Getting salt in water when you get a glass of water.old culligan system around 15 yrs old,also has alot of water in the tank.had a repair man one month ago took off a a part in the back and blew it off I guess some residue on it,put in back on the system and its worked fine till now its doing the same thing.almost feels like no salt in water after shower hair looks all ratty. Turned it on to filter and it really didn't do anything. don't know what to do.

I have seen salt attack aluminum like that but nowhere else

Salt bridging can occur in any water softener "salt tank". A salt bridge occurs when a hard crust of salt develops across the salt tank when the salt wicks up moisture. The salt does not fall down in the salt tank in between regenerations and a "bridge" occurs. It may look like the salt tank is full but there will be a hollow area at the bottom of the salt tank and not enough salt to develop the proper brine for regeneration of softener. This generally happens when the salt tank is a least 1/2 full of salt. If the system has a separate salt tank, shaking the tank will break the bridge usually. Gently poking a stick at the bridge can break it up also but can damage the salt grid if you poke the stick too far down in the salt tank. Certain salts, such as pellet salt are highly prone to this problem. Using Dura Cube, Hardi Cube or Solar salt will greatly reduce the chance of bridging. Any time a salt bridge occurs it will take 3 regenerations of the water softener (in 24 hrs), after fixing it, to regain the reserve capacity and totally soft water.
RJ

I would suggest by-passing the system if the leak is substantial. Also make sure the leak is not coming from the main piston. Frequently leaks occur here, water runs down and collects around the top of tank before running down the side. Take the cover off, run the system through a manual regeneration and observe for any leaks. If the tank was hit it is most likely the leak is coming from connections between control and softener by-pass valve. If leak is coming from the tank and valve connection you will need to take the valve off to see if there is a crack at the tank threads. If so tank needs to be replaced. Here is a link for Culligan site that will have the manual for your machine.
http://www.culligan.com/en/service-and-maintenance/customer-support/owners-guide/

RJ

The legs of the salt plate go down. Add about 5 gallons of water to the tank after you get it allback together.
RJ

Hi and welcome to FixYa I am Kelly.

Many times on Culligan water softener system installations there is a water bypass / on manifold from the house plumbing to the unit. If you have one it needs to be in the on position.

The soft clicking you hear can be 2 things

1. the timer doing its job actuating the contacts for the soleniods,

or

2. A solenoid being energized to open or close the purge, drain or brine tank solenoids.

If your unit has been idle for 2 years any number of things can be sticking or corroded

a. the brine tank tube opening is can be rock hard and clogged with old salt

b. the solenoid needles that actuate the opening and closing of valve diaphrams can be stuck in the metal casing they slide up and down in.

c. Not likely but the resin tank tube can be clogged

If you don't notice the soapy slick while in the shower / bath then it probably is not working.

A word of advice... if your not comfortable working on a closed sales / service / repair market product it can be costly if you attempt repairs and then call Culligan. I know they have the standard 30 min charge but in the long run they are in and out pretty quickly as that is all they do.

Thanks for using FixYa.

Kelly

If the unit will recharge then you might have what is called a salt bridge in the tank. The salt is stuck above the water level in the salt tank. Poor a gallon of water over the top of the salt and see if you can then break it up. The salt should go down then.

Check the salt tank too see if it is overflowing. There could also be a crack in the bottom of the brine tank causing it to leak. You need to determine where the leak is coming from. Many times water is leaking from the valve, running down the tank and collecting under/around the salt tank. As far as not cycling make sure the meter cable is plugged in, power to unit, etc. The valve may not be switching tanks, there can be many causes for this. Bottom line is By-Pass the softener until a service tech can come out. These Culligan twin tank systems (9000,9100,8500, Twin-Flo) are actually fleck valves so any water treatment dealer that sells/services Fleck valves can repair this system.
RJ

the unit number one needs to be reprogrammed by a professional only it is tricky and ck the motor in the unit this controls the valves turning and water direction control.

It sounds like the eductor assembly is plugged. This will cause it to not draw brine but it will keep refilling the salt tank. Let me know which model it is and I can walk you through the steps to correct the problem.
RJ