals from the water, such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause your clothes to feel stiff or form soap scum in your dishwasher. But you may face no water in brine tank problem with your water softener.

There are two main components in a water softener: brine tank and salt. The brine tank is where the hard minerals are stored, and the salt acts as the mineral remover. The salt solution in the brine tank is called “brine.” When you mix salt with water, it creates a mixture called “brine.” Brine is an ionic solution of dissolved sodium and chloride ions and other ions such as potassium and calcium.
The hardness of the water will determine how often you need to fill up or recharge your brine tank with salt water.

Reasons for no water in brine tank of water softener

When there is no water in your water softeners brine tank, there is an issue with the water softener. Let’s know-

waterline not well connected

It is typically indicated by the waterline not being well-connected to the brine tank.
The water line is not for replenishing the brine tank. But it does serve as a safety valve for draining water from the system.
A faulty gauge can also be a factor in this issue, which will cause the waterline to be continuously active if it is set too high.

Closed Valve

It’s not applicable for all types of water softeners, but you should check if the valve is closed.

water softener manual valve

Salt Mushing

Salt mushing is another reason for causing different problems of your water softener.

water softener salt price

Generally, loosely packed salt can change into crystals form. These crystals bond one another and deposit at the bottom of the brine tank. This mushing process blocks the waterline and prevents refilling of the brine tank. And that results, waterless brine tank of your water softener.

Tank Floater Not Set Properly

Water softeners have a floater inside the brine tanks. This floater determines the water level of the water softener’s brine tank.

The water supply of the brine tank automatically shuts off when the water level reaches the floater. It can happen when you don’t set the tank floater accurately or under the halfway of the brine tank.

safety float in brine tank

How to Fix No Water in Brine Tank Problem

The first step is to make sure that you are using the correct type of brine tank. You should check all of the fittings are fitted properly. And, also make sure there are no leaks in the piping system coming from your water supply. After that, follow the next steps to fix your brine tank problem.

Connect the Waterline Properly

It is important to connect the waterline properly to ensure that the brine tank has water in it.
You can follow the following steps:

-First, place one end of the hose inside the tank and then start pumping. Continue pumping until water flows out of the other end of the hose. It will confirm the unobstructed path for water to flow from one side to another.

-Second, make sure that all connections are sealed tightly and not leaking. If you find any connections are leaking, tighten them as per the instruction manual provided with your product.

Third, ensure that there is no air between pipe joints by blowing into them with mouth or using vacuum cleaner if needed.

Prevent Salt Mushing in the brine tank

Firstly, clean your brine tank nicely to prevent salt mushing in the brine tank. After that, repack the loosely packed salt tightly. Different water softeners use different types of salt and method. Make sure you are using the manufacturer’s suggested salt and method.

Check the Valve

Check the valve between the brine tank and the water supply line if your water softener features a manual valve. Though, modern water softeners feature digital control valves. Unblock the valve or control of your water softener if closed or blocked.

Set the Safety Float Properly to fix no water in brine tank issue

Lastly, check the floater position in your brine tank of the water softener. The floater should not be set at too high or the bottom of the tank. The bottom position of the tank floater prevents the refilling of water. Set the floater as your manufacturer suggest. Always try to set it at the halfway of the brine tank.

Credit: Gary the Water Guy

Conclusion

If this doesn’t work, it could be that your pump has failed or is not running correctly. If this is the case, you should take it apart and check if any corrosion or dirt is clogging up the pump’s mechanism.

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