Quick take
A salty taste usually points to incomplete rinsing, a drain/brine problem or tasting the water during or immediately after regeneration.
Rinse cycle problem
After brine passes through the resin, the system must rinse excess salt to drain. A restricted drain line or valve-cycle problem can leave residual brine.
Check timing
If water is used during regeneration, temporary salty taste can occur. Verify the programmed regeneration time and whether the household used water during the cycle.
Inspect brine level and valve
Abnormally high brine-tank water level, stuck components or incorrect settings can indicate a control problem.
Drinking-water alternative
If the softener is operating normally but the user dislikes softened-water taste, a point-of-use RO system can provide separate drinking water.