Table of Contents

If foamy water is coming out of your water softener, it is probably caused by air leaking from the brine tank. The air control valve could be open or there might be a leak somewhere else in the system.

Water softeners need regular upkeep to keep them functioning smoothly. It can be confusing trying to figure out what is wrong with the water softener if you notice a change in the water quality.

A common problem that many people face is foamy water coming out of the water softener. This might only happen sporadically and clear out in a few minutes, but if you don’t fix it, it could turn into a bigger problem.

Cause Of Foamy Water In Water Softener

Cleaning out the salt tank usually solves problems of water quality, but it doesn’t work when getting rid of foamy water in the supply. Here’s what you can do if you’re getting foamy water from your water softener:

  • Step 1. - Foamy water is often caused by a problem with the air check valve. When the water softener is brining during regeneration, the air control valve sucks out the brine but not the air.

    The valve might be sticking open intermittently or you might have shaken something loose during cleaning that created an air leak in the brine line.

  • Step 2. - Double-check everything you handled while cleaning your water softener. The air control valve must have a check valve that will alert you to a problem with the valve.

    Pay attention to the entire brine line and all the fittings near it to find a crack or leak which could be sucking the air out of the tank.

  • Step 3. - Once you find and fix the leak, you need to go through the start-up procedure again. Read the water softener manual and go through the start-up procedure to clear out any air from the system.

This should solve the problem of getting foamy water from your water softener. If the problem persists, arrange a service call with the manufacturer of the water softener and let the professionals take care of it.

Final Thoughts

If there is foamy water coming out of your water softener, it is probably due to air leaking from the brine tank. Check the air valve and the brine line for the source of the leak.

If you cannot find anything or fixing the leak doesn’t solve your problem, it is time to call a professional.