Brown rust in bottom of salt tank, water softener

[Micraymar]

Hello,
My water softener hasn't been used or cleaned for years.( bypassed) I dug out all of the hard (bridges) salt, towards the bottom, 2-3” left, notice brown rustic salt? Does this mean the water softener needs to be replaced? Or should I dump water in it, clean it thouroughly and then regenerate several times? Thx

 

[ditttohead]

I would recommend rebedding the softeners media due to the potential for bacterial issues. Clean and sanitize the brine tank, mineral tank etc... post a picture of the system so we can let you know if it worth the time and effort.