Symptoms
- Small round yellow/tan beads in toilet tank, faucet aerators, or ice
- Beads found after recent softener maintenance
- Reduced softening performance alongside the beads
- Beads clog faucet screens over time
Likely causes
- CommonCracked or broken riser tube inside the tankThe internal tube that channels water can crack, letting resin escape with the flow.
- CommonDamaged distributor basket or screenA broken screen at the bottom of the tank fails to hold resin beads back.
- PossibleControl valve seal or o-ring failureA failed seal can allow resin to bypass its normal containment path.
What to do
- Remove and clean faucet aerators and any affected fixture screens to stop the immediate mess.
- Put the softener in bypass mode to stop further resin loss while you investigate.
- Inspect the riser tube and distributor basket inside the resin tank (this typically requires lifting the control valve off the tank) for cracks.
- Replace the damaged part if it's a straightforward riser tube or basket swap for your model.
- Refill lost resin to the manufacturer's recommended level once the leak point is fixed.
- Run several backwash cycles afterward to flush out any remaining loose beads before returning to normal use.
Tools and parts
- Adjustable wrench
Softener riser tube and distributor basketSearch: “water softener riser tube distributor basket replacement”
Softener resinSearch: “water softener replacement resin”
When to call a pro
Call a water treatment technician if you're not comfortable opening the resin tank, since resin and internal parts vary by brand and model.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.