Have a floor drain with floating ball valve. Water softener drains on top of the ball and when ball sticks water goes out on the floor. Lately the ball has stuck in the down position and it lets water rise out of the drain. What is the problem and the answer?

In would replace the ball with a Flood Guard.(see image) check them out at; PlumbingSupply.com - Flood Guards For Floor Drains - check valves to prevent flooding (http://www.plumbingsupply.com/floodguard.html) Good luck, Tom