The answer to 'why is my water softener' is that there are several common causes for a malfunctioning water softener. Some of the most frequent issues include a lack of salt in the brine tank, a problem with the control valve, or mineral buildup in the resin bed. Symptoms can include hard water, low water pressure, or the softener not cycling properly.
To troubleshoot, first check the salt level in the brine tank and add more if needed. You can also try cleaning the control valve or resin bed to remove any mineral deposits. If those basic DIY steps don't resolve the issue, it's best to call a professional plumber to diagnose and repair the water softener.