We have a Kenmore water softener about 14-18 mo. Old. For at least 5 mo. I have had a recurring salt bridge. I break it up as per manual instructions, and the salt level goes down about 1/2 inch before the salt bridge recurs. There is no odor, no discoloration, just a water softener that doesn't do its job. I can't keep breaking this bridge up again and again forever, I can expect to live only about 20 more years. Can anyone help?

Hi,
Let's first start on where is the softener located?
If it is close to any heat source this could be your problem as all sears units are dry storage ( leaves a little water in the tank). The unit fills the salt tank with cold water and can create condensation if too close to lets say a water heater or clothes dryer.
Do not shove any thing down into the salt, the easiest way to break a bridge is with warm water, about a gallon or so trickled over the salt will do.
If your softener is located near a heat source you will have to relocate the unit and this will stop your problem.

I have found it is better to use rock salt instead of the pillow type salt.