Knowing when to fix a part or buy a new system depends on the physical state of your hardware. If your digital control valve is leaking or the display is blank, a rebuild kit or circuit board replacement is a cost-effective fix. Aqua Science stocks these individual parts to help you restore functionality without the expense of an entirely new unit when the tanks are still healthy.

However, you should inspect the outer fiberglass of your resin tank for signs of “blooming” or fuzzy fibers. In the East Valley, heat and sun exposure can make older fiberglass tanks structurally brittle over time. A compromised pressure tank cannot be safely patched and poses a major flood risk, making a new tank the only safe investment to protect your home.

The most common failure point for softeners in Tempe is “salt bridging.” High garage temperatures cause moisture inside the brine tank to evaporate and re-condense, which fuses the salt pellets into a solid rock shelf above the water line. This prevents the system from making brine, resulting in hard water even when the tank looks full. Breaking up this crust with a broom handle ensures proper regeneration.

It is also vital to clean the bottom of your brine tank every two years to remove “salt sludge” or dirt that settles over time. This debris can eventually clog the small injectors in your control valve, restricting water flow and stopping the softening process. Cleaning the tank annually and using high-purity salt pellets will keep your new parts working efficiently and extend the overall life of your hardware.