GE Water Softener Problem

[beeskep]

My GE SmartWater softener has stopped working. When I looked in to see if it had salt, there was plenty there, but it had hardened into a great big mass. I thought there was a bridge, but it is impenetrable when I tried to break through with a broom handle. So, I have been working at digging it out bit by bit with long screwdrivers and sharp knives, but have come to a point where my arms aren't long enough to dig any further. Can someone tell me what to do, failing taking it apart and turning the container upside down to empty it of its salt? And, how did this happen? Thanks!

[HayZee518]

use very hot water to dissolve the salt - the salt's function is to regenerate the resin in the tank. whatever melts - suck it out with a siphon and add more hot water etc etc.