When salt in a water softener doesn’t dissolve properly, it can cause problems with water softening. Common causes include salt bridging (hardening of salt in the brine tank), clogged brine lines, or a malfunctioning control valve. These issues can prevent the brine solution from reaching the ion exchange resin, which is essential for removing hardness minerals from the water. Regular maintenance, such as checking salt levels, cleaning the brine tank, and inspecting the control valve, can help prevent these problems.