exploding water softener

[retro41]

I have a twenty year old permutit water softener and recently the top containing the water lines and electronic unit blew clean off the base with a terrific bang, the plastic collar that holds the two together was completely destroyed. Any ideas how this kind of pressure can build up in the resin chamber?

 

[lame plumber]

it was blocked full of crud and corrosion weakened it

 

[Keefy]

Blimey! 20 years is a good run.

 

[thompsonbrown]

it was probably due to the long retaining rod that holds the both parts of the valve together turning brittle due to age. or the outlet valve vibrating due to wear or dirt build up.