Inside your softener, there’s a control valve that directs water flow. Sometimes, a tiny particle gets lodged in the valve’s seal. It doesn’t close all the way, and water sneaks past into the drain line when it should be going to your faucets.
This is where the manual override comes in. Most units let you cycle through regeneration manually. Run a manual regeneration and watch the drain line. If the leak stops, you’ve cleared the debris. If it keeps dripping, the valve may need a new seal (a $5 part, not a heart attack).
A Word on the Overlooked: The Drain Line Height
Believe it or not, the drain line needs to go up before it goes down. There’s a critical “air gap” requirement—usually at least 4 inches above the drain point. If your line is too low, water can siphon backwards and overflow like a toilet that just had a bad day.
Why Won't My Water Softener Drain
Check if the hose is drooping into the drain. It should rise up in a gentle loop first, like a camel’s hump. Yes, your softener needs to do yoga poses.
