Symptoms
- Puddle forming under or near the unit
- Water dripping from a connection point
- Brine tank overflowing
- Control valve area appears wet
Likely causes
- CommonLoose or worn fitting at the inlet/outletConnections can loosen over time or the O-rings inside can wear out.
- CommonOverfilled or malfunctioning brine tankA stuck float or overfilled tank lets brine water overflow onto the floor.
- PossibleCracked resin tank or brine tankAge, cold temperatures, or physical damage can crack the plastic tank itself.
- PossibleBypass valve seal wornO-rings in the bypass valve degrade and allow seepage.
What to do
- Dry the area completely and watch closely during a fill or regeneration cycle to spot exactly where water first appears.
- Check all visible fittings and tighten any that are loose, without overtightening plastic threads.
- Inspect the brine tank's float valve, which controls how much water enters, and clean or adjust it if it's stuck open.
- Look for hairline cracks in either tank, particularly near the base or any threaded fitting.
- Replace worn O-rings on the bypass valve if that's the source.
- If a tank is cracked, plan on replacing that tank, since cracks don't repair reliably.
Tools and parts
- Adjustable wrench
- Towels
- Flashlight
Softener bypass valve O-ring kitSearch: “water softener bypass valve o-ring seal kit”
When to call a pro
Call a water treatment technician if the resin tank itself is cracked or if you can't isolate the leak source.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.