Ensure the drain hose is not kinked, frozen, or submerged in a floor drain. If the unit cannot "breathe" through the drain line, it cannot pull the brine solution out of the tank. How to Manually Empty the Tank
If the backwash water cannot exit the house, it stays in the tank. 40278 water softener full
The most manual method but effective for small amounts. Wet/Dry Vac: The fastest way to suck out excess brine. Ensure the drain hose is not kinked, frozen,
Clean the small screens and the tiny flow plugs with warm, soapy water. Ensure the pin-sized holes are not blocked. The most manual method but effective for small amounts
A hard crust of salt forms over the water, tricking the sensor or preventing water displacement.
Open the small plastic tube inside the salt tank (the brine well). Pull the float assembly up. Ensure the float moves freely and isn't weighed down by salt buildup or debris. If the float is stuck, the system won't know when to stop filling.
If your water softener screen is flashing "40278" or showing a "Full" error, you are likely dealing with an overflow or a sensor malfunction. This specific code often appears on models manufactured by brands like Kenmore, Whirlpool, or EcoPure, which share a common internal design.