How to Fix a Salt Bridge

Identify the problem. A salt bridge usually doesn't go all the way to the bottom of your water softener. The salt pellets on top will probably look normal, but underneath them is a hardened crust of salt between the pellets and the water on the bottom of your softener.

Turn off the water to your water softener. You can turn it off at the incoming faucet or by using the bypass valve.

Get a broom, mop or something else with a long handle. Turn it upside down and put it inside the water softener.

Tap the salt bridge with the handle until you break the salt bridge. If you can't break the salt bridge, find something sharper, like a pick axe.

Remove the loose salt pellets from the top with a plastic container. Chink away at the salt crust but be very careful not to puncture a hold in your softener. Stay away from the sides. Break up small chunks and remove them by scooping them up with a small plastic container.

Vacuum the water in the bottom of the softener with a wet/dry vacuum. Turn the water to your softener back on. Follow the instructions in your water softener instruction manual for regenerating your softener.