Is My Water Softener Stuck in Regeneration? Insights from a Pentair Water Softening Company in Naperville, Illinois

A water softener that is stuck in regeneration mode can be both frustrating and wasteful. But once you know the signs to look for and the common causes, you will find it much easier to find the problem. Below, this Pentair water softening company in Naperville, Illinois is going to highlight some of the most common signs that your softener is not completing its cycle properly.

What does a normal regeneration cycle look like?

A water softener removes hardness minerals by passing water over resin beads that capture calcium and magnesium ions and replace them with sodium (or potassium) ions. Over time, these beads get saturated with hardness minerals and can’t soften water effectively.

The softener then runs a regeneration cycle to restore its capacity. During this process, a salt-water solution (brine) flushes the resin bed and recharges the beads so they can soften water again.

In most homes, the regeneration cycle is triggered either after a preset volume of water has been treated or at a scheduled time. A full regeneration takes around 2 hours on average.

While the softener regenerates, you may see “Regen” (or a similar message) on the control head. You may also hear water backwashing or rinsing as the brine flows through the resin tank and drains out. Once the cycle finishes, the control valve will reset, and the softener will return to normal operation.

If any part of this is confusing, you can always reach out to your local Pentair water softening company in Naperville, Illinois. They should be able to help you understand how the process works.

Signs that your softener is not finishing its regeneration cycle

When a water softener is stuck in its regeneration cycle, one of the first things you may notice is continuous draining. If you hear water trickling or running continuously, the softener is probably stuck in regeneration mode. Another sign you may see is a control head display that stays on “Regen” (or “Regeneration”) or shows a timer that does not advance, even when the cycle should be complete.

Many people have no idea of what is happening until their water stops feeling soft, despite the softener supposedly regenerating. Hardness minerals will stay in your water if the resin bed never fully recharges, which is what causes the return of hard water in your home. Some people may even notice an increase in water usage and higher water bills due to the softener continuously flushing. 

If you notice any of these signs, your softener may not be completing its regeneration cycle properly. 

How to fix a softener that is stuck in regeneration?

If you think your softener is stuck, check the control panel first. If it shows that the unit is still regenerating long after the cycle should have ended, it may need manual intervention. On Pentair softeners, you can cancel regeneration by pressing the scroll button.

If the display still shows regeneration and water from your taps feels hard, check the brine tank. Look for salt bridges because these hardened crusts can prevent proper regeneration. If you find one, break it apart with a broom handle or another blunt tool so the salt can dissolve and form brine. This is how the softener will complete its cycle.

At the same time, you should check internal parts like the injector and screen. Over time, dirt and mineral buildup can clog these parts and interfere with brine draw or water flow. You should also make sure that the drain line is free of blockages. The drain line must remain unobstructed and properly routed to maintain the necessary pressure.

If the softener continues to drain nonstop or refuses to return to normal “service” mode after these checks, the issue is likely mechanical. At that point, it is best to call a qualified Pentair water softening company in Naperville, Illinois to prevent further water waste or potential damage to the softener.

Looking for a Pentair water softening company in Naperville, Illinois?

Are you looking for a local Pentair water softening company in Naperville, Illinois that can make sure your system is running properly? If so, Johnson Water Conditioning is the company to call. Contact us today to get started.