How does a Water Softener REGENERATE?

Water Softeners regenerate the internal resin in order to provide several years of SOFT WATER. Most issues that can occur with a water softener are tracked back down to a water softener malfunctioning during the regeneration cycle. Signs to look for are:
- Salt tanks with high water level/ overflowing water
- Salty-tasting water
- Error codes on the display screen (if it has a digital display)
- Water pressure reduction in the house
- Yellow or black residue in the water

This video is on-the-field training for a team of new techs. The regeneration cycle is demonstrated on a Puronics Hydronex C Water Treatment system.

[genecook]

Question, does this whole thing happens every time it regenerates? It is a lot of water wasted--the filling the brine tank, the backwash, the slow rinse, and the refill. Just curious if it's supposed to be wasting all that water, and if that water being drained is salt water? We have the same set up, but haven't plumb in the drain. Right now it's just going down the driveway and the amount of water seems very wasteful.

[katbocav]

My system says “filter” on the screen. What does this mean? And how do I take care of it?