[MMarco]

We just replaced our 1 year old Sears Elite Hybrid water softener. For the past year, particles of carbon have found their way into our plumbing and stained our toilets with black streaks. We discovered that the problem originated with our hybrid softener (softens and cleans the water in one operation) when we called our plumber in to investigate.

I suggest that if you have a Sears Hybrid softener, that you check inside your toilet tanks for black carbon residue. If you notice black streaks inside your toilet bowel, this is a clear indication that you are leaking carbon into your plumbing system including your hot water heater.

[villagetinker]

I thought Sears had a longer warranty. We have the 2 separate units, and no problems after almost 3 years. Have used Sears water softeners for over 30 years with an average life of 10 years. The hybrid units came out right after we purchased our units.
Hope you can have this fixed under warranty.