Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - Need help with Fleck 5600 Water Softener

I have a 10 year old Fleck 5600 water softener that is malfunctioning. Water is backing up into the brine tank at all hours of the day - while it is "in service". The only way I have been able to stop this from happening is to set it on bypass. Does anyone have any repair suggestions? Seems to me to be a value problem.

The company that originally installed the unit is now out of business, and finding another company to service has been a challenge.

Also, what is the life expectancy on these softeners? Is it worth repairing, or should I look to buy a new softener?

Thanks in advance for all replies.

It could be something as simple as "trash" in the valve.

I've been able to discharge the trash by simply turning regeneration knob through a cycle kinda fast, since it goes so slow during a regeneration.

Here's some link that may help you.
http://www.abundantflowwater.com/5600_manual.pdf
Softenerparts.com Fleck 5600 Parts (http://www.fleck5600.com/)

It is a very easy repair. Either the brine valve needs replacing or the brine valve o ring. The o ring is part # 13302 and the brine valve is part # 60032. Call a local dealer and ask them the price. I would like the cost is around $20.00 for both.