Is My Water Softener Working?

The test that settles it

SoftPro's guide describes the method: test raw water and softened water side by side with the same kit. A wide gap between the two readings means the softener is removing hardness. If both samples read about the same, water is going around the resin or the resin is exhausted.

1. Find a raw-water tap. Use an outside spigot or a tap plumbed before the softener. Many systems leave outside faucets on hard water; Pentair's 5600SXT manual shows them that way.
2. Find a softened tap. The kitchen cold tap is usual. Use cold water only; SoftPro notes hot water skews strip results, and a water heater can hold hard water for a while after a repair.
3. Flush each tap. Instructions differ: SoftPro's strip method runs the tap about 30 seconds, while Quality Water Treatment says at least 5 minutes. Follow the directions printed on your kit.
4. Test both samples the same way. For strips, SoftPro says dip for 3 seconds, wait 20 to 30 seconds and match the color chart; Quality Water Treatment says dip 3 to 5 seconds. A drop-count kit uses its own steps.
5. Compare and write it down. Note both readings in grains per gallon (gpg) with the date. If your kit reads in mg/L, divide by 17.1.

Strips give a good estimate, and Nebraska Extension recommends a laboratory test when you need accuracy. For a reagent kit, Quality Water Treatment sells the Pro Products 2403 hardness field test kit (sold by Quality Water Treatment, our store) for checking softened and raw water at home, from $150 (October 2026). Per the store, the plastic case carries three hardness reagents plus a sample bottle and measuring tube. See choosing a water hardness test kit for other options and how to test water hardness for reading results.

A note on TDS meters. Montana State Extension explains that softening does not lower total dissolved solids, because it swaps calcium and magnesium for sodium or potassium. A TDS meter does not measure hardness, so a high reading does not mean the softener failed.

Signs it's working

• Softened water tests soft. On the common scale, soft water is under 1 gpg (17 mg/L). The raw reading should be well above that, or you may not need a softener at all.
• Salt goes down. SoftPro says the salt level should visibly drop over time. Quality Water Treatment's maintenance guide puts typical top-ups at every 1 to 3 months.
• The valve regenerates on schedule. On a Fleck 5600SXT the step display flashes while the valve moves between cycles, and the service icon flashes when a regeneration is queued. At an efficient salt setting, a softener sized for the home regenerates about once a week.
• Water use registers. On a metered Fleck valve, the flow indicator flashes when water runs. Holding Up with Extra Cycle for 5 seconds opens diagnostics, where flow rate and gallons used appear.

Signs it isn't

• Raw and softened readings match. This points first to the bypass. A bypass not turned fully to service lets hard water mix in, Quality Water Treatment warns.
• Salt level hasn't moved in weeks. SoftPro says unchanged salt plus hard water points to a regeneration problem. Check for a salt bridge first; see why a softener isn't using salt.
• Hardness creeps back before the next regeneration. The hardness setting may be too low for your water, so the valve thinks it has capacity left when it doesn't.
• The display is blank or the time flashes. No power or a reset clock means regenerations may not happen at the right time, or at all.
• Hard water only from hot taps. The Fleck 5600SXT manual lists hardness held in the water heater; flush it repeatedly. Cut the heater's power or gas before you flush, watch out for scalding water, and use the heater manufacturer's steps.

What to check next

If the test shows the softener isn't removing hardness, work through these in order. Each links to a fuller guide.

1. Bypass. Turn it fully to service. On a Fleck plastic bypass the knobs line up with the inlet and outlet pipes.
2. Salt and bridges. The tank should be a quarter to half full with pellets sitting higher than the brine. Break any crust with a broom handle. Steps are on the salt bridge page.
3. Hardness setting. Enter your raw-water reading in gpg. Our settings guide covers iron compensation and reserve.
4. Brine draw. If salt is present but never used, the injector or brine line may be clogged.
5. Regenerate and retest. Run a manual regeneration, then test again the next day.

If none of that fixes it, the full troubleshooting guide covers valve seals and resin in order.

Common questions

Related guides

• SettingsWater softener regeneration explained
• MaintainWater softener maintenance checklist