Take a broom handle and gently push down on the salt. If the top layer is hard but there is hollow space or water underneath, you have a bridge. Break up the salt carefully to allow it to mix with the water again.
This is the most common fix for "full" tanks. Turn off the water supply.
If the tank is physically overflowing with water, you need to remove the excess before the system can reset: 40278 water softener full
Only fill the tank about 1/2 to 2/3 full. This prevents the bottom salt from turning into a mushy "sludge" that blocks the intake.
The of your softener (e.g., Kenmore Elite, Whirlpool WHES40) Take a broom handle and gently push down on the salt
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.
When your brine tank fills with too much water, it prevents the system from regenerating properly, leading to hard water bypass and potential flooding in your laundry room or basement. Common Causes of the 40278 Error This is the most common fix for "full" tanks
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
Once a year, let the salt run low and clean out the bottom of the brine tank to remove sediment.
The most manual method but effective for small amounts. Wet/Dry Vac: The fastest way to suck out excess brine.