You might notice hard water spots returning on your dishes. Or your skin feels less silky after a shower. These are classic “my softener is tired” signals.
How Long Does Water Softener Resin Last?
Another red flag: your salt usage suddenly spikes. If you’re refilling the tank twice as often, the resin might be exhausted or the valve is stuck in regeneration mode. Time to call a pro or start shopping.
And if you hear strange noises—like grinding, clicking, or a sad metallic groan—your softener is basically saying, “I’m getting old, buddy.” Don’t ignore it.