paulrad - 7/27/2017 12:20 Most of the new softeners are keeping track of gallons used. They do it electronically instead of mechanically like the Kinetico. A question for the people who say their softener is 35 years old and working perfectly. Is it still softening water. Was told by a plumber that the resins become ineffective in about 20 years. That means that the valving and flow, etc may be working well but it may not be softening water. My experience is much like the plumber said. The resin is ineffective after about 20 years.