I’ve spent hours on YouTube, armed with a screwdriver and false confidence. Sometimes the motor burns out. Sometimes the circuit board becomes a crispy fry. And at that point? You’re better off replacing the control head or the whole unit. A new softener costs $400 to $800. A repair visit? Often $200—with no guarantee.
So here’s my final, honest advice: If you’ve checked the toilets, broken the salt bridge, and rebooted the controller, but it’s still running like it’s training for a triathlon, call a pro. Save your sanity. And maybe buy a white noise machine for the basement.